There’s something truly magical about biting into a warm, tender doughnut that’s chocolatey without being too heavy, and that’s exactly what makes the Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe such a cherished treat. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich cocoa flavor and light, fluffy texture, baked to perfection in under half an hour. Whether you’re craving a special breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a delightful dessert, these doughnuts will quickly become your go-to. Plus, you can add a luscious chocolate glaze or sprinkles for that extra wow factor. Let me take you through every delicious step of making these irresistible cake doughnuts at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are everyday pantry staples that each play a crucial role in creating the perfect doughnut. From the cocoa powder that gives it that deep chocolate color and flavor to the buttermilk that ensures soft, moist bites, every item matters.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation for structure, flour provides the tender crumb of the doughnut.
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and a gorgeous dark hue.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: A leavening agent that helps the doughnuts rise light and fluffy.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all other flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1/2 tsp vinegar): Adds moisture and a slight tang to brighten the chocolate.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds richness and structure.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Provides moisture and a lush, buttery note.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate flavor with warm, aromatic hints.
- For the glaze (optional): 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, 2–3 tablespoons milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, sprinkles (optional) to add a glossy, sweet finish.
How to Make Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your doughnut pan. This sets you up for perfectly cooked doughnuts that release effortlessly from the pan without losing their delicate shape.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the cocoa is evenly distributed and the leavening is well combined for even rising.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully blended. Taking care to get a smooth mixture means your batter will be uniform and silky.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined—don’t overmix, or the doughnuts might turn out tough instead of perfectly tender. The batter should be thick but spoonable.
Step 5: Fill the Pan
Spoon or pipe the batter into your doughnut pan cavities, filling each about two-thirds full to allow room for rising without spilling over. Taking your time here helps get evenly sized doughnuts.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in your preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the doughnuts spring back lightly when pressed. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Optional Glaze
For a luscious finish, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Dip the cooled doughnuts into the glaze and return them to the rack. Add sprinkles if you’re feeling festive and let the glaze set before devouring.
How to Serve Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a glaze or powdered sugar dusting takes these doughnuts from simple to spectacular. Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate add extra flair and texture. The glaze adds a glossy sheen that makes every bite sweeter without overpowering the chocolate.
Side Dishes
These doughnuts make a wonderful centerpiece for breakfast alongside fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a fruit compote. Consider pairing with a rich cup of coffee or a frothy cocoa drink for a cozy, indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe doughnuts with layers of frosting or ganache sandwiched between them for a fun cake-inspired dessert. Or serve mini doughnuts skewered on sticks with a side of dipping sauces like peanut butter or caramel to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and moist so they’re just as enjoyable later on.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these chocolate cake doughnuts beyond a few days, freeze them unglazed in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature when ready to eat, and add glaze afterward for the best texture.
Reheating
For a fresh-out-of-the-oven taste, warm doughnuts in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven until just heated through. This revives their softness and enhances that irresistible chocolate aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular milk for buttermilk?
Absolutely! If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, just add 1/2 teaspoon vinegar to 1/2 cup milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This mimics the tang and acidity that activate the baking soda.
Are these doughnuts baked or fried?
These are baked doughnuts, making them lighter and less greasy than fried varieties while still delivering plenty of chocolatey goodness and tender texture.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best to bake immediately after mixing the batter to ensure the doughnuts rise properly. However, you can prepare the dry and wet ingredients separately in advance and combine them just before baking.
What if I don’t have a doughnut pan?
No worries! You can use muffin tins to make cupcake-style doughnuts or try shaping the batter for frying. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine.
Is the glaze necessary?
The glaze is optional but highly recommended for an extra burst of sweetness and a beautiful finish. You can also glaze just a few to satisfy both glazed and plain doughnut lovers at your table.
Final Thoughts
Making these Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe at home is such a rewarding way to bring warmth and comfort into your kitchen with minimal fuss. They are tender, chocolaty, and endlessly versatile, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself anytime. Once you try them, I’m sure these doughnuts will become a beloved staple in your baking rotation. Go ahead, put on your apron and create some magic with this fantastic recipe—you really can’t go wrong!
Print
Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 doughnuts
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are a deliciously rich and chocolatey baked treat, perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with a tender cake-like batter and topped with an optional decadent cocoa glaze, they offer a lighter alternative to traditional fried doughnuts without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
For the Doughnuts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1/2 tsp vinegar)
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze (optional)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a doughnut pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and cocoa.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, buttermilk, egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the doughnuts tender.
- Fill and Bake: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the doughnuts spring back when lightly pressed.
- Cool the Doughnuts: Allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
- Glaze the Doughnuts: Dip the cooled doughnuts into the glaze and return them to the wire rack. Add sprinkles if desired and allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- These doughnuts are baked, making them lighter and less greasy than traditional fried doughnuts.
- Store doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze unglazed doughnuts, then glaze after thawing.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to avoid dense doughnuts.
