The rich aroma of chocolate wafted through the kitchen, sparking a moment of pure bliss. Today, I’m excited to share my go-to recipe for Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts—baked, fluffy, and oh-so-easy to whip up. Unlike their fried counterparts, these delightful treats offer a healthier twist and require no yeast, making them perfect for anyone looking to indulge without the fuss. With just five minutes of prep time, you can enjoy these moist, decadent doughnuts as a quick breakfast or a sweet snack any time of day. So, who’s ready to dive into a doughnut-making adventure? Let’s get started!
Why Are These Doughnuts So Irresistible?
Heavenly Flavors: Each bite of these glazed chocolate cake doughnuts bursts with rich chocolate goodness, perfectly complemented by a sweet vanilla glaze.
Quick & Simple: With just 5 minutes of prep time and no yeast to worry about, you can whip up these delightful treats in no time.
Baked to Perfection: Unlike traditional doughnuts, these are baked, making them a lighter option that still satisfies your sweet tooth without the extra grease.
Versatile Enjoyment: Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert paired with your favorite hot beverage, they cater to any time of day!
Great for Sharing: Impress your friends and family at gatherings by serving these delicious doughnuts, and watch them disappear quickly. Give our Indulge Raspberry Chocolate or Cinnamon Buttermilk Pancakes a try for more sweet options!
Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Ingredients
For the Doughnuts
• All Purpose Flour – Provides structure and serves as the base for the doughnuts. Substitution: Gluten-free flour blends can be used.
• Cocoa Powder – Adds a rich chocolate flavor. Note: Use unsweetened for the best results.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Leavening agents that enable the doughnuts to rise to their fluffy glory.
• Kosher Salt – Enhances the flavor balance. Substitution: Use half the amount of fine salt if needed.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and richness to the doughnuts. Substitution: Can use coconut oil or vegetable oil.
• Light Brown Sugar – Sweetens the batter and contributes to its moisture. Substitution: White sugar or coconut sugar can work.
• Buttermilk – Provides tang and moisture, leading to a delightfully soft texture. Substitution: Use sour cream or add a tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk.
• Egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture. Note: Ensure it’s at room temperature for the best mixing.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds a depth of flavor to complement the chocolate. Substitution: Almond extract offers a delightful alternative.
• Nutmeg (optional) – Adds warmth and complexity to the flavor profile. Note: Omit if preferred for a purer chocolate taste.
For the Glaze
• Confectioners’ Sugar – Creates a sweet and glossy glaze. Ensure it’s sifted for a smooth texture.
• Milk – Helps achieve the glaze’s desired consistency. Adjust the amount for thicker or thinner glaze as preferred.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds an additional layer of flavor to the glaze. Feel free to use flavored extracts for a twist.
• Kosher Salt – Balances out the sweetness of the glaze. A tiny pinch goes a long way!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin your doughnut-making adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, take a moment to grease your doughnut pan using non-stick spray or a light coating of butter. This ensures your Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts will pop out easily once they’re baked to fluffy perfection.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, light brown sugar, and optional nutmeg. Take about 2-3 minutes to ensure all dry ingredients are well combined, creating a uniform, chocolatey mixture that will form the base of your delicious doughnuts.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate jug, mix together the buttermilk, room temperature egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Stir gently until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this will add moisture and richness to your doughnuts. The wet ingredients are essential for achieving that light, fluffy texture everyone loves in Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Now it’s time to add the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold the two mixtures together with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix. You’re aiming for a thick batter without any visible flour pockets—this step is crucial for keeping your doughnuts tender and fluffy.
Step 5: Fill Doughnut Pan
Using a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off, carefully pipe the batter into the prepared doughnut pan. Fill each cavity about ¾ full to allow room for rising. Smooth the tops of each doughnut with a spatula, if necessary, to ensure they bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake
Place the filled doughnut pan in your preheated oven and bake for 11-13 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re done when they spring back lightly to the touch and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the doughnuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the doughnuts are cooling, whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of kosher salt in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth, adjusting the milk amount until you reach your desired glaze consistency—thicker for a more indulgent coating or thinner for a light drizzle.
Step 8: Glaze Doughnuts
Once your Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are fully cooled, it’s time for the fun part! Dip the top of each doughnut into your prepared glaze, letting any excess drip off. Place the glazed doughnuts on a rack lined with paper towels to catch any drips and allow the glaze to set before serving.
What to Serve with Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?
Indulging in these delightful, fluffy treats opens up a world of delightful pairings that elevate your sweet experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of vibrant berries and citrus adds a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate flavor, brightening your palate.
- Coffee or Espresso: The bold, aromatic notes of freshly brewed coffee complement the luscious glaze beautifully, enhancing your morning routine.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds an airy texture, making each bite of the doughnut feel even more indulgent.
- Chocolaty Hot Chocolate: Sip on creamy hot chocolate, further enriching the chocolate experience while perfect for cozy afternoons.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm doughnuts alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert that melts in your mouth.
- Almond Milk: This nutty, lactose-free option pairs well with the doughnuts, offering a lighter refreshing drink that balances sweetness without overpowering it.
- Maple Syrup Dip: A small dish of warm maple syrup can transform your doughnuts into a luscious breakfast treat, merging flavors seamlessly for a unique twist.
- Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola adds texture and a wholesome aspect, making for an intriguing contrast to the soft doughnuts while being a fun topping.
