Irresistible Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe for Beginners

Weekends call for indulgent treats that make taste buds dance with pure chocolate bliss.

These homemade glazed chocolate cake doughnuts bring bakery-style magic right into your kitchen.

Soft, rich, and impossibly tender, they promise a decadent experience that beats any store-bought pastry.

The deep chocolate flavor melts seamlessly with a silky sweet glaze that creates an irresistible finish.

Each doughnut emerges golden and perfectly shaped, ready to satisfy the most intense dessert cravings.

Warm from the oven and coated in a sugary embrace, these doughnuts transform an ordinary morning into an extraordinary culinary moment.

Let’s find out this recipe and let chocolate happiness reign supreme.

Serving Glazed Doughnuts the Tasty Way

• Chocolate Lover's Dream: Serve these rich chocolate doughnuts alongside a steaming cup of fresh coffee or hot cocoa for an indulgent breakfast or afternoon treat.
• Decadent Dessert Pairing: Complement the doughnuts with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to enhance the chocolate flavor and add a creamy contrast.
• Party Perfect Platter: Create an eye-catching dessert display by arranging the glazed doughnuts on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries, mint leaves, and a light dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant touch.
• Kids' Celebration Idea: Turn these doughnuts into a fun activity by setting up a glaze and topping station with sprinkles, chopped nuts, and additional chocolate drizzle, letting children customize their own sweet creation.

How to Store Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Properly

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Airtight Container Magic: Store glazed doughnuts in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping them soft and fresh. Layer with parchment paper between each doughnut to prevent sticking.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Wrap individual doughnuts in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Allow them to reach room temperature before enjoying for the best taste and texture.
• Freezing Technique: Freeze unglazed doughnuts for up to 1 month. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with wax paper. Thaw at room temperature and add glaze just before serving for maximum flavor.
• Make-Ahead Wisdom: Prepare batter the night before and refrigerate, allowing flavors to develop. Bake fresh doughnuts in the morning for a delightful breakfast treat that tastes like it was just made.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 33 minutes

Calories: 213 kcal

Servings: 13

Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Ingredient Rundown

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides sturdy structure and foundation for doughnut's tender crumb, choose unbleached flour for best texture.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate depth, select high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa for intense flavor.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Crucial leavening agents creating light, airy texture with perfect rise.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances sweetness.
• Nutmeg: Adds warm, subtle spice undertone complementing chocolate.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates moisture and richness, ensure room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Light Brown Sugar: Contributes deep caramel notes and soft moisture.
• Buttermilk: Provides tangy flavor and tender crumb, use full-fat version for best results.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds structural stability.
• Vanilla Extract: Intensifies overall flavor profile with aromatic sweetness.

• Confectioners' Sugar: Creates smooth, glossy coating with perfect drizzling consistency.
• Milk: Thins glaze to ideal dripping texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances glaze's aromatic sweetness.
• Salt: Balances glaze's sweetness with subtle complexity.

Tool for Making Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

• Donut pan: Essential for creating perfectly shaped doughnuts.
• Large mixing bowls: Two needed for separating dry and wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients and mixing batters smoothly.
• Piping bag or spoon: Helps to neatly fill donut pan cavities.
• Wire cooling rack: Allows doughnuts to cool evenly and prevent sogginess.
• Medium bowl: Used for preparing the glaze mixture.
• Parchment paper: Catches glaze drips and makes cleanup easier.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities.

Steps to Bake Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

• Preparation Station

Set up your baking workspace with all needed equipment. Warm your oven to create a cozy baking environment that feels welcoming and ready for chocolate magic.

• Dry Ingredient Symphony

Blend cocoa powder and flour together, creating a rich chocolatey base that promises delicious results. Whisk in complementary spices to enhance depth of flavor.

• Wet Mixture Creation

Combine melted butter with smooth brown sugar, whisking until everything looks glossy and integrated. Add liquid ingredients that will transform your mixture into something extraordinary.

• Batter Harmony

Gently fold wet and dry ingredients together, creating a luscious chocolate batter that looks smooth and inviting. Mix carefully to maintain light, tender texture.

• Donut Pan Filling

Carefully distribute batter into donut cavities, allowing each space to be generously filled but not overflowing. Aim for an even distribution that promises perfect shapes.

• Baking Adventure

Place pan in preheated oven, watching as your kitchen fills with rich chocolate aromas. Bake until donuts look golden and spring back when touched.

• Glaze Magic

Create a silky smooth glaze by whisking together sweet ingredients until perfectly combined. Dip cooled donuts, letting excess drip away for a beautiful finish.

Tips to Elevate Glazed Chocolate Doughnuts

• Sift dry ingredients to eliminate lumps and ensure a smoother, more consistent donut texture that melts in your mouth.
• Experiment with flavor additions like espresso powder, orange zest, or a splash of bourbon to transform the classic glaze into something extraordinary.
• For extra moisture, replace buttermilk with Greek yogurt or sour cream, which adds richness and prevents dry donuts.
• Sprinkle crushed nuts, colorful sprinkles, or drizzle melted dark chocolate over the glaze to elevate the visual and taste experience.
• Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze unglazed donuts for future enjoyment.

Decadent Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 13 1x

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Description

Homemade glazed chocolate cake doughnuts combine rich cocoa with sweet vanilla glaze for an irresistible treat. Rich chocolate flavor and silky smooth coating make these doughnuts a perfect weekend indulgence you’ll want to share with friends.

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Ingredients

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• 1 egg, room temperature
• 113 mL (3.8 fl oz) buttermilk, room temperature
• 106 grams (3.7 oz) light brown sugar
• 125 grams (4.4 oz) all-purpose flour
• 125 grams (4.4 oz) confectioners’ sugar
• 56 grams (2 oz) unsalted butter, melted
• 25 grams (0.9 oz) cocoa powder
• 2 tbsps milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a doughnut pan with butter or non-stick spray to ensure easy release.
2. Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg together in a large bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
3. Wet Mixture: Whisk melted butter with brown sugar, then incorporate buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-blended.
4. Batter Creation: Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing carefully to form a consistent batter without overmixing or leaving flour pockets.
5. Baking: Pipe or spoon batter into doughnut cavities, filling each about 3/4 full, and bake for 12-13 minutes until golden and springy to the touch.
6. Cooling Process: Allow doughnuts to rest in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely to room temperature.
7. Glaze Preparation: Whisk confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until achieving a silky, glossy glaze consistency.
8. Finishing Touch: Dip each cooled doughnut into the glaze, letting excess drip off, and place on parchment paper to set the coating.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold wet and dry ingredients to maintain a light, tender texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Temperature Matters: Use room temperature buttermilk and egg to ensure even mixing and consistent baking results.
• Fill Carefully: Don’t overfill doughnut cavities; 3/4 full ensures perfect rise and prevents messy overflow during baking.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow doughnuts to cool completely before glazing to prevent glaze from melting and ensure a smooth, glossy finish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 13
• Calories: 213
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 34 mg