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Baked Chocolate Cake Donuts Recipe

The next time you have chocolate cravings, give these delicious chocolate cake donuts a try! These baked donuts are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. 

What’s not to love about chocolate cake donuts? They’re fluffy, moist, and downright decadent. Perfect for your donut cravings! 

This chocolate donut recipe is easy to make at home with just a few ingredients.

The deep chocolatey taste satisfies even the most intense chocolate cravings. 

Easy homemade baked chocolate donuts are incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize them with various toppings and glazes. Whether you prefer classic chocolate glaze, sprinkles, or a dusting of powdered sugar, the options are endless. You can even get creative with different flavored cake mixes for unique twists on the classic chocolate donut.

Enjoy your chocolate cake donut recipe for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or bring them to special celebrations to impress friends and family. 

Chocolate Cake Donuts

Chocolate Cake Donuts

How to Make Baked Chocolate Cake Donuts 

Full List of Ingredients

Ingredients for Chocolate Ganache

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    Chocolate Cake Donuts

    Supplies Used:

    Simple Steps

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. If you are using a non-stick donut pan, spray the pan with your favorite non-stick cooking spray. If you are using a silicone donut pan, you may also need to spray that pan as well. 

    Make the cake mix according to the directions on the box in a large bowl. 

    Spoon the donut batter into a piping bag (or Ziploc bag), cut off the tip of the bag, and add the batter into the donut molds. You don’t want to overfill the mold. Just fill them approximately ½ full.  

    Chocolate Cake Donuts

    Bake the donuts for a cooking time of 10 – 12 minutes or until your toothpick or cake tester comes out with just a few moist crumbs on it.  

    When they are done, allow the donuts to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn the pan upside down (if using a non-stick one) on a wire rack and allow them to finish cooling. 

    While the donuts are cooling, you can prepare the rich chocolate glaze. 

    Chocolate Cake Donuts

    In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the chocolate chips and half of the heavy whipping cream. (Only add in a little bit of the cream at a time. You may find you won’t need to use all of it). Turn the burner on medium heat and let the chocolate begin to melt. 

    Once you have melted chocolate, start dipping your donuts.

    You can let the donuts sit for the chocolate to harden or you can eat them right away.  

    Chocolate Cake Donuts

    Tips for Best Results:

    • If after the first batch of donuts you decide that you want them a little fatter, fill the doughnut pans ¾ full instead.
    • You can also add your favorite toppings inside of the donuts before you bake them to add an extra treat. 
    • When you are making the ganache, you do NOT want the chocolate to begin to boil. If it reaches that point, then you have let it go too far. The goal is to slowly let it melt. 
    • When making ganache, you want the chocolate to be smooth, creamy, and silky. You want a beautiful sheen to it. That’s how you know when it’s melted correctly. 
    • You can store the leftover ganache for up to four weeks in an airtight container in the fridge. You can use it to top ice cream, brownies, or just to take a spoon and enjoy a bite or two when you have a craving for chocolate. 
    Chocolate Cake Donuts

    How to Top Your Chocolate Donuts 

    The frosting or topping should complement the chocolate without being too sweet or overly rich. And finally, you want to think about texture when choosing your toppings or frosting. A smooth glaze will give the donut a shiny finish, while something like chopped nuts will add some crunch.

    There are endless flavor possibilities when it comes to donut frosting and toppings. Here are just a few that come to mind that you can add to the top of the donuts. 

    Chocolate Cake Donuts

    Chocolate Cake Donuts

    Baked Chocolate Cake Donuts Recipe

    Yield: 18
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes
    Total Time: 32 minutes
    The next time you have chocolate cravings, give these delicious chocolate cake donuts a try! These baked donuts are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. 

    Ingredients

    • 1 15.25 fl oz box of chocolate cake mix
    • ingredients according to the cake mix
    • Sprinkles, Nuts or Other favorite toppings
    • ¾ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet)
    • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. If you are using a non-stick donut pan, spray the pan with your favorite non-stick cooking spray. If you are using a silicone donut pan, you may also need to spray that pan as well. 

    Make the cake mix according to the directions on the box in a large bowl. 

    Spoon the donut batter into a piping bag (or Ziploc bag), cut off the tip of the bag, and add the batter into the donut molds. You don’t want to overfill the mold. Just fill them approximately ½ full.  

    Bake the donuts for a cooking time of 10 – 12 minutes or until your toothpick or cake tester comes out with just a few moist crumbs on it.  

    When they are done, allow the donuts to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn the pan upside down (if using a non-stick one) on a wire rack and allow them to finish cooling. 

    While the donuts are cooling, you can prepare the rich chocolate glaze. 

