Spot Tries: Is the New Choco Wacko Butternut Doughnut the Dunkin' Mashup of Our Dreams?

(SPOT.ph) Everyone loves chocolate doughnuts (don't argue with us on this), but not all chocolate doughnuts are the same. Over at Dunkin', for example, you'll find two mega icons: the Choco Wacko, a double-chocolate affair with a chocolate doughnut dipped in chocolate; and the Choco Butternut, which is hugged by a vivid orange crumb mix with what seems to be nutmeg and/or coconut. With the brand's newest treat, you won't even have to choose between the said two variants: Dunkin's just debuted a new Choco Wacko BTN Donut that purport to unify its namesakes. The question remains: is it a too-sweet gimmick, or the happy marriage of chocolatey and nutty worlds it promises?

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Here's what we think of the new mashup chocolate doughnut by Dunkin':

First Impressions

At P60 a pop, the Choco Wacko BTN isn't exactly the cheapest treat around, at least not by Dunkin's standards. Still, we'd argue it's a steal compared to what you'd find at more upscale doughnut shops. We get it—sometimes the hankering for a doughnut more indulgent than your average fried pastry just hits and you've only got a couple of bills in your wallet.

As the name implies, this carries the key features of its parent doughnuts: the chocolate cake-doughnut base of both; the rich chocolate coating of the Choco Wacko (which appears thin but enrobes practically the entire surface area of the doughnut—the curved surface leading to the hole of the torus included); and the signature crumb-like topping of the Choco Butternut. But how does it actually taste?

First Bite

One bite in and we're—well, this author at least is—sold. We're all for how it merges the bittersweet thrum of chocolate doughnut base, the richness of the chocolate coating, and the nutty, spiced tinge of the butternut crumbs. This being Dunkin', don't expect a particularly high-quality chocolate; still, it's got just enough deep, dark chocolatiness overall that grownups wouldn't feel out of place eating it, and the touch of spice from the butternut crumbs evokes nostalgia and warmth.

Like a couple of commenters on Dunkin's Facebook post, one of our initial concerns with the Choco Wacko BTN was that it'd be saccharine, overwhelmingly rich, or just plain umay. That thankfully wasn't the case; there's just a hint of coffee and just a touch of saltiness to counter the sweetness of the chocolate coating, and the subtle nutmeg note in the butternut topping ties the whole ensemble together. And as with Dunkin's other treats, this doughnut's best downed with a hot cup of coffee.

Note that we tried our doughnuts at room temperature, when the coating's on the more or less firm side of the spectrum. We can imagine how heating or microwaving these doughnuts would render it softer and meltier in consistency—but also possibly sweeter, at least in how it's subjectively perceived, given how colder food generally tends to taste less sweet. (Should you decide to do that, you might wanna top it off with a scoop or two of ice cream.)

One thing though. For this doughnut in particular, we suggest tearing pieces off and nibbling on it little by little, rather than biting straight in. We get it—the latter has a sort of carnal appeal if you will—but going the bit-by-bit route better lets you control just how much you get in one bite so you're not hit with an overwhelming wave of rich chocolate.

Where to Buy the Choco Wacko BTN Doughnut

You should be able to find the Choco Wacko BTN at most Dunkin' stores, though if anything, we've noticed they sell out quick. Go early!

Dunkin', formerly called Dunkin' Donuts, is a chain of doughnuts and coffee with origins in Massachusetts in the '50s.

See a list of Dunkin' branches. For more information, check out Dunkin's Facebook page.

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