Baked Chocolate Cake Donuts

These tender, cake-like chocolate donuts are coated in a sweet chocolate glaze and can be baked in a pan in 30 minutes or less. No messy frying necessary!

This post contains affiliate links. Read the disclosure policy.

About Baked Chocolate Cake Donuts

No matter if you’re craving donuts for breakfast or dessert, this recipe for chocolate cake donuts makes it easy to whip up a batch (or two!) any time you want.

Plus, they’re frosted with a simple chocolate glaze, making them perfect for decorating with your favorite festive sprinkles.

What are cake donuts?

If you’ve ever been to a donut parlor, you’ve probably noticed that these tasty baked goods come in two different types: “yeast” donuts (that typically aren’t labeled as anything other than their flavor) and “cake” donuts.

What separates these two types comes down to the ingredients. Or, more specifically, the leveling agent used for the dough to rise. The “yeast” donuts are what you might expect, as they use yeast as a leveling agent, making their texture very light and chewy. And for cake donuts, a similar principle applies: they use baking soda and/or baking powder to make the dough rise, which is typical in traditional cakes.

Is it “donut” or “doughnut”?

Spelled differently yet pronounced the same, both of these spellings are acceptable – but according to Merriam-Webster, “doughnut” was the original form of the word. “Donut” has become an acceptable shorter variant after it appeared in various publications and businesses (hello, Dunkin’ Donuts). Donut is mostly used in America while doughnut is far more common worldwide.

So which spelling should you use? At this point, there’s no wrong answer, so you can leave it up to your personal preference. As for me, I prefer donut simply because it’s short and sweet.

Do you have to deep fry these donuts?

For this particular recipe, no, these donuts are not deep-fried. The dough is piped into a special donut pan and baked in the oven.

If you’d rather have deep-fried cake donuts, check out this recipe instead.

Tools you’ll need

Before whipping up a batch of these frosted donuts, make sure you have the following on hand:

• 2 mixing bowls
• A whisk
• Pastry bags or a Ziploc bag
• A donut pan
• Cooking spray
• A wire cooling rack

How long do baked donuts last?

Once baked, these donuts can be stored in a sealed container on the counter for three to four days. If stored in the refrigerator, they can last up to one week.

Can you freeze baked donuts?

Yes, you totally can!

Once baked and cooled, wrap the individual donuts in plastic wrap, then store them in a sealed container or freezer bag. Donuts can be frozen for two to three months.

More delicious chocolate recipes

How to make baked chocolate cake donuts

This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. If you’re looking for the full recipe measurements and instructions, scroll down to Recipe Details.

Step 1 – In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 2 – In a larger bowl, whisk the sour cream, milk, egg, canola oil, and vanilla.

Step 3 – Add the dry and wet ingredients together, then mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth.

Step 4 – Spray a donut pan with cooking spray, then fill each cavity in the donut pan about 3/4 of the way. TIP: Using a pastry bag or Ziploc Bag (with a corner cut) will make filling the pan so much easier.

Step 5 – Bake!

Step 6 – While the donuts cool, prepare the glaze by microwaving the chocolate chips, butter, and heavy whipping cream. Mix until the chips have melted and you have a smooth sauce.

Step 7 – Dip the tops of the chocolate cake donuts into the glaze, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to set. If decorating, be sure to add sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.

Step 8 – Enjoy!