    In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the chocolate chips and half of the heavy whipping cream. (Only add in a little bit of the cream at a time. You may find you won’t need to use all of it). Turn the burner on medium heat and let the chocolate begin to melt. 

    Once you have melted chocolate, start dipping your donuts.

    You can let the donuts sit for the chocolate to harden or you can eat them right away.  

    Notes

    Additional Tips for Success When Making Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

    If after the first batch of donuts you decide that you want them a little fatter, fill the doughnut pans ¾ full instead.

    You can also add your favorite toppings inside of the donuts before you bake them to add an extra treat. 

    When you are making the ganache, you do NOT want the chocolate to begin to boil. If it reaches that point, then you have let it go too far. The goal is to slowly let it melt. 

    When making ganache, you want the chocolate to be smooth, creamy, and silky. You want a beautiful sheen to it. That’s how you know when it’s melted correctly. 

    You can store the leftover ganache for up to four weeks in an airtight container in the fridge. You can use it to top ice cream, brownies, or just to take a spoon and enjoy a bite or two when you have a craving for chocolate. 

    What are some of the best toppings or frostings for this chocolate cake donut recipe?

    The frosting or topping should complement the chocolate without being too sweet or overly rich. And finally, you want to think about texture when choosing your toppings or frosting. A smooth glaze will give the donut a shiny finish, while something like chopped nuts will add some crunch.

    There are endless flavor possibilities when it comes to donut frosting and toppings. Here are just a few that come to mind that you can add to the top of the donuts. 

    • Chocolate ganache
    • Peanut buttercream frosting
    • Cookies and cream topping
    • Chocolate hazelnut spread
    • Caramel sauce
    • Marshmallow fluff
    • Whipped cream

    Can a Baked Doughnut Be Frozen?

    Yes, but before they are frosted. You won’t be able to freeze them if they have frosting on them. 

    To freeze them, place them in single layers on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer and leave them in the freezer until they become frozen. This will take anywhere from one to two hours. Once they are frozen, remove them from the freezer and place them in freezer-safe bags and place them in the freezer. They should last for up to two months. 

    Do They Have to Be Refrigerated? 

    Yes, this baked chocolate donut recipe should be refrigerated because of the heavy cream in the ganache. They will last up to one week.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

    Chocolate Cake Donuts

FAQS

Can You Freeze Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?

Yes, but before they are frosted. You won’t be able to freeze them if they have frosting on them. 

To freeze them, place them in single layers on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer and leave them in the freezer until they become frozen. This will take anywhere from one to two hours. Once they are frozen, remove them from the freezer and place them in freezer-safe bags and place them in the freezer. They should last for up to two months. 

Do They Have to Be Refrigerated? 

Yes, this baked chocolate donut recipe should be refrigerated because of the heavy cream in the ganache. They will last up to one week.

Try These Recipes:

  • ¾!– /wp:list-item –>
  • ¼!– /wp:list-item –>
    Chocolate Cake Donuts

    Supplies Used:

    Simple Steps

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. If you are using a non-stick donut pan, spray the pan with your favorite non-stick cooking spray. If you are using a silicone donut pan, you may also need to spray that pan as well. 

    Make the cake mix according to the directions on the box in a large bowl. 

    Spoon the donut batter into a piping bag (or Ziploc bag), cut off the tip of the bag, and add the batter into the donut molds. You don’t want to overfill the mold. Just fill them approximately ½ full.  

    Chocolate Cake Donuts

    Bake the donuts for a cooking time of 10 – 12 minutes or until your toothpick or cake tester comes out with just a few moist crumbs on it.  

    When they are done, allow the donuts to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn the pan upside down (if using a non-stick one) on a wire rack and allow them to finish cooling. 

    While the donuts are cooling, you can prepare the rich chocolate glaze. 

    Chocolate Cake Donuts

    In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the chocolate chips and half of the heavy whipping cream. (Only add in a little bit of the cream at a time. You may find you won’t need to use all of it). Turn the burner on medium heat and let the chocolate begin to melt. 

    Once you have melted chocolate, start dipping your donuts.

    You can let the donuts sit for the chocolate to harden or you can eat them right away.  

    Chocolate Cake Donuts

    Tips for Best Results:

    • If after the first batch of donuts you decide that you want them a little fatter, fill the doughnut pans ¾ full instead.
    • You can also add your favorite toppings inside of the donuts before you bake them to add an extra treat. 
    • When you are making the ganache, you do NOT want the chocolate to begin to boil. If it reaches that point, then you have let it go too far. The goal is to slowly let it melt. 
    • When making ganache, you want the chocolate to be smooth, creamy, and silky. You want a beautiful sheen to it. That’s how you know when it’s melted correctly. 
    • You can store the leftover ganache for up to four weeks in an airtight container in the fridge. You can use it to top ice cream, brownies, or just to take a spoon and enjoy a bite or two when you have a craving for chocolate. 
    Chocolate Cake Donuts

    How to Top Your Chocolate Donuts 

    The frosting or topping should complement the chocolate without being too sweet or overly rich. And finally, you want to think about texture when choosing your toppings or frosting. A smooth glaze will give the donut a shiny finish, while something like chopped nuts will add some crunch.

