There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked chocolate cake doughnuts wafting through the kitchen. These doughnuts are the perfect blend of rich chocolate flavor, tender cake-like texture, and a delightful glaze that adds just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a treat to serve with your morning coffee or a decadent dessert to share with loved ones, these doughnuts are sure to impress. The best part? They’re baked, not fried, making them a slightly lighter indulgence without compromising flavor.
Ingredients
For the doughnuts:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a doughnut pan or spray it with non-stick baking spray.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Create the batter: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be thick but smooth.
- Fill the pan: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared doughnut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into a doughnut comes out clean. Let the doughnuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
- Glaze the doughnuts: Dip each cooled doughnut into the glaze, allowing any excess to drip off. Place the doughnuts back on the wire rack to set.
Enjoy your chocolate cake doughnuts with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, some colorful sprinkles, or just as they are—perfectly chocolatey and delicious!
