Chocolate Cake Donuts

This guide will take you step by step through the process of making delicious Chocolate Cake Donuts. These fluffy, moist donuts are full of chocolate flavor, topped with a rich chocolate glaze, and sure to satisfy every chocolate lover’s cravings. You’ll have these baked donuts ready in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Cake Donuts:

• Quick and Easy: No mixer required, and they bake in under 15 minutes!
• Extra Chocolatey: Dutch process cocoa powder and a rich chocolate glaze give these donuts a deep chocolate flavor.
• Super Moist: Sour cream and whole milk add moisture for a soft, tender crumb.
• Baked, Not Fried: These donuts are baked in a donut pan, so there’s no need to deal with hot oil.

Ingredients

For the Donuts:

• 1 3/4 cups (219 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 cup (40 g) Dutch process cocoa powder (you can use regular cocoa powder, but Dutch process is preferred for a richer chocolate flavor)
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup (112 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (122 g) sour cream, at room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste for extra flavor)

For the Chocolate Glaze:

• 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp coconut oil (or any neutral oil)
• Chocolate shavings (optional, for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Donut Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan with non-stick spray or butter to prevent the donuts from sticking.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:

• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup Dutch process cocoa powder
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt

Once combined, set this bowl aside.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix the following wet ingredients until smooth:

• 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (room temperature)
• 2 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this could result in dense donuts.

Step 5: Pipe the Donut Batter into the Pan

Transfer the donut batter into a piping bag (or use a ziplock bag with the tip cut off) to easily pipe the batter into the donut wells.

• Fill each donut cavity about 3/4 full with batter.

Step 6: Bake the Donuts

Place the donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean.

• Let the donuts cool in the pan for 2 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 7: Make the Chocolate Glaze

While the donuts are cooling, make the glaze.

• In a double boiler or heatproof bowl, melt 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1 tbsp coconut oil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until smooth.

• Once melted, remove from the heat and transfer the glaze to a shallow bowl to make dipping easier.

Step 8: Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts have cooled completely:

1. Dip each donut into the chocolate glaze, covering the top completely.
2. Place the glazed donuts on a cooling rack to allow the glaze to set.

Step 9: Add Chocolate Shavings (Optional)

If you like, sprinkle chocolate shavings over the top of each donut while the glaze is still slightly tacky.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Allow the glaze to fully set (you can place the donuts in the fridge to speed up the process) and enjoy your homemade chocolate cake donuts!

Storage Tips

• Store these donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer them fresh, you can also freeze them! Wrap each donut tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of Dutch process cocoa powder?

Yes, you can use regular cocoa powder. However, Dutch process cocoa powder has a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor, which is why it’s recommended for this recipe.

Can these donuts be fried?

No, this recipe is specifically for baked donuts. If you’re looking for a fried donut recipe, you’ll need a different method.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

While I haven’t tested this recipe with gluten-free flour, you could try substituting a gluten-free flour blend. If you do, let me know how it turns out!

Can I make donut holes instead of full-sized donuts?

Yes! If you have a donut hole pan or mini muffin pan, you can make donut holes instead. Start by baking them for 8 minutes and adjust the baking time as needed.

Pro Tips for Perfect Donuts

1. Measure flour properly: Always spoon the flour into your measuring cup, then level it off. Don’t scoop directly from the flour container, as this can lead to too much flour.

2. Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your wet ingredients are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to curdle, resulting in uneven donuts.

3. Don’t over-mix: Stir the batter until the ingredients are just combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough donuts.

Enjoy More Chocolate Treats!

If you loved these Chocolate Cake Donuts, try these other amazing chocolate recipes:

• Double Chocolate Banana Bread
• Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies
• Chocolate Cake

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious, chocolatey donuts that are sure to become a favorite in your household!