There’s nothing quite like the warm, indulgent scent of freshly baked doughnuts filling the kitchen. One afternoon, while craving something sweet and chocolatey without the fuss, I decided to whip together these Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts. The joy of putting on a pot of coffee and waiting for this delightful treat to emerge from the oven is simply unmatched.
In just 16 minutes—yes, you read that right—you can sink your teeth into these light and fluffy doughnuts, each adorned with a luscious glaze that will make your taste buds dance. Say goodbye to greasy takeout and hello to a homemade delight that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re hosting brunch or just treating yourself, these doughnuts are a crowd-pleaser. Join me in discovering how easy it is to create a little magic in your own kitchen!
Why are Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts so special?
Unmatched Simplicity: With only 5 minutes of prep, you’ll have fresh doughnuts in no time.
Decadent Flavor: Rich cocoa and vanilla create a delightful taste that’s perfectly balanced.
Crowd-Pleasing: These doughnuts are a hit at brunch or as an afternoon snack, making them perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them plain or jazz them up with your favorite toppings for a personalized twist!
Homemade Goodness: Say goodbye to store-bought and experience the joy of baking in your kitchen. Try these alongside a nice cup of coffee for an ultimate treat!
Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnut Ingredients
• Dive into baking these Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts with simple yet essential ingredients!
For the Doughnuts
- All-purpose flour – this is the base that gives your doughnuts structure and fluffiness.
- Cocoa powder – adds that rich chocolatey flavor that makes these doughnuts irresistible.
- Baking powder – helps them rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- Baking soda – works with the baking powder for even more lift.
- Kosher salt – enhances all the other flavors, making the chocolate pop!
- Unsalted butter – provides moisture and a rich, buttery taste; be sure to melt it for mixing.
- Light brown sugar – gives a subtle caramel flavor and moisture to the doughnuts.
- Buttermilk – adds a delightful tang and ensures a tender crumb; substitute with regular milk if needed.
- Egg – binds everything together and adds richness.
- Vanilla extract – infuses a lovely aromatic flavor that complements the chocolate.
- Nutmeg – just a hint for warmth and complexity in flavor.
For the Glaze
- Confectioners’ sugar – creates a smooth, sweet glaze for dipping your cooled doughnuts.
- Milk – thins out the glaze to the perfect consistency; adjust for thickness preference.
- Vanilla extract – adds a touch of sweetness and flavor to the glaze.
- Pinch of salt – balances the sweetness so the glaze is perfectly delicious!
How to Make Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with butter or baking spray to ensure your delightful treats come out easily after baking.
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Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, nutmeg, and light brown sugar. This creates a rich and velvety mix.
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Combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl: buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy; this adds moisture and flavor to your doughnuts.
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Fold the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients. Be gentle as you combine them, ensuring all the flour pockets disappear for a smooth batter.
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Pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about ¾ of the way. This allows room for the doughnuts to rise beautifully during baking.
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Bake for 11-13 minutes, until they are golden brown and springy to the touch. Let them rise to fluffy perfection!
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Cool the doughnuts for 5 minutes before removing them from the pan. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, and re-grease the pan for the next batch!
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Mix all the glaze ingredients—confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt—in a medium bowl until velvety smooth. This will create a heavenly sweet topping!
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Dip each cooled doughnut into the glaze, covering the tops generously. Place them back on the cooling rack above a paper towel to allow excess glaze to drip off.
Optional: Garnish with sprinkles for a fun, festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
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Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together to prevent tough doughnuts; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
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Perfect Baking: Keep an eye on the doughnuts as they bake; since ovens vary, check for doneness at 11 minutes to prevent over-baking.
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Cooling Before Glazing: Ensure your doughnuts are completely cool before dipping in the glaze to achieve a smooth, beautiful finish.
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Grease Generously: Don’t skimp on greasing the donut pan to ensure easy release; this is crucial for maintaining the perfect shape.
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Customization: Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter for an extra layer of flavor, enhancing your Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts even further!
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Sprinkles on Top: Add colorful sprinkles to the glaze while it’s still wet for a playful touch that makes your doughnuts even more delightful!
What to Serve with Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?
Indulging in these heavenly doughnuts opens up a world of delightful pairings to elevate your sweet experience.
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Fresh Berries: A burst of berries brings a tart contrast, balancing the sweet, chocolatey flavor perfectly. These colorful jewels make every bite more refreshing!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on the side creates a decadent dessert experience. The contrast of warm doughnuts and cold ice cream is simply irresistible.