    There are endless flavor possibilities when it comes to donut frosting and toppings. Here are just a few that come to mind that you can add to the top of the donuts. 

    Chocolate Cake Donuts

    Chocolate Cake Donuts

    Baked Chocolate Cake Donuts Recipe

    Yield: 18
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 12 minutes
    Total Time: 32 minutes
    The next time you have chocolate cravings, give these delicious chocolate cake donuts a try! These baked donuts are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. 

    Ingredients

    • 1 15.25 fl oz box of chocolate cake mix
    • ingredients according to the cake mix
    • Sprinkles, Nuts or Other favorite toppings
    • ¾ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet)
    • ¼ cup heavy whipping cream

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. If you are using a non-stick donut pan, spray the pan with your favorite non-stick cooking spray. If you are using a silicone donut pan, you may also need to spray that pan as well. 

    Make the cake mix according to the directions on the box in a large bowl. 

    Spoon the donut batter into a piping bag (or Ziploc bag), cut off the tip of the bag, and add the batter into the donut molds. You don’t want to overfill the mold. Just fill them approximately ½ full.  

    Bake the donuts for a cooking time of 10 – 12 minutes or until your toothpick or cake tester comes out with just a few moist crumbs on it.  

    When they are done, allow the donuts to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn the pan upside down (if using a non-stick one) on a wire rack and allow them to finish cooling. 

    While the donuts are cooling, you can prepare the rich chocolate glaze. 

    In a medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the chocolate chips and half of the heavy whipping cream. (Only add in a little bit of the cream at a time. You may find you won’t need to use all of it). Turn the burner on medium heat and let the chocolate begin to melt. 

    Once you have melted chocolate, start dipping your donuts.

    You can let the donuts sit for the chocolate to harden or you can eat them right away.  

    Notes

    Additional Tips for Success When Making Chocolate Cake Doughnuts

    If after the first batch of donuts you decide that you want them a little fatter, fill the doughnut pans ¾ full instead.

    You can also add your favorite toppings inside of the donuts before you bake them to add an extra treat. 

    When you are making the ganache, you do NOT want the chocolate to begin to boil. If it reaches that point, then you have let it go too far. The goal is to slowly let it melt. 

    When making ganache, you want the chocolate to be smooth, creamy, and silky. You want a beautiful sheen to it. That’s how you know when it’s melted correctly. 

    You can store the leftover ganache for up to four weeks in an airtight container in the fridge. You can use it to top ice cream, brownies, or just to take a spoon and enjoy a bite or two when you have a craving for chocolate. 

    What are some of the best toppings or frostings for this chocolate cake donut recipe?

    The frosting or topping should complement the chocolate without being too sweet or overly rich. And finally, you want to think about texture when choosing your toppings or frosting. A smooth glaze will give the donut a shiny finish, while something like chopped nuts will add some crunch.

    There are endless flavor possibilities when it comes to donut frosting and toppings. Here are just a few that come to mind that you can add to the top of the donuts. 

    • Chocolate ganache
    • Peanut buttercream frosting
    • Cookies and cream topping
    • Chocolate hazelnut spread
    • Caramel sauce
    • Marshmallow fluff
    • Whipped cream

    Can a Baked Doughnut Be Frozen?

    Yes, but before they are frosted. You won’t be able to freeze them if they have frosting on them. 

    To freeze them, place them in single layers on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer and leave them in the freezer until they become frozen. This will take anywhere from one to two hours. Once they are frozen, remove them from the freezer and place them in freezer-safe bags and place them in the freezer. They should last for up to two months. 

    Do They Have to Be Refrigerated? 

    Yes, this baked chocolate donut recipe should be refrigerated because of the heavy cream in the ganache. They will last up to one week.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

    Chocolate Cake Donuts

FAQS

Can You Freeze Chocolate Cake Doughnuts?

Yes, but before they are frosted. You won’t be able to freeze them if they have frosting on them. 

To freeze them, place them in single layers on a baking sheet that has been lined with parchment paper and place them in the freezer and leave them in the freezer until they become frozen. This will take anywhere from one to two hours. Once they are frozen, remove them from the freezer and place them in freezer-safe bags and place them in the freezer. They should last for up to two months. 

Do They Have to Be Refrigerated? 

Yes, this baked chocolate donut recipe should be refrigerated because of the heavy cream in the ganache. They will last up to one week.

Try These Recipes:

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