If you’re craving a chocolatey treat that’s quick, easy, and impossibly delicious, this Irresistible Chocolate Cake Donuts Recipe was made just for you! Imagine biting into a soft, fluffy donut with a tender crumb, then tasting that rich, glossy chocolate glaze—it’s comfort and pure joy rolled into one. Ready in under 30 minutes, these donuts are baked, not fried, so you get all the decadence without the mess. Whether you’re making them for brunch, an after-school snack, or a late-night chocolate fix, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these donuts is in their simplicity: each ingredient brings something special to the table—bold chocolate flavor, just the right amount of sweetness, perfect texture, and that glossy finishing touch. You probably have everything you need already, and every item on this list plays a key role in making your Irresistible Chocolate Cake Donuts Recipe shine.
- All-purpose flour: This is the base of your donuts, giving them strength without making them dense.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetness is essential, and sugar also keeps these donuts tender.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Delivers that deep, chocolatey flavor we all crave in this Irresistible Chocolate Cake Donuts Recipe.
- Baking powder: Helps the donuts puff up and stay light.
- Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for extra lift and softness.
- Salt: Enhances all those sweet and chocolatey notes.
- Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tang, making the crumb soft and tender.
- Large egg: Binds everything together for a perfectly cohesive batter.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors, making them deeper and more complex.
- Hot water: Thins the batter slightly and blooms the cocoa, intensifying the chocolate flavor.
- Powdered sugar (for the glaze): The silky base for that dreamy coating.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (for the glaze): Doubles down on chocolatey perfection.
- Milk (for the glaze): Makes the glaze smooth enough to dip but thick enough to set beautifully.
- Vanilla extract (for the glaze): Infuses the glaze with warmth and depth.
How to Make Irresistible Chocolate Cake Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Set yourself up for donut success! Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are, and lightly grease your donut pan to guarantee those perfect, easy-release rings. This simple step ensures you won’t lose a single crumb of these gorgeous treats.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step blends everything evenly, ensuring each donut bakes up with a beautifully consistent crumb—no streaks or uneven spots in sight.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth. By combining the wet ingredients before adding them to the dry, you help everything come together without over-mixing.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Pour the wet mix into the dry bowl and gently stir just until combined. You want to avoid overworking the batter so your Irresistible Chocolate Cake Donuts Recipe turns out ultra-tender—not tough. Add in the hot water last, mixing until your batter is smooth and slightly thin.
Step 5: Fill the Donut Pan
Spoon or pipe your batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 of the way full. A piping bag (or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off) makes this step extra easy, giving you neat rings with less mess.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake the donuts for 10–12 minutes. The kitchen will smell incredible! Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into a donut—if it comes out clean, they’re ready. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling completely.
Step 7: Make and Apply the Chocolate Glaze
While your donuts cool, whisk up the glaze: combine powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and shiny. When the donuts are cool, dip the tops into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Set them back on the rack to set—that glossy finish is so satisfying!
How to Serve Irresistible Chocolate Cake Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
Give your donuts a touch of flair! Top the glaze with colorful sprinkles, chocolate shavings, crushed nuts, or mini chocolate chips before it sets. Even a light dusting of sea salt can elevate the whole experience, emphasizing the chocolate flavor in your Irresistible Chocolate Cake Donuts Recipe.
Side Dishes
Pairing these donuts with a cold glass of milk, a rich cup of coffee, or a velvety hot chocolate makes them even more irresistible. For a brunch spread, serve fresh berries or a tangy fruit salad on the side—you’ll love how the flavors play together.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the basic stack: present your donuts piled high on a cake stand, nestled in cupcake liners, or skewered on a pretty platter for a donut “bouquet.” For special occasions, drizzle contrasting white chocolate or scatter edible gold dust to highlight your Irresistible Chocolate Cake Donuts Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These donuts are best the day they’re made, but if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to 2 days—the key is to seal them tightly so the glaze stays shiny and the crumb stays moist.
Freezing
Want to stash some away for future cravings? Simply freeze the unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them at room temperature and glaze just before serving to enjoy that fresh-made feel.
Reheating
If you prefer your donuts warm (who could blame you?), microwave individual donuts for 8 to 10 seconds. If reheating from frozen, thaw first, then warm as above. The glaze will soften slightly, making these treats taste like they just came out of the oven with this Irresistible Chocolate Cake Donuts Recipe.
FAQs
Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
Absolutely! If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a muffin tin instead. Fill each cup about halfway and, if you want the classic donut hole, place a small ball of foil or a greased metal piping tip in the center of each muffin cup before adding the batter. They’ll still taste wonderful!
How can I make these donuts gluten-free?
You can easily swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture may be slightly different, but the chocolatey goodness will still shine through in your Irresistible Chocolate Cake Donuts Recipe.
Can I double or halve this recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales beautifully. Double it to feed a crowd or halve it for a smaller batch—just keep an eye on baking times as smaller donuts may bake a bit quicker.
What’s the difference between baked and fried donuts?
Baked donuts like these are lighter and more cake-like, while fried donuts are usually richer and have a chewy, yeast-raised texture. The baked version is quicker, easier, and far less messy—perfect for a home kitchen!
Are there any fun glaze variations to try?
So many! Experiment with adding a touch of espresso powder, swapping vanilla for almond extract, or drizzling with caramel. You can even dip the donuts in melted peanut butter or white chocolate for a delicious twist on the classic Irresistible Chocolate Cake Donuts Recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you love chocolate and crave quick, homemade treats, the Irresistible Chocolate Cake Donuts Recipe is about to become your new go-to! Trust me: one batch just won’t be enough. Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let chocolate happiness happen in your kitchen today!
Print
Irresistible Chocolate Cake Donuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 8 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich chocolatey goodness of these baked chocolate cake donuts. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a touch of homemade charm.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup hot water
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Combine and Bake: Mix wet ingredients into dry, add hot water, pour into pan, and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa, milk, and vanilla. Dip cooled donuts in glaze.
Notes
- Enhance flavor with a pinch of espresso powder.
- Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored airtight for up to 2 days.
- Customize with sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate chips.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 donut
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
