Samoa Donuts Chocolate Caramel (Printer-Friendly)

Fluffy donuts layered with chocolate, caramel, and toasted coconut—the perfect sweet treat for any occasion.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Donut Batter

01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 tablespoons cornstarch
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1/3 cup whole milk
08 - 1/3 cup sour cream
09 - 1 large egg
10 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Toppings

12 - 3/4 cup dark chocolate melting wafers or chopped dark chocolate
13 - 15 soft caramels, unwrapped
14 - 1 tablespoon whole milk
15 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
16 - 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut, toasted

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a standard donut pan with nonstick oil spray.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, ground nutmeg, and granulated sugar until well incorporated.
03 - Add milk, sour cream, large egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
04 - Transfer batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. Pipe mixture evenly into prepared donut rings, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
05 - Bake for 9–10 minutes, or until the donuts are springy to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan briefly, then transfer to a wire rack.
06 - In a heatproof bowl, melt dark chocolate wafers in 20-second microwave bursts, stirring between each, until fully smooth. Dip the bottom of each cooled donut in melted chocolate and set chocolate side up on a rack to set.
07 - Spread shredded coconut evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 325°F (163°C) for 5–7 minutes, stirring once, until golden and fragrant. Let cool.
08 - In a microwave-safe bowl, combine soft caramels and 1 tablespoon of milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring, until melted and smooth. Add salt and toasted coconut; mix thoroughly.
09 - Spread warm caramel coconut topping over each donut. Allow to set for a few minutes.
10 - Reheat any remaining melted chocolate if needed and drizzle in a zigzag motion over caramel topping. Allow donuts to set fully at room temperature before serving or storing.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - Donuts are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. Toasting the coconut enhances texture and caramel notes.
02 - For perfectly even shapes, use a piping bag when filling the donut pan.
03 - Freeze plain baked donuts and apply toppings after thawing for optimal texture.