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Coffee or Espresso: Nothing pairs better with glazed chocolate cake doughnuts than a steaming cup of rich coffee. It intensifies the chocolate flavor and brings warmth to your heart.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of fluffy whipped cream adds an extra layer of indulgence. It’s an elegant touch that feels festive and light alongside the rich doughnuts.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling extra chocolate sauce on top takes these delights to the next level. It enhances the chocolate flavor while inviting pure chocolate lovers to savor every bit.
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Milk: A classic pairing for doughnuts! A glass of cold milk complements and smooths the rich flavors, serving as the ultimate comfort drink for sweet treats.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings lightness and brightness, making the meal feel balanced and satisfying. The natural sugars from the fruits amplify the sweetness of the doughnuts without overwhelming the palate.
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Sparkling Water: For a light, bubbly refreshment, serve doughnuts with sparkling water. It cleanses the palate and helps the rich flavors shine through without adding more sweetness.
Explore these pairings and watch how your Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts transform into a delightful feast!
Make Ahead Options
These Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mix the dry ingredients (flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and sugar) and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Additionally, you can whisk the wet ingredients (buttermilk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract) and keep them refrigerated for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the wet mixture with the dry ingredients, pipe them into the donut pan, and bake as per the recipe. This arrangement not only saves you time but ensures your doughnuts taste just as delicious when freshly baked!
Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnut Variations
Embrace your creativity in the kitchen and make these doughnuts truly your own!
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to enjoy these doughnuts without gluten sensitivity concerns.
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Dairy-Free: Use a plant-based milk and substitute the butter with coconut oil for a deliciously dairy-free version.
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Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter for a surprising flavor that tantalizes your taste buds.
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Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or hazelnuts for a delightful crunch that elevates each bite.
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Zesty Lemon: Incorporate lemon zest into the batter to add a bright, fruity twist that balances the rich chocolate flavor.
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Decadent Fillings: Inject each doughnut with raspberry or caramel filling before glazing for a surprise in every bite.
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Mini Doughnuts: Use a mini donut pan to create bite-sized versions that are perfect for sharing or snacking.
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Double Chocolate: Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding chocolate chips to the batter before baking for a melty, gooey surprise!
How to Store and Freeze Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Room Temperature: Keep your glazed doughnuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Fridge: Refrigerate them for up to 5 days; ensure they’re in a tight container to prevent drying out. The glaze may lose some sheen but will still taste delicious!
Freezer: Freeze unglazed doughnuts for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds to warm them up before glazing for that delightful homemade goodness!
Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best cocoa powder for baking?
Absolutely! When selecting cocoa powder for your Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts, opt for high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa if you prefer a rich, smooth flavor. Natural cocoa works well too, but it can be a bit more bitter. Check the packaging for freshness, and avoid any that look clumped or have a dull color.
What’s the best way to store these doughnuts?
I recommend keeping your glazed doughnuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want them to last longer, move them to the fridge, where they can stay fresh for about 5 days. Just be aware that the glaze may lose some of its beautiful sheen, but they’ll still be incredibly delicious!
Can I freeze these glazed doughnuts?
Yes, you can freeze your Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts! For optimal texture, freeze them unglazed. Wrap each doughnut tightly in plastic wrap, then place them inside a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months! To enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or pop in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up before glazing.
What should I do if my doughnuts come out too dense?
Very! If your doughnuts turn out dense, it might be because you overmixed the batter. Remember to gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Additionally, ensure your leavening agents, like baking powder and baking soda, are fresh and not expired; this will help your doughnuts rise beautifully!
Are these doughnuts safe for pets?
While these Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts might tantalize your taste buds, they aren’t safe for pets. The chocolate and sugar can be harmful to dogs and other animals. If you want to share the love, consider making a pet-friendly treat just for your furry friend instead!
Irresistible Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan with butter or baking spray.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl: all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, nutmeg, and light brown sugar.
- Combine the wet ingredients in a separate bowl: buttermilk, melted unsalted butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
- Fold the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients gently.
- Pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about ¾ of the way.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes, until they are golden brown and springy to the touch.
- Cool the doughnuts for 5 minutes before removing them from the pan.
- Mix all the glaze ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Dip each cooled doughnut into the glaze, covering the tops generously.