Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are a delightful treat that combines the best of cake and doughnuts in one irresistible package. These soft and fluffy doughnuts are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack anytime you crave something sweet. With a rich chocolate flavor and a smooth vanilla glaze, they stand out at any gathering or celebration. Plus, they’re easy to make, so you can whip them up for special occasions or just because!

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- Dry Ingredients
- Wet Ingredients
- Glaze Ingredients
- How to Make Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Step 2: Prepare the Doughnut Pan
- Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
- Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
- Step 6: Fill the Pan
- Step 7: Bake
- Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
- Step 9: Glaze the Doughnuts
- How to Serve Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- With Coffee
- With Milk
- As Dessert
- On a Brunch Table
- Dipped in Glaze
- With Sprinkles
- How to Perfect Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Best Side Dishes for Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Reheating Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts different from fried doughnuts?
- Can I customize my Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?
- How do I ensure my doughnuts rise properly?
- What is the best way to enjoy Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 5 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious doughnuts ready in no time.
- Decadent Flavor: Rich cocoa powder and vanilla extract create an unforgettable taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack; these doughnuts fit any occasion.
- Healthier Alternative: Baked instead of fried, these doughnuts offer a lighter option without sacrificing flavor.
- Easy to Customize: Feel free to experiment with different toppings or add-ins to make them uniquely yours.
Tools and Preparation
To make these Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure your baking process goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
Importance of Each Tool
- Doughnut pan: This specialized pan shapes the doughnuts perfectly and helps them bake evenly.
- Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for easy mixing of ingredients without spills.
- Whisk: A good whisk ensures that dry ingredients blend well with wet ingredients for smooth batter.
Ingredients
Soft and fluffy chocolate cake doughnuts dipped in a vanilla glaze.
Dry Ingredients
- 125 grams all purpose flour
- 25 grams cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp kosher salt
Wet Ingredients
- 56 grams unsalted butter (melted)
- 106 grams light brown sugar
- 113 ml buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Glaze Ingredients
- 125 grams confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch salt
How to Make Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring even cooking as the doughnuts bake.
Step 2: Prepare the Doughnut Pan
Lightly grease your doughnut pan with nonstick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the following:
1. All purpose flour
2. Cocoa powder
3. Baking powder
4. Baking soda
5. Kosher salt
Whisk these dry ingredients together until thoroughly combined.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, mix:
1. Melted butter
2. Light brown sugar
Whisk until smooth. Then add in buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and nutmeg. Mix until well blended.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while stirring gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 6: Fill the Pan
Use a piping bag or spoon to fill each cavity of the doughnut pan about halfway full with batter.
Step 7: Bake
Place the filled pan in the preheated oven and bake for 11 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the doughnuts are cooling, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
Step 9: Glaze the Doughnuts
Once cooled slightly, dip each doughnut into the glaze allowing excess to drip off before placing them on a wire rack.
Enjoy your homemade Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts as they bring joy to every bite!
How to Serve Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Baked chocolate cake doughnuts are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these doughnuts can be paired with different accompaniments to enhance their flavor and presentation.
With Coffee
- Pair your doughnuts with a hot cup of coffee for a classic breakfast combo. The rich chocolate flavor complements the bitterness of coffee beautifully.
With Milk
- Enjoy these doughnuts with a glass of cold milk. It’s a nostalgic pairing that works perfectly for both kids and adults alike.
As Dessert
- Serve baked chocolate cake doughnuts as a dessert after dinner. They can be garnished with berries or served alongside ice cream for an indulgent finish.
On a Brunch Table
- These doughnuts are great for brunch gatherings. Arrange them on a platter with fruits and other pastries for a delightful spread.
Dipped in Glaze
- For an extra touch, dip your doughnuts in glaze right before serving. A vanilla or chocolate glaze adds sweetness and enhances the visual appeal.
With Sprinkles
- Top your glazed doughnuts with colorful sprinkles. This fun addition is perfect for celebrations or special occasions.

How to Perfect Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
To achieve the best results when making baked chocolate cake doughnuts, follow these helpful tips.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and leads to fluffier doughnuts.
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Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to avoid dense doughnuts. Overmixing can lead to tough textures instead of light and fluffy ones.
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Preheat Your Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps the doughnuts rise properly.
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Grease the Pan Well: Use non-stick spray or butter to grease your doughnut pan generously. This will prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
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Cool Before Glazing: Allow the doughnuts to cool slightly before dipping them in glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting off and makes for a nicer finish.
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Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for added depth of flavor. You can also try different extracts like almond or orange for variety.
Best Side Dishes for Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Baked chocolate cake doughnuts pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their rich taste. Here’s a list of some delicious options you might consider serving alongside them:
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the doughnuts.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and berries provides creaminess, crunch, and nutrition.
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Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs make for a savory side that offsets the sweetness of the doughnut.
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Hash Browns: Crispy hash browns are perfect for adding texture and heartiness to your meal.
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Smoothie Bowl: A vibrant smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds offers both health benefits and flavor contrasts.
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Ice Cream Scoop: For dessert lovers, serving warm doughnuts with a scoop of ice cream creates an indulgent treat.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide salty bites that pair well with sweet flavors.
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Chocolate Sauce: Serve alongside melted chocolate sauce for dipping, enhancing that chocolatey goodness even more!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts can be fun, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Incorrect Measurements: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Using too much or too little flour or sugar can affect the texture and taste.
- Overmixing the Batter: Be gentle when mixing. Overmixing can lead to tough doughnuts instead of soft and fluffy ones.
- Skipping the Glaze: Don’t skip the vanilla glaze! It adds a delightful sweetness that complements the chocolate flavor perfectly.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Make sure your oven is preheated before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect rise.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Room temperature ingredients blend better. Take your eggs and buttermilk out ahead of time for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Baked chocolate cake doughnuts will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Wrap each doughnut individually in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 5-7 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts:
What makes Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts different from fried doughnuts?
Baked chocolate cake doughnuts are lighter and fluffier due to their baking method, while fried doughnuts tend to be denser and richer.
Can I customize my Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?
Absolutely! You can add toppings like sprinkles, nuts, or even chocolate chips to customize them to your taste.
How do I ensure my doughnuts rise properly?
Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh, and avoid overmixing the batter as it can prevent proper rising.
What is the best way to enjoy Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?
These doughnuts are best enjoyed fresh, but you can also pair them with coffee or milk for a delightful treat any time of day!
Final Thoughts
Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are not only easy to make but also deliciously versatile. You can customize them with various toppings or flavors based on your preference. Try making these irresistible treats today; they’re sure to bring joy and satisfaction with every bite!
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📖 Recipe Card
PrintBaked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts
Baked Chocolate Cake Doughnuts are a heavenly fusion of cake and doughnuts, perfect for any sweet craving. These light and fluffy treats boast a rich chocolate flavor and a luscious vanilla glaze, making them an ideal choice for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch that is sure to impress at any gathering or celebration. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, offering a healthier alternative without compromising on taste. Embrace the joy of baking and treat yourself to these delightful doughnuts today!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 125 grams all-purpose flour
- 25 grams cocoa powder
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 56 grams unsalted butter (melted)
- 106 grams light brown sugar
- 113 ml buttermilk (room temperature)
- 1 egg (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 125 grams confectioners' sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
- Pinch of salt (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a doughnut pan.
- In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth. Add buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and nutmeg; blend well.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until just mixed.
- Fill each cavity of the doughnut pan halfway with batter.
- Bake for approximately 11 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool slightly before glazing with a mixture of confectioners' sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg





