Donuts are a beloved treat worldwide, and one of the most popular variations is the chocolate bar donut. These long, rectangular donuts are typically topped with rich chocolate frosting, making them perfect for dunking in coffee or enjoying as a snack. But what exactly are they called, and what makes them so special?
In this article, we will dive deep into the origins, variations, and naming conventions surrounding the chocolate bar donut. You may be surprised to learn some interesting facts along the way. Whether you call them chocolate bars, Long Johns, or something else, you’re in for a sweet treat. Let’s break it down!
What is a Chocolate Bar Donut?
A chocolate bar donut is a donut that is shaped like a rectangle or bar, rather than the traditional ring shape. It typically comes covered in rich chocolate frosting, glaze, or icing, and sometimes includes a filling like cream or custard.
This elongated shape makes it ideal for dipping in coffee, which might explain why it’s so popular in cafes and coffee shops. The soft, doughy center contrasts perfectly with the smooth chocolate topping, offering a delightful eating experience.
The Name Debate: Chocolate Bar vs. Long John
What is the official name of this donut? The answer often depends on where you are. In many regions, people refer to the chocolate bar donut as a Long John. However, depending on the filling and topping, it could also have other names. Let’s explore the different names:
- Chocolate Bar Donut: This name is commonly used to describe its rectangular shape and chocolate topping.
- Long John: People often use this term interchangeably with chocolate bar donut, especially when it’s filled with cream or custard.
- Éclair: In some parts of the world, donuts resembling the traditional French éclair are also given this name. These typically feature cream filling and a chocolate topping.
- Maple Bar: If maple-flavored frosting replaces the chocolate, it’s called a maple bar.
Fun Fact: What’s in a Name?
Interestingly, the name Long John is most common in the Midwest of the United States, while the term chocolate bar is more popular on the West Coast. These different names also reflect slight differences in preparation, fillings, or regional preferences.
The History of the Chocolate Bar Donut
The chocolate bar donut’s origins are linked to the broader history of donuts in general. Donuts, as we know them today, have evolved from early fried dough treats enjoyed in many cultures throughout history.
The Early Days of Donuts
Donuts originated as fried cakes, often made with yeast or baking powder. Initially, these cakes were circular and simple, with no hole in the center. It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that the iconic ring-shaped donut with a hole became popular in the United States.
- Dutch Influence: Dutch settlers in North America made a treat called olykoeks, or oily cakes, which were fried balls of dough. These early treats are considered the precursors to modern donuts.
- Hanson Gregory: In 1847, American sea captain Hanson Gregory is credited with inventing the hole in the donut. He reportedly punched a hole in the center of his fried cakes to help them cook more evenly.
The Rise of Filled Donuts
As donuts grew in popularity, bakers began experimenting with different fillings, toppings, and shapes. By the early 20th century, filled donuts were commonplace. It was during this time that the chocolate bar donut likely developed as a variation on the traditional donut.
- Long Johns: In the Midwest, a long, filled donut became especially popular. This donut often came topped with chocolate icing and filled with cream or custard. Over time, people started using the term Long John to describe any rectangular donut with chocolate frosting.
- The Modern Chocolate Bar Donut: By the late 20th century, the chocolate bar donut had gained widespread popularity, especially on the West Coast, where the name chocolate bar became more common.
If you want to explore how chocolate frosting is commonly made with simple ingredients, you can refer to Sally’s Baking Addiction in their Chocolate Frosted Donuts recipe for additional insights.
How is a Chocolate Bar Donut Made?
Making a chocolate bar donut is quite similar to making other yeast-based or cake-based donuts, with a few key differences. The rectangular shape and the application of chocolate frosting are what define this particular donut.
Ingredients for a Chocolate Bar Donut
The basic ingredients include:
- Yeast (for yeast donuts) or baking powder (for cake donuts)
- Flour: This provides the structure for the donut.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps activate the yeast.
- Milk or water: These liquids hydrate the dough and contribute to a soft texture.
- Eggs: These enrich the dough, adding moisture and flavor.
- Butter or oil: These fats enhance the donut’s richness.
- Chocolate frosting, glaze, or icing: This is the defining feature of the chocolate bar donut.
Some recipes call for fillings like vanilla cream, custard, or jam. The chocolate topping can range from a smooth chocolate glaze to a thick, fudge-like frosting, or even melted chocolate for a richer taste.
The Process: Step-by-Step Guide to Making a Chocolate Bar Donut
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by mixing the dough ingredients. If you’re making a yeast-based donut, allow the dough to rise for about an hour until it doubles in size. If you’re using a cake donut recipe, the dough can be shaped and fried immediately.
Step 2: Shape the Donuts
Instead of cutting the dough into circles, cut it into long rectangular or bar shapes. This gives the donut its signature chocolate bar look.
