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Home » Desserts » Chocolate Cake Donut Recipe

Chocolate Cake Donut Recipe

21 Comments By Jesseca on June 28, 2023

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This chocolate cake donut recipe gives you a soft and moist treat! Dipped in a chocolate ganache and topped with chocolate sprinkles – this is the perfect baked chocolate donut.

Homemade Chocolate Cake Donuts

Why you’ll love this Cake Donut recipe

  • Double Chocolate Donut: With a chocolate cake base AND chocolate ganache, this donut is approved by all chocolate lovers.
  • Fun for Dessert OR Breakfast: I mean, we eat it for both.
  • Baked Not Fried: Which means you have less mess and easier cleanup!

It is well known around my family that I am not much of a chocolate fan. I would much rather reach for something packed with citrus or maybe even a slice of cheesecake. There are, however, two exceptions to this no-chocolate rule:

1. Brownies
2. Chocolate Dunford Donuts

Since I already have several versions of brownies that I am in love with, I figured it was time I tried my hand at a copycat donut.  This recipe produces a rich chocolate cake donut that is light and unbelievably delicious. When dipped in a homemade chocolate ganache they are irresistible.

Chocolate donuts stacked on a white cake stand.

Baked Cake Donut Recipe Ingredients

My seven year old declared these the greatest donuts in all of the land! Disclaimer? He loves anything chocolate and has a hard time staying objective, but I have to agree. This is the perfect baked donut recipe.

For a full list of ingredients and measurements see the recipe card below.

  • All-purpose flour
  • Dark cocoa powder- Also known as Dutch cocoa.
  • Brown sugar
  • Baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Be sure to use fresh leavening agents to ensure a light and fluffy donut.
  • Eggs
  • Buttermilk
  • Vanilla
  • Butter
  • Chocolate Chips- Semi sweet!

How to make Chocolate Donuts – step by step instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly mist two donut pans (affiliate) with cooking spray and set aside for later use.
  2. Stir together the flour. cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Whisk (affiliate) the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and melted butter in a large measuring cup. Pour into your dry ingredients and mix until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  4. Spoon your batter into a large Ziploc or reusable piping bag (affiliate). Cut the corner with scissors and pipe into your prepared pans until 1/2 full. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  5. For the glaze: combine the chocolate chips, butter, corn syrup, and water in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 20 seconds at a time, stirring in between sessions, until melted. Dip your donuts and sprinkle with chocolate jimmies.
Chocolate Sprinkles

I decided to go with the baked chocolate donut vs fried. This variety is more cake like and perfect for our morning treat. We dipped them in a sweet chocolate ganache that was the absolute perfect finishing touch.

How to make glaze for this Baked Cake Donut Recipe

  1. Add chocolate chips, butter, corn syrup, and water in a microwave safe bowl.
  2. Heat until the chips are melted and the glaze is smooth.
  3. Dip your donuts and let them set until firm.
chocolate donut on wooden table

Helpful tools for this Chocolate Cake Donut recipe

Baking donuts is a quick and easy if you have the right tools. Here are a few items we suggest using while making this recipe:

  • Donut pan (affiliate)- If you want that classic donut shape you will want to use a donut pan (affiliate). We like this one (affiliate). It is non stick and comes in a set of two which is ideal for this recipe that makes half a dozen donuts! 
  • Zip top bags- You can always spoon the batter into the prepared pans, but a zip top bag makes it much easier. We use a gallon size, fill with batter, and snip the corner. From there you can easily pipe the batter into the round circles of the donut pan. 

Chocolate Cake Donut storage

To properly store chocolate cake donuts and maintain their freshness, make sure you keep them stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you expect the donuts to last longer than a day or two, storing them in the refrigerator can help prolong their freshness. Again, place them in an airtight container or bag to prevent them from drying out. Remember that refrigeration can cause the donuts to become slightly denser, but they will still be enjoyable.

Chocolate Cake Donut Recipe FAQs

What makes cake donuts different?

Overall, cake donuts have a distinct texture, flavor, and preparation method that sets them apart from yeast donuts. They offer a delightful, slightly denser bite and can be customized with various flavors and toppings to cater to different preferences.

Are cake donuts fried or baked?

Cake donuts, at least this recipe, is traditionally baked. However, there are cake donuts that are fried. Whether you choose to fry or bake cake donuts is a matter of personal preference. Both methods can produce delicious results, and it’s up to you to decide which cooking technique suits your taste and dietary preferences.

What is the difference between old-fashioned donuts and cake donuts?

Old-fashioned donuts often have a slightly richer flavor due to the inclusion of ingredients like butter or shortening. They may have hints of nutmeg or other spices. Cake donuts, as the name suggests, have a taste reminiscent of cake, with a tender and moist crumb. The flavors can vary depending on the additions like vanilla, chocolate, or other flavorings.