- Chocolate Milk: For the ultimate chocolate lover’s experience, pair your doughnuts with an ice-cold glass of chocolate milk, amplifying that rich cocoa flavor.
- Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices of chai offer a cozy, aromatic pairing that perfectly complements the sweet and rich flavors of the doughnuts.
Make Ahead Options
These Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are a fantastic choice for meal prep lovers looking to save time on busy mornings. You can prepare the doughnut batter up to 24 hours in advance; simply mix the dry ingredients and store them in an airtight container. The wet ingredients can also be combined and refrigerated to keep their freshness. When you’re ready to bake, just mix the wet and dry ingredients, fill the doughnut pan, and bake as per the instructions. To preserve their delightful texture, store the baked doughnuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply glaze them after thawing, and they’ll be just as delicious as when you first made them!
How to Store and Freeze Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Room Temperature: Keep the doughnuts in an airtight container for up to 1 day to maintain their freshness. Enjoy them at room temperature for the best flavor experience.
Fridge: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. This helps preserve their moist texture while chilled.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze doughnuts for up to 3 months. Wrap each doughnut tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
Reheating: To enjoy them warmed, simply pop a frozen doughnut in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or let them thaw at room temperature. Indulge in your delicious Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts anytime!
Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize these delightful doughnuts to suit your tastes!
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Mocha Delight: Swap nutmeg with espresso powder to infuse your doughnuts with a lovely coffee flavor. It’ll elevate your morning brew experience!
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Chocolate Overload: Use a rich chocolate glaze instead of vanilla for a double chocolate treat. Perfect for chocolate lovers craving an indulgent dessert!
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Chunky Goodness: Fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter for added texture. Each bite will have that extra crunch, bringing a delightful surprise!
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Fruit Burst: Add finely chopped strawberries or blueberries to the batter for a fruity twist. The burst of juice will complement the rich chocolate beautifully.
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Spiced Up: Incorporate a dash of cinnamon into the batter for a warm, cozy flavor. It creates a lovely, aromatic profile that makes your kitchen smell divine!
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Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk and oil. You won’t miss the regular version, and everyone can enjoy these delicious bites!
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Maple Glaze: Instead of a vanilla glaze, drizzle with maple syrup for a sweet, earthy twist. This unique glaze pairs wonderfully with the chocolate doughnut!
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Nutty Glaze: Drizzle a toasted almond or hazelnut glaze for an additional nutty flavor profile. This offers a sophisticated touch, perfect for special occasions.
Explore these variations and make them your own! Who knows, you might find a new favorite to share at gatherings or enjoy alongside a soothing cup of coffee or tea. And if you’re in the mood for more sweet delights, don’t forget to try our Apple Crumb Cake or Bowl Peanut Butter Cup Dump Cake!
Expert Tips for Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
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Mix Wisely: Avoid overmixing the batter to keep your doughnuts light and fluffy. Fold gently until just combined.
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Correct Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your doughnuts in the oven; they should spring back when lightly touched. Overbaking may lead to dryness.
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Perfect Glaze: For a smooth glaze, ensure the confectioners’ sugar is sifted. Adjust milk for your desired thickness when dipping your glazed chocolate cake doughnuts.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best mixing, make sure your egg and buttermilk are at room temperature. This creates a well-incorporated batter.
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Let Them Cool: Allow the doughnuts to cool completely before glazing. This prevents the glaze from melting and ensures a beautiful finish.
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Storage Strategy: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, but they’re so delicious, they might not last that long!
Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe FAQs
How can I tell if my chocolate is ripe or fresh?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, choose chocolate that has a glossy appearance and is firm to the touch. Avoid any chocolate with a dull surface or signs of white streaks (called bloom), as this indicates it may not be fresh.
Can I store my glazed doughnuts, and for how long?
Very! Keep your Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day; however, for longer freshness, they can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. This will help maintain their moist texture while chilled.
What are the steps for freezing Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?
Absolutely! To freeze your doughnuts, start by wrapping each one tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain. Then, place the wrapped doughnuts into a freezer-safe bag or container. This method keeps them fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, microwave a frozen doughnut for about 10-15 seconds for a warm treat!
What should I do if my doughnut batter is too thick or too runny?
If your batter is too thick, you can gradually add a splash of milk or buttermilk to loosen it up. Be sure to mix gently until it reaches a thick, yet pourable consistency. Conversely, if it’s too runny, consider adding a tablespoon of flour at a time until you achieve the desired texture, just be careful not to overmix.
Are these doughnuts safe for my allergies?
Very! As allergies vary, I recommend checking all ingredient labels. For example, use gluten-free flour if you have a gluten allergy. Always confirm that the brands you use are free from any allergens that might affect you or your loved ones.
Can I make substitutions for the ingredients if I have dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! If you need to modify the recipe, gluten-free flour blends can substitute all-purpose flour, coconut oil can replace unsalted butter, and for a dairy-free version, use almond or soy milk instead of buttermilk. These alterations can help you create a version of the Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts that fits your dietary needs without losing the delicious taste!
Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts for a Sweet Morning Treat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your doughnut pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, light brown sugar, and optional nutmeg.
- In a separate jug, mix together the buttermilk, room temperature egg, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Add the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined.
- Using a piping bag, carefully pipe the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes, allowing doughnuts to spring back lightly to the touch. Let cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Whisk together the sifted confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and kosher salt until smooth for the glaze.
- Dip the top of each cooled doughnut into the glaze, letting excess drip off, then place on a rack lined with paper towels.
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