Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts Recipe

If you are craving something irresistibly rich yet light, these Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts might just become your new favorite treat. These doughnuts combine the deep, comforting flavor of cocoa with the tender crumb of a cake doughnut, all topped off with a smooth, vanilla glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness and shine. Perfectly fluffy from the buttermilk and wonderfully moist from melted butter, this recipe balances chocolatey indulgence with an easy-to-make approach you’ll love to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the key to achieving that perfect blend of flavor and texture in these doughnuts. Each component adds its own special character, from the rich cocoa powder that gives depth to the chocolate, to the buttermilk which keeps the doughnuts tender and moist.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the perfect base for the cake doughnuts.
• Cocoa powder: Infuses a deep chocolate flavor that’s rich but not overpowering.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Work together to make these doughnuts light and fluffy.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds moistness and a subtle richness.
• Light brown sugar: Introduces a caramel undertone and helps keep the doughnuts tender.
• Buttermilk: Plays a crucial role in tenderness and adds a slight tang.
• Eggs: Provide structure and richness—make sure to use them at room temperature.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth into the batter and glaze.
• Nutmeg: A hint of spice that complements the chocolate beautifully.
• Confectioners’ sugar: The base for the sweet and glossy vanilla glaze.
• Milk: Adds the perfect consistency to the glaze for dipping.
• Pinch of salt: Balances the glaze, keeping it from being overly sweet.

How to Make Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Step 1: Prepare Your Doughnut Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your doughnut pan with butter or baking spray to ensure easy release. In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and light brown sugar until evenly combined. In another bowl, mix the room temperature buttermilk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract thoroughly. Slowly add the wet ingredients into the dry, folding gently until just combined and no pockets of flour remain. This is your base for wonderfully tender doughnuts that will bake up beautifully.

Step 2: Fill and Bake

Pipe or spoon the batter into the doughnut pan cavities, filling each about three-quarters full. This ensures the doughnuts rise just right without overflowing. Bake them for 11 to 13 minutes, or until they have a subtle golden hue and spring back lightly when touched. Once baked, remove them from the oven and allow the doughnuts to rest in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Re-greasing your pan before each batch helps keep everything smooth and mess-free.

Step 3: Make the Vanilla Glaze

While your doughnuts cool, mix together confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a bowl until the glaze is completely smooth and glossy. This glaze is what gives these treats their signature shine and a lovely sweet contrast to the chocolate cake beneath. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk; if too thin, add a tad more confectioners’ sugar.

Step 4: Dip and Dry

Once your cake doughnuts have cooled to room temperature, dip each one carefully into the vanilla glaze, allowing excess glaze to drip off. Place them on a cooling rack set over a paper towel to catch any drips. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before serving so you get that perfect glossy finish and just the right sweetness in every bite.

How to Serve Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

Garnishes

While the classic vanilla glaze shines perfectly by itself, you can elevate these doughnuts by adding a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a dusting of cocoa powder or edible gold flakes. These simple garnishes add texture and visual appeal, making each doughnut feel special and inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair these doughnuts with a cold glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a creamy chai latte for a delightful snack or breakfast treat. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream on the side could also bring a bright, fresh contrast to the richness of the doughnuts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, stack the doughnuts on a pretty tiered stand for brunch, or serve them with a small bowl of extra glaze or chocolate sauce for dipping. Wrapping them individually with cute parchment and twine can make them perfect gifts or party favors. These doughnuts are great for sharing and will definitely be the star of any spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover glazed chocolate cake doughnuts, keep them fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Storing them in the fridge isn’t ideal, as it can dry them out, but you may refrigerate if you live in a warm climate—just allow the doughnuts to come back to room temperature before eating.

Freezing

You can freeze these doughnuts either glazed or unglazed. For best results, freeze them unglazed in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw overnight at room temperature and dip in glaze just before serving to maintain their fresh-baked texture and shine.

Reheating

To warm your doughnuts, gently heat them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for a few minutes. Reheat with care to avoid drying them out—once warmed, you can refresh the glaze if it has softened or lost its shine.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Absolutely, but to mimic the tanginess and acidity of buttermilk which tenderizes the doughnuts, add a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of regular milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

What kind of pan do I need for these doughnuts?

A doughnut pan is recommended to get the traditional shape and even bake. Silicone or metal pans both work well—just be sure to grease them thoroughly.

Can I make these doughnuts vegan?

You can try substituting the eggs with flax or chia eggs, plant-based milk mixed with vinegar for buttermilk, and vegan butter, but results might vary. The texture may change slightly, but the chocolate flavor will still shine through.

How thick should the vanilla glaze be?

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still runny enough to dip the doughnuts easily. Adjust by adding small amounts of milk or confectioners’ sugar until you get the right consistency.

Can I add other flavors to the glaze?

Definitely! Try almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist, or add a teaspoon of brewed espresso for a mocha glaze that pairs beautifully with chocolate doughnuts.

Final Thoughts

Making Glazed Chocolate Cake Doughnuts at home is one of those joyful kitchen adventures that fills your house with irresistible aromas and your heart with satisfaction. With their tender crumb, rich chocolate flavor, and luscious vanilla glaze, these doughnuts bring a touch of homemade magic to any day. I encourage you to grab your ingredients, have fun with the process, and share the delight that comes from biting into a doughnut made with love.

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