More Donut Recipes

Like this recipe? You will love my:

  • Copycat Krispy Kreme Donuts
  • Apple Cider Donuts
  • Baked Pumpkin Donuts
  • Cookie Butter Donut Bites
  • Maple Bacon Donuts
  • Grilled Cheese Donut Sandwich
4.40 from 61 votes

Chocolate Baked Cake Donut Recipe

Created by: Jesseca

Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes minutes
Total Time 35 minutes minutes
12 donuts
This chocolate cake donut recipe gives you a soft and moist treat! Dipped in a chocolate ganache and topped with chocolate sprinkles – this is the perfect baked chocolate donut.
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Ingredients
 
 

For the Donut:

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup dark cocoa powder
  • 1¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons corn syrup
  • 2 teaspoons water

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Lightly mist two donut pans with cooking spray and set aside for later use.
  • 2. Stir together the flour. cocoa, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  • 3. Whisk the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla, and melted butter in a large measuring cup. Pour into your dry ingredients and mix until combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
  • 4. Spoon your batter into a large Ziploc. Cut the corner with scissors and pipe into your prepared pans until 1/2 full. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • 5. For the glaze combine the chocolate chips, butter, corn syrup, and water in a microwave safe bowl. Heat for 20 seconds at a time, stirring in between sessions, until melted. Dip your donuts and sprinkle with chocolate jimmies.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Servings | Calories: 383kcal | Carbohydrates: 169g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 461mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 69g

Equipment

Cooling Racks 
Silicone Spatulas
Scoop

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This chocolate cake donut recipe gives you a soft and moist treat! Dipped in a chocolate ganache and topped with chocolate sprinkles - this is the perfect baked chocolate donut.

Still hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for more great recipe ideas!

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    Comments & Reviews

  1. Trese says

    June 23, 2023

    5 stars
    Donuts cane out super moist with a depth of chocolate flavor! Used semi-sweet chocolate chips in donut batter instead of mini chocolate chips. Chose not to do the icing based on previous comment stating it was bitter. However, the donuts are quite tasty without the icing!

    Reply
    • Jesseca says

      June 25, 2023

      Hi Trese, I love to hear that! Thank you for taking the time to review and leave suggestions.

      Reply
  2. Lily R says

    May 7, 2023

    4 stars
    Great recipe for the mix. Made 36 mini donuts. The glaze was too bitter for me – maybe would try white chocolate or normal chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.

    Reply
    • Jesseca says

      May 7, 2023

      Thanks for the feedback, Lily.

      Reply
  3. Laura C. says

    April 22, 2023

    5 stars
    My teen sons loved these! Deep rich chocolate flavor and great texture.

    Reply
    • Jesseca says

      April 22, 2023

      I’m so glad to hear that, Laura!

      Reply
  4. Lucia says

    January 8, 2023

    Can these be made ahead?

    Reply
    • Jesseca says

      January 9, 2023

      Yes. These will last up to five days, if stored in an airtight container. We find them best eaten within 3 days. After that they will start to dry slightly, but still taste delicious.

      Reply
  5. Chip w. says

    October 28, 2022

    turned out consistent and not dry but the unglazed ones taste very plain, any way to add more sweet/zest/kick?

    Reply
    • Jesseca says

      October 28, 2022

      Hi Chip, you can add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the dry ingredients to help boost the chocolate flavor. Or mix in some mini chocolate chips.

      Reply
  6. Anna says

    August 10, 2020

    Can this recipe be used for chocolate muffins

    Reply
    • Jesseca says

      August 11, 2020

      I’ve never tried it for muffins, so I couldn’t answer for sure. I’d assume so.

      Reply
  7. Kara says

    January 27, 2020

    I’d love to have the reeces donut reciepe

    Reply
  8. Erin says

    April 24, 2019

    Hi! How many does this recipe yield?

    Reply
    • Jesseca says

      April 25, 2019

      12 donuts

      Reply
  9. Lauren says

    January 28, 2019

    Can i make these without a donut pan?

    Reply
    • Jesseca says

      January 29, 2019

      Since this is a baked donut I would not recommend making them without a pan. However, you could attempt to fill a large zip top bag with the batter, snip the corner, and pipe out your donuts onto a parchment lined baking tray.

      I do not guarantee that this method will work since I have not tried it myself.

      Reply
  10. Thomas Coleman says

    September 12, 2016

    Ohm…I neeeeed a baking donut pan NOW!! These look amazing!

    Reply
  11. Sandra says

    June 27, 2016

    Hi- these look delicious! One question – by dark cocoa,do you mean Dutch cocoa? Thanks!

    Reply
  12. Victoria says

    June 7, 2016

    look so good, like this taste

    Reply
  13. Kelly says

    June 4, 2016

    These look absolutely perfect! I’m with you, citrus desserts are my favorite but these gorgeous donuts would totally be right there at the top! Love the sprinkles!

    Reply

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Jesseca - Author of One Sweet Appetite

Welcome, I'm Jesseca!

I could not be more excited to have you join me in my kitchen! Everyday easy recipes are my specialty, which means you will find so many fast, quick, and delicious recipes throughout my site. My goal is to create go-to recipes using simple ingredients and pantry staples.

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