Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe

Irresistible Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe in Minutes

Glazed chocolate cake doughnuts represent the pinnacle of morning indulgence for passionate dessert lovers.

Soft, decadent pastries emerge from a simple mixing process that enhances basic ingredients into culinary magic.

The delicate balance between rich cocoa and tender crumb creates an irresistible texture that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Warm spices whisper subtle complexity beneath the chocolate deep, seductive notes.

Each doughnut promises a luxurious experience that elevates ordinary breakfast moments into something extraordinary.

Crafting these delectable treats requires minimal skill but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Your kitchen will soon fill with an intoxicating aroma that beckons everyone near.

How to Make Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Grab your donut pan and give it a light coating of butter or baking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Nutmeg

Blend until the ingredients look evenly combined.

Step 3: Create Wet Ingredient Mixture

In a separate bowl, combine:
  • Melted butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Buttermilk
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until everything looks smooth and well-mixed.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until you have a uniform batter with no flour lumps showing.

Step 5: Fill Donut Pan

Use a piping bag or spoon to fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full with batter. Be careful not to overfill.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 11-13 minutes until donuts look golden and spring back when lightly touched.

Step 7: Cool the Donuts

Let donuts rest in the pan for 5 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 8: Prepare Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
  • Confectioners' sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Mix until you have a smooth, silky glaze.

Step 9: Glaze the Donuts

Dip each cooled donut into the glaze. Place on parchment paper to catch drips and let the glaze set.

Top Tips for Perfect Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

  • Master Your Mixing: Whisk dry ingredients separately before combining to prevent lumpy batter and ensure even chocolate distribution.
  • Perfect Piping Technique: Use a piping bag or zip-lock bag with corner snipped for precise, mess-free donut pan filling.
  • Temperature Matters: Let buttermilk and egg come to room temperature for smoother batter and more consistent baking results.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Press donut gently – if it springs back, it's perfectly baked; avoid overbaking to maintain moisture.
  • Glaze Like a Pro: Dip donuts when they're completely cool to prevent glaze from sliding off and ensure a smooth, even coating.

Storing and Reheating Your Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

  • Refrigeration: Store glazed chocolate cake doughnuts in an airtight container and place them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their delicate texture.
  • Room Temperature: Keep unglazed doughnuts at room temperature in a sealed container for 1-2 days. Avoid leaving them out longer to prevent staleness and potential bacterial growth.
  • Reheating: Warm refrigerated doughnuts gently in the microwave for 8-10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 3-4 minutes. Avoid overheating to preserve their soft, tender crumb and prevent drying out. For best results, consume within 24 hours of baking for maximum freshness and flavor.

Best Pairings for Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

  • Pair with Creamy Espresso: Match these chocolate doughnuts with a rich, smooth espresso that cuts through the sweetness and enhances the deep cocoa flavors. The coffee's bold notes will complement the cake's richness perfectly.
  • Serve with Raspberry Coulis: Drizzle a tangy raspberry sauce alongside the doughnuts to create a bright, fresh contrast against the chocolate's deep intensity. The fruity acidity will lift the dessert's richness and add a vibrant dimension.
  • Enjoy with Cold Milk: A classic cold glass of milk provides a simple, refreshing balance to the decadent chocolate doughnuts. The cool, creamy liquid helps cleanse the palate between each delicious bite, making the treat even more enjoyable.
  • Complement with Hazelnut Liqueur: For an adult twist, sip a small glass of hazelnut liqueur that echoes the nutmeg in the recipe and adds a sophisticated nutty undertone to the chocolate doughnuts. The liqueur's warmth will enhance the dessert's complex flavors.

Flavor Variations for Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

  • Spiced Chocolate Doughnut Delight: Add ground cinnamon and ginger to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic flavor profile that complements the chocolate base.
  • Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Fold chopped almonds or pecans into the batter before baking, then sprinkle additional crushed nuts over the glaze for extra texture.
  • Mocha Java Glaze: Replace milk with strong brewed coffee in the glaze recipe and add a touch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate-coffee combination.
  • Salted Caramel Chocolate Rings: Drizzle homemade caramel sauce over the glazed doughnuts and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for a decadent sweet-and-salty experience.

Why You’ll Love These Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

  • Craft Effortless Chocolate Delight: These doughnuts require minimal baking skills, making them perfect for novice bakers wanting to create impressive homemade treats without complex techniques.
  • Indulge in Rich Chocolatey Comfort: The combination of cocoa powder and deep brown sugar creates a luxurious, intensely flavored doughnut that satisfies chocolate lovers with every decadent bite.
  • Enjoy Bakery-Style Perfection at Home: Baked instead of fried, these doughnuts offer a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried versions while maintaining a tender, moist texture and stunning glazed finish that rivals professional bakery quality.
  • Quick Morning or Afternoon Treat: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, these doughnuts are an ideal quick breakfast or spontaneous sweet snack that can be whipped up effortlessly for sudden cravings or unexpected guests.

Essential Ingredients for Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and basic framework for the doughnuts.
  • Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep brown color.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for light and fluffy texture.
  • Salt, Nutmeg: Enhances overall flavor profile with subtle warmth and depth.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter, Brown Sugar: Creates moisture and adds rich caramel-like sweetness.
  • Buttermilk: Provides tenderness and helps activate leavening agents.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to structure and richness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds complex aromatic flavor to the doughnuts.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Confectioners Sugar, Milk: Creates smooth, sweet coating for doughnuts.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds delicate flavor to the glaze.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall glaze taste.
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Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe

Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe


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4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts bring rich cocoa indulgence to classic pastry perfection. Silky chocolate glaze and tender crumb promise delightful moments that will transport sweet lovers directly to dessert bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Flour and Sugar Base:

  • 125 grams (4.4 ounces) all-purpose flour
  • 106 grams (3.7 ounces) light brown sugar
  • 25 grams (0.9 ounces) cocoa powder

Wet Ingredients:

  • 113 milliliters (3.8 fluid ounces) buttermilk, room temperature
  • 56 grams (2 ounces) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Vanilla Glaze:

  • 125 grams (4.4 ounces) confectioners’ sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a doughnut pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick baking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Sift together all dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg in a large mixing bowl until evenly distributed.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter with brown sugar until smooth and well integrated.
  4. Add buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, blending until combined and uniform in texture.
  5. Gradually fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring gently to create a smooth batter without overmixing or leaving flour clumps.
  6. Transfer batter to a piping bag or use a spoon to fill each doughnut cavity approximately 3/4 full, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Bake for 12 to 13 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color and a springy texture when gently pressed.
  8. Remove pan from oven and let doughnuts rest for 5 minutes to stabilize their structure.
  9. Carefully transfer doughnuts to a wire cooling rack, allowing them to reach room temperature completely.
  10. Prepare glaze by whisking confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency.
  11. Dip each cooled doughnut into the glaze, allowing excess to drip off, and place on parchment paper to set.

Notes

  • Unexpected choco-magic happens when you nail the precise mixing technique for these decadent donuts.
  • Whisking dry ingredients separately ensures no clumpy surprises lurk within your smooth batter.
  • Room temperature ingredients create a more harmonious blend, helping everything incorporate seamlessly.
  • Greasing the donut pan thoroughly prevents stubborn sticking and guarantees picture-perfect donuts.
  • Cooling donuts completely before glazing prevents runny, messy toppings and allows for perfect coating coverage.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 242 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 138 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 26 mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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