Step 3: Fry the Donuts
Heat oil to about 350°F (175°C) and fry the donuts in batches. For yeast donuts, fry for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Cake donuts may fry a bit faster.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Frosting
While the donuts cool, prepare the chocolate topping. You can use a basic glaze made from powdered sugar, cocoa powder, and milk, or opt for a thicker frosting with melted chocolate and butter.
Step 5: Frost the Donuts
Once cooled, dip the tops of the donuts into the chocolate frosting. If you want to add flair, top the donuts with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or crushed candy bars.
Variations of Chocolate Bar Donuts
Like traditional round donuts, chocolate bar donuts come in many forms with variations in fillings, toppings, and dough types.
Filled Chocolate Bar Donuts
One of the most popular variations is the filled chocolate bar donut. These donuts are filled with delicious creams or custards, adding another layer of indulgence.
- Custard-filled Chocolate Bar Donut: Filled with vanilla custard and topped with chocolate frosting, this version is perfect for fans of the Boston Cream Pie.
- Cream-filled Long John: Filled with whipped cream or custard and topped with chocolate, this donut is especially popular in the Midwest.
Chocolate Bar Donut with Sprinkles
Adding sprinkles to the chocolate frosting is a fun variation. This adds both color and texture, creating a visually appealing donut that also offers a satisfying crunch.
Maple Bar Donuts
The maple bar is a close cousin to the chocolate bar donut. Instead of chocolate, this donut features a sweet maple glaze, which is particularly popular in the Pacific Northwest.
- Maple Bacon Bar: This modern twist adds crispy bacon pieces on top of the maple glaze, combining sweet and salty flavors.
Why Do People Love Chocolate Bar Donuts?
People adore chocolate bar donuts for several reasons. The combination of texture, flavor, and versatility makes them irresistible. Here’s why they continue to be a favorite:
- The Chocolate Topping: Chocolate is a universally loved flavor, and when paired with a soft donut, it creates a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
- The Unique Shape: The rectangular shape makes it easy to enjoy with a hot beverage, particularly coffee or tea.
- The Fillings: Filled chocolate bar donuts offer an extra indulgence. Whether you prefer custard, cream, or jelly, the surprise filling makes each bite even more delightful.
Popular Variations Around the World
While chocolate bar donuts are mostly associated with North American bakeries, similar treats exist across various cultures and regions.
French Éclairs
Though not technically a donut, the French éclair shares similarities with chocolate bar donuts. Made from choux pastry, it is filled with pastry cream and topped with chocolate glaze.
- Classic Chocolate Éclair: Filled with rich chocolate or vanilla pastry cream and topped with chocolate icing, the éclair is a delicate yet indulgent pastry.
Mexican Chocolate Conchas
In Mexico, conchas are popular sweet breads with a crunchy topping, often chocolate-flavored. Though different in texture, they share a similar sweetness and appeal to fans of chocolate-topped treats.
- Chocolate Concha: This variation features a chocolate-flavored topping, providing a delicious flavor similar to the chocolate bar donut.
Italian Bomboloni
In Italy, bomboloni are round, filled donuts, similar to chocolate bar donuts. Often filled with chocolate cream or Nutella, they offer a rich and satisfying bite.
- Nutella-filled Bomboloni: These donuts are filled with Nutella and dusted with powdered sugar, offering a delightful chocolate experience.
Want to explore how chocolate frosting compares to other frostings? Check out this guide on the difference between Cuban and Mexican Flan that touches on how cultural variations impact sweetness and texture, just as with different frosting recipes.
FAQs About Chocolate Bar Donuts
What’s the difference between a chocolate bar donut and a Long John?
The difference mainly lies in regional naming conventions. Both terms refer to rectangular donuts with chocolate frosting. However, Long John typically describes a filled donut, while chocolate bar donut may or may not have a filling.
Can I make a chocolate bar donut at home?
Absolutely! Making chocolate bar donuts at home is straightforward if you have basic baking ingredients. You can use either a yeast-based dough or cake donut recipe. Once shaped into rectangles, fry or bake them, then top with your favorite chocolate frosting.
What’s the best filling for a chocolate bar donut?
Common fillings include vanilla custard, pastry cream, and whipped cream. However, the best filling depends on your personal preferences, with custard-filled chocolate bar donuts being particularly popular.
Can I bake chocolate bar donuts instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake chocolate bar donuts as a lighter alternative. Prepare the dough, shape it into rectangles, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown. Although baked donuts won’t have the crispy exterior of fried donuts, they will still be delicious.
Conclusion
Whether you call it a chocolate bar donut or a Long John, this delicious treat has become a bakery favorite. With its soft dough, rich chocolate topping, and sometimes a surprise filling, the chocolate bar donut offers an irresistible indulgence.
From the classic chocolate-topped to the custard-filled, the chocolate bar donut continues to delight donut lovers everywhere.