Chocolate Cake Doughnuts – Soft, Rich, and Decadent

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the deep flavor of a chocolate cake in the form of a doughnut, your wish just came true. Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are the ultimate indulgence — rich, tender, and full of that old-fashioned chocolate flavor we all love. Baked instead of fried, they’re easier, lighter, and just as delicious.

These doughnuts strike the perfect balance between dense and fluffy, with a moist crumb that melts in your mouth. Dipped in a glossy chocolate glaze or dusted with powdered sugar, they make a treat that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these doughnuts are guaranteed to impress.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make perfect chocolate cake doughnuts from scratch, plus tips, variations, and presentation ideas to take them to the next level.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Chocolate cake doughnuts deliver the nostalgic flavor of bakery-style doughnuts right from your own kitchen. Here’s why they’re so irresistible:

1. Deep Chocolate Flavor: A blend of cocoa powder and melted chocolate creates a rich, fudgy taste in every bite.
2. Soft, Cake-Like Texture: Moist and tender inside with a slight crispness on the outside.
3. Baked, Not Fried: Less mess, less oil, and still just as satisfying.
4. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes — no yeast, no waiting, just mix, bake, and glaze.

Ingredients

For the Doughnuts:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 teaspoon vinegar)
• 2 large eggs
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: ½ cup mini chocolate chips for extra richness

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Prep and Cook Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 doughnuts

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a doughnut pan lightly with butter or nonstick spray.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and both sugars until evenly combined.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla.

4. Combine and Mix
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. If you’re adding chocolate chips, fold them in now. The batter will be thick.

5. Fill the Pan
Spoon or pipe the batter into the doughnut molds, filling each about ¾ full.

6. Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in one doughnut comes out clean. Let them cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

7. Glaze
To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Dip each cooled doughnut into the glaze, let the excess drip off, and set them on a rack until the glaze firms up.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 210
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 2g

A sweet indulgence that’s lighter than fried doughnuts but still deeply satisfying.

Presentation and Serving Ideas

Classic Bakery Style: Glaze and top with chocolate sprinkles or crushed nuts.
Old-Fashioned Touch: Dust with powdered sugar for a nostalgic, simple finish.
Double Chocolate Delight: Drizzle melted chocolate over the glaze for an extra cocoa kick.
Festive Fun: Add colorful sprinkles for birthdays, holidays, or brunch tables.

Fun Variations

• Mocha Doughnuts: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder for a subtle coffee flavor.
• Mint Chocolate: Replace vanilla with ½ teaspoon peppermint extract for a cool twist.
• Peanut Butter Glaze: Top with a glaze made from peanut butter, powdered sugar, and milk.
• Coconut Dream: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the chocolate glaze for texture and flavor.

Tips for Perfect Doughnuts

• Don’t Overmix: Stir just until the batter comes together to keep the texture tender.
• Don’t Overbake: Remove from the oven as soon as they spring back to the touch.
• Cool Before Glazing: Let doughnuts cool fully or the glaze will melt off.
• Use Quality Cocoa: High-quality unsweetened cocoa makes a big difference in flavor.

Why Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Deserve a Spot in Your Recipe Box

Chocolate Cake Doughnuts combine the charm of homemade baking with the flavor of a bakery treat. They’re moist, rich, and easy to make — the kind of recipe you’ll turn to whenever you crave something sweet and comforting.

Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, these baked doughnuts deliver all the chocolate satisfaction you want with none of the frying fuss.

So grab your doughnut pan, preheat that oven, and treat yourself to a batch of these irresistible chocolate cake doughnuts — because some mornings (or evenings) just call for chocolate..