Chocolate Cake Donut

Name: Chocolate Cake Donut
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1¾ cups all-purpose flour; 2/3 cup dark cocoa powder; 1¼ cups brown sugar; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; 3/4 cup buttermilk; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/2 cup melted butter; 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (for glaze); 2 tablespoons butter (for glaze); 2 teaspoons corn syrup (for glaze); 2 teaspoons water (for glaze)

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Craving a bakery-style treat that satisfies your chocolate obsession without the mess of frying? This chocolate cake donut recipe is your answer. Baked instead of fried, these donuts deliver a rich cocoa flavor with a soft, moist crumb and a decadent chocolate ganache glaze. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these chocolatey rings are sure to impress. Plus, they’re easy to make and family-approved!

Why This Chocolate Cake Donut Recipe Stands Out

If you’re looking for a quick and indulgent chocolate donut that doesn’t require frying, this is your new go-to. With a double dose of chocolate — both in the batter and the glaze — these donuts are pure chocolate heaven. They’re perfect for kids, ideal for brunch tables, and just sophisticated enough for adult cravings. The baked method also makes cleanup a breeze, and the cake-like texture is just the right mix of tender and rich.

What You’ll Need to Make These Decadent Donuts

These donuts use pantry staples to create the ultimate chocolate cake donut experience. Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture.

All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and holds the donut together.
Dark cocoa powder: Delivers intense chocolate flavor and a rich dark color.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and depth with its molasses content.
Baking powder: Helps create a light, cake-like rise.
Baking soda: Reacts with buttermilk for additional leavening.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances chocolate notes.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
Buttermilk: Contributes moisture and tenderness while activating baking soda.
Vanilla extract: Deepens overall flavor and enhances the chocolate.
Melted butter: Adds richness and helps maintain a moist texture.
Mini chocolate chips: Folded into the batter for melty pockets of chocolate in every bite.

Smart Ingredient Swaps for Any Pantry or Preference

Don’t have buttermilk? Following a dairy-free diet? Here are smart swaps that keep your chocolate cake donut delicious:

Buttermilk: Substitute with a mix of ¾ cup milk + 2 tsp vinegar or lemon juice. Let sit 5 minutes.
Butter: Use melted coconut oil or plant-based butter for a dairy-free option.
Eggs: Replace each egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water, rested for 5 min).
Dark cocoa powder: Natural unsweetened cocoa powder works, though the flavor may be slightly less intense.

How to Make Baked Chocolate Donuts from Scratch

Preheat and Prep: Set your oven to 350°F and lightly mist two donut pans with cooking spray.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, whisk eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.
Combine and Fold: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the mini chocolate chips.
Pipe into Pans: Transfer the batter into a zip-top bag or piping bag, snip the corner, and pipe into the donut pans until each cavity is half full.
Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
Cool: Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Making the Perfect Chocolate Ganache Glaze

Combine Ingredients: Add ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tsp corn syrup, and 2 tsp water into a microwave-safe bowl.
Melt and Stir: Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth and glossy.
Dip and Decorate: Dip the tops of each cooled donut into the glaze. Let excess drip off and top with chocolate sprinkles or jimmies.

Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Cake Donuts

Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter just until combined to keep your donuts light and tender.
Use a Piping Bag: This makes it easy to fill the pans neatly and evenly.
Check for Doneness: Donuts should spring back lightly when touched and pass the toothpick test.
Cooling is Key: Let them cool before glazing so the ganache doesn’t melt off.
Fresh is Best: These donuts taste amazing warm but can be stored for up to two days in an airtight container.

Creative Pairings and Flavor Variations

These chocolate cake donuts are fantastic on their own, but they’re also a blank canvas for creativity.

Toppings to Try:

Crushed peanuts or almonds
Shredded coconut
White chocolate drizzle
Crumbled cookies or Oreos

Flavor Twists:

Add 1 tsp espresso powder for a mocha flavor
Mix in orange zest for a chocolate-orange fusion
Swap ganache for peanut butter glaze for a classic combo

Serving Suggestions:

Pair with cold milk, a strong cup of coffee, or hot cocoa
Add to a brunch spread alongside fruit and savory options

Make-Ahead Tips:

The donuts can be baked the day before and glazed the next morning
Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months; thaw and glaze before serving

What Makes Chocolate Cake Donuts Different?

If you’re wondering why this chocolate cake donut is different from what you’d get at a typical donut shop, it comes down to texture and preparation. Unlike yeast donuts, cake donuts are made with baking powder and soda rather than yeast, giving them a denser, more tender crumb. They’re ideal for baking, which means no oil, no deep fryer, and no greasy aftermath. This method is not only easier but also slightly lighter, making it a great option for anytime indulgence.

Final Thoughts

Making chocolate cake donuts at home is surprisingly simple — and incredibly rewarding. These baked treats are rich, moist, and topped with a luscious chocolate glaze that satisfies every sweet craving. Whether you’re serving them for a special brunch, holiday breakfast, or a late-night dessert, this recipe is a keeper. No frying, no fuss — just pure chocolate joy in every bite. Try it once, and you’ll never go back to store-bought.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Cake Donuts

How do I store chocolate cake donuts to keep them fresh?

To keep your chocolate cake donuts soft and moist, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Just note that refrigeration may make the texture slightly denser, so allow them to return to room temperature before serving.

Can I freeze baked chocolate cake donuts?

Yes! These donuts freeze beautifully. Place unglazed chocolate cake donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then dip in ganache just before serving for best texture and flavor.

What’s the difference between cake donuts and yeast donuts?

Cake donuts, like this chocolate cake donut recipe, are leavened with baking powder or soda, giving them a dense, tender crumb — more like a muffin or cupcake. Yeast donuts are lighter and chewier, made from dough that requires proofing. Cake donuts are ideal for baking, while yeast donuts are typically fried.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free or dairy-free?

Absolutely. For gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. For dairy-free, replace buttermilk with a plant-based milk and vinegar combo, and use vegan butter and chocolate chips. These swaps keep the chocolate cake donut flavor and texture deliciously close to the original.

More Relevant Recipes

Chocolate Marshmallow Hearts: A soft, chocolatey dessert filled with gooey marshmallow that offers a sweet contrast in texture — perfect for fans of chocolate cake donuts who enjoy rich, handheld treats with a touch of whimsy.
Chocolate Lasagna (No-Bake Dessert): This layered dessert delivers multiple levels of chocolate indulgence with creamy textures and crunchy cookie bases, making it an irresistible companion recipe to the baked chocolate cake donut.
Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes: A decadent blend of chocolate and fruity raspberry flavors, these cupcakes offer a moist crumb and rich taste, ideal for donut lovers looking to branch into fruity-chocolate combinations.

Chocolate Cake Donut – Best Baked Treat You’ll Crave

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