Double Chocolate Paleo Donuts

Ok guys. I have something super sweet to share with you all- literally and figuratively. You will thank me.

But first, a little background. This past weekend was Mother's Day and I spent the morning with my boys, running around Home Depot, picking out a new plant (yay!), and taking Connor on fun cart rides around the store (I posted a video on my Instagram @the.yoga.mama - if you like baby laughs I highly recommend). We had brunch at the Coffee Shop in Agritopia, which was delish, and then we went home to finish up our chalkboard wall. It's super cool. I think everyone should have a chalkboard wall in their home, especially those of you with kiddos.

But anyway, after some coloring with the fam, I headed over to my mom's house. I told Sean I wanted some space on Mother's Day, so I figured my mom's was the perfect respite. I took a long bath, I read, I wrote, we chatted a lot, aannndddd....

We made this paleo chocolatey goodness together!

Yaaassssss. Mother's Day success.

If you’re anything like me... chocolate is non-negotiable. It is a necessary part of life, period. But what else is non-negotiable is the health of myself and my family. Now, I am not saying these donuts are healthy. They’re still an indulgence. But with that being said, a little indulgence every now and then IS healthy. Balance is key. And I think the perfect way to balance delicious chocolate desserts is by making them paleo, meaning no grains, no gluten, no dairy, no refined sugar. Instead, whole natural sugars like honey and maple syrup are used, coconut flour replaces your standard white flour, and coconut oil is used in place of butter.

And let me tell you, they feel better in your body.

This is my cousin's recipe and I have to say I am proud to be related to this sweet beautiful woman. Not just because of the donuts. But it is definitely a delicious bonus.

So anyway, I loved it so much, and so did my family and our morning Mysore students, that I’m spreading the word. Because I care about you. And you deserve vegan-paleo donuts in your life. Next time I make them I will bring some to the studio, but for now, at least you’ll have the recipe and can make them at home with your own kiddos (or your mom... whatever).

So without further ado- here's her recipe:

Chocolate Glazed Donuts (Yields 6 donuts)

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Donuts: 1/4 cup coconut flour 1/4 cup cocoa powder 1/8 teaspoon salt (I use pink Himalayan for extra flavor and nutrients!) 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 3 eggs 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted 1/3 cup pure maple syrup 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

For the Chocolate Glaze: 1/2 cup dark dairy free chocolate chips 2 tablespoons coconut oil

Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350F and grease a standard donut pan generously with coconut oil. (I use a silicone one) 2. If you don’t have a donut pan these also make great muffins! Just increase the baking time by 3-5 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. 3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the coconut flour, cocoa powder, salt and baking soda. Add in the eggs, coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla. Whisk until combined. 4. Pour the batter into a large plastic bag, and snip off one corner of the bag with scissors to make a “piping bag.” Pipe the batter evenly into the pan and smooth with a small spatula or butter knife. 5. Bake for 18 minutes, or until the dough has risen and is firm but springy to the touch. 6. Let donuts cool for 15 minutes and gently remove from the pan onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

For the glaze: 1. Melt together chocolate chips and coconut oil. While the glaze is still warm, dunk the donuts top side down into the glaze and spin around a bit. Glaze should cover about half way down the donut. 2. Place up on a cooling rack and sprinkle with desired toppings. When the glaze is completely cooled it will solidify. You can stick them in the fridge to speed up the process! 3. Toppings could be - shaved chocolate, shredded coconut, sprinkles, white chocolate, coconut sugar, etc.!