If you’re craving rich, chocolatey indulgence with the soft, tender crumb of cake doughnuts, this Chocolate Cake Doughnuts recipe is your new go-to. These homemade doughnuts are baked (not fried!), making them a lighter yet equally decadent option for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
With a moist chocolate base and a melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings—from classic powdered sugar to a glossy chocolate glaze.
Ingredients
Yields 12 doughnuts
For the Doughnuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 teaspoon vinegar)
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Glaze (Optional):
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon butter
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 12–15 minutes
- Cooling and glazing: 15 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 45 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a doughnut pan lightly with butter or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk sugar and egg until smooth.
- Add buttermilk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract; mix until combined.
Step 4: Make the Batter
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep doughnuts tender.
Step 5: Fill the Pan and Bake
- Spoon or pipe the batter evenly into the doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a doughnut comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
- Allow doughnuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the glaze, heat chocolate chips, heavy cream, and butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Dip the tops of cooled doughnuts into the glaze and set on parchment paper to harden.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy these doughnuts fresh for breakfast or dessert.
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or rainbow sprinkles before the glaze sets for fun textures.
- Serve alongside coffee, hot chocolate, or a creamy latte for the ultimate treat.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Doughnut (with glaze) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Protein | 3 grams |
| Total Fat | 11 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 4 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 27 grams |
| Sugars | 16 grams |
| Fiber | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 180 milligrams |
Nutrition Notes:
- Baking instead of frying lowers fat content while keeping the moist, tender crumb.
- Buttermilk adds tang and helps achieve a soft texture.
- The chocolate glaze adds richness and sweetness but can be adjusted or skipped for fewer calories.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Use room temperature ingredients for smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix to keep doughnuts soft and cakey.
- Cool doughnuts completely before glazing to prevent melting.
- Experiment with toppings like sea salt or chili powder for a gourmet twist.
Variations to Try
- Swap cocoa powder for espresso powder for a mocha flavor.
- Add mini chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolate bursts.
- Make a cinnamon sugar coating instead of glaze for a classic doughnut twist.
- Try a cream cheese glaze for tangy sweetness.
These Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are a wonderful way to enjoy rich chocolate flavor with a light, tender texture. Perfectly portioned and easy to bake at home, they satisfy sweet cravings without the heaviness of traditional fried doughnuts. Whether glazed, dusted, or plain, they’re sure to become a favorite for any occasion.