If you are ready to indulge in a dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite, this Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe is exactly what you need. These baked doughnuts blend the rich, deep flavors of cocoa with a tender, moist crumb, all topped with a glossy, irresistible chocolate glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness and shine. They’re quick to make, wonderfully fluffy, and perfect for breakfast, snack time, or dessert. Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought treats again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are all straightforward pantry staples, but each one plays a key role in making these doughnuts utterly delicious. From the cocoa that brings chocolatey depth, to the buttermilk that lends a tender crumb, every item works together to create that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation of your doughnuts, providing structure and that classic cakey bite.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness that balances the bitterness of cocoa and adds caramel notes when baked.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Rich chocolate flavor that makes these doughnuts truly irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps your doughnuts rise nicely and keeps them light.
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Works with buttermilk for extra lift and tenderness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the chocolate flavors and balances sweetness.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Delivers moisture and a subtle tanginess for a perfect crumb.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Adds flavor and moistness to the doughnuts.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the chocolate flavor.
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional): Little bursts of melted chocolate in every bite.
- For the chocolate glaze:
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips: The star of the glossy, luscious glaze.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Gives the glaze a silky smooth finish.
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup or honey: Adds shine and chewiness to the glaze.
- 2 teaspoons milk (as needed): To thin out the glaze to the perfect dipping consistency.
How to Make Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 6-cavity doughnut pan to prevent sticking and ensure your doughnuts come out perfectly shaped. This simple prep step makes the entire process smoother and keeps cleanup easy.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures an even distribution of flavors and a smooth batter without any lumps.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This mixture not only adds moisture to the doughnuts but also gives them a rich flavor that complements the cocoa powder beautifully.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the doughnuts dense. If you’re using mini chocolate chips, fold them in now to add delightful pockets of melted chocolate in your doughnuts.
Step 5: Fill the Doughnut Pan
Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into your prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. This ensures they rise nicely without spilling over the edges, giving you perfectly shaped doughnuts that look as good as they taste.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the doughnuts for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once done, let the doughnuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step is crucial for setting their fluffy texture.
Step 7: Make the Chocolate Glaze
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the semisweet chocolate chips, butter, and corn syrup in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each. When smooth, add a splash of milk if needed to thin the glaze to a dip-friendly consistency. This shiny chocolate topping will elevate your doughnuts from delicious to unforgettable.
Step 8: Glaze the Doughnuts
Once the doughnuts are completely cool, dip the tops into the chocolate glaze. Let the excess drip off, then place them back on the wire rack to allow the glaze to set. Feel free to decorate with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of white chocolate for a personalized touch.
How to Serve Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a fun way to customize your Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe. Think chopped toasted nuts for a crunchy contrast, colorful sprinkles for a festive look, or even a dusting of powdered sugar to add an extra layer of sweetness and charm.
Side Dishes
Pair these doughnuts with a steaming cup of coffee or your favorite tea to balance their sweetness. Fresh berries or a simple fruit salad can add a refreshing contrast that brings brightness to the rich chocolate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these doughnuts on a pretty cake stand for a delightful centerpiece at brunch or a party. You can also skewer them with fruit for a playful “doughnut kabob,” or serve them alongside whipped cream and fresh mint for a dessert that looks as elegant as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them fresh and moist so you can enjoy one (or two) the next day without sacrificing taste or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the doughnuts before glazing by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to one month. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them at room temperature and glaze fresh for a just-baked experience.
Reheating
To revive the freshness of your doughnuts, warm them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back their soft texture and enhances the melt-in-your-mouth chocolate goodness.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to half a cup of milk, letting it sit for 5–10 minutes. This will create the acidity needed to react with the baking soda for tender, fluffy doughnuts.
Can I make these doughnuts without a doughnut pan?
While the shape is best achieved with a doughnut pan, you can bake this batter in a muffin tin to make chocolate cupcakes or use a silicone mold if you have one. Just adjust the baking time slightly and watch closely for doneness.
Are these doughnuts vegan or gluten-free?
This Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe is vegetarian but not vegan or gluten-free. However, you can experiment with dairy substitutes and gluten-free flour blends, though the texture and taste will vary slightly.
How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
If your glaze is too thin, add more melted chocolate or chill it slightly to thicken. If it’s too thick, stir in a little milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a perfect dipping consistency that’s smooth and shiny.
Can I add other flavors or spices?
Absolutely! Cinnamon or espresso powder can intensify the chocolate flavor nicely. A few drops of peppermint extract or a pinch of chili powder can add a fun twist, making these doughnuts uniquely yours.
Final Thoughts
Making this Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe at home is one of those joyful kitchen adventures that pays off in rich, chocolatey bites you and your loved ones will adore. With simple ingredients, a quick bake time, and a luscious glaze, you’ll have a cozy treat that feels special anytime. Don’t hesitate—grab your doughnut pan and start baking these delightful doughnuts today. You’re just a few steps away from chocolate happiness.
Print
Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 doughnuts
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Cake Doughnuts offer a delightful combination of rich cocoa flavor with a tender crumb, baked to perfection for a healthier twist on classic fried doughnuts. Topped with a smooth, glossy chocolate glaze, they make an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave a chocolatey indulgence.
Ingredients
Doughnuts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Chocolate Glaze
- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons corn syrup or honey
- 2 teaspoons milk (as needed for consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 6-cavity doughnut pan thoroughly to ensure easy removal of the doughnuts after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined and aerated.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, large egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, which could make the doughnuts tough. If using, fold in the mini chocolate chips carefully.
- Fill Doughnut Pan: Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the prepared doughnut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
- Bake Doughnuts: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a doughnut comes out clean, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool Doughnuts: Remove the doughnut pan from the oven and let the doughnuts cool in the pan for five minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Make the Chocolate Glaze: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, unsalted butter, and corn syrup or honey. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and melted. Add a small amount of milk as needed to achieve a smooth, dip-able consistency.
- Glaze the Doughnuts: Dip the tops of the cooled doughnuts into the chocolate glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place glazed doughnuts back on the wire rack to set. Optionally, decorate with sprinkles, nuts, or a drizzle of white chocolate for added flair.
Notes
- Store doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze unglazed doughnuts and thaw before glazing to ensure the glaze adheres properly.
- If you prefer, substitute corn syrup with honey for a natural sweetener in the glaze.
- Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped for more even batter distribution into the doughnut pan.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the doughnuts tender and light.
