This is a donut emergency post, one that I am rushing since since my Baked Chocolate Cake Donuts got re-grammed by Today Food. Hangry people from all over Instagram want this recipe. Since I work even better under pressure, I’m ready!
I love The Today Show, especially their food segments, Today Food. And they seem to love all of my baked donuts! In addition to these Chocolate Cake Donuts, they’ve put up my Maple Bacon Donuts and my Baked Pumpkin Donuts on their Instagram page. Hmm, my Mom is right, they should just put me on a segment to make some donuts!
These Baked Chocolate Donuts are fudgy, cakey, and full on chocolate flavor. They start with a soft dark chocolate cake donut that then has two topping options: a fluffy chocolate frosting or a shiny chocolate glaze.
I realized the other day that I spend way too much money on butter and wine. But hey, Bakers Gonna Bake and winos gotta wine.
Baked Donuts
What I love about baked donuts is that you get to eat dessert for breakfast with a legitimate morning title. But in essence, donuts satisfy a sweet tooth and can definitely be eaten anytime. These Chocolate Baked donuts are super fudgy and soft. When you bite in you will want to close your eyes and get lost in the chocolate, texture, and groan worthy moment of bliss.
For these chocolate baked donuts, there is a simple way to make these vegan as well. Check the recipe notes below for the details.
A tall glass of milk or red wine is the recommended pairing, depending on what time of day you are treating yourself to these Chocolate Baked Donuts. Although, if you have tuned in to watch me making cocktails on KSDK’s “Show Me St. Louis”, morning is a completely acceptable time to begin Happy Hour!
How To Make Chocolate Baked Donuts
These chocolate baked donuts couldn’t be easier. The only special equipment you need are donut pans. Piping out the donut batter is recommended, however, spooning it out will also work. Additionally, since these are baked, they are lighter in calories. Translation, you can eat more donuts since they are baked! Right?
Begin by buttering up two donut pans. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Melt butter and set aside. The rest of this donut batter is a one bowl method that you throw together in minutes. I’m telling you, super easy and quick recipe that is so yummy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth. Then dump in unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda. Switch to a wooden spoon or spatula and gently incorporate until just mixed. Lastly, pour in the melted butter and fold in gently.
Fill a piping bag and pipe out donuts evenly. Fill each about 2/3 full as these chocolate baked donuts rise. This recipe yields approximately 8 donuts.
Bake the chocolate baked donuts for 12-15 minutes. Cool in the tins for 10 minutes. Then turn them out onto a cooling rack.

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Glaze or Frosting
Shiny glaze or fluffy chocolate frosting, that is the question. While the donuts are cooling, make your decision and proceed. Or make a mix of both!
To make a shiny, glossy, and smooth chocolate glaze, use a bowl large enough to dip the donuts in. Whisk together powdered sugar with cocoa powder. Then drizzle in some heavy cream and corn syrup and whisk until smooth. Corn syrup will give you that mirror glaze type shine. Take a cooled donut and dip it into the chocolate glaze. Then place onto a baking sheet or your cooling rack, but have a parchment sheet down to catch any possible drips. Then immediately cover with sprinkles or mini chocolate chips.
To make a fluffy chocolate frosting do the following. Whisk together your soft butter with powdered sugar. Then drizzle in some milk and vanilla extract and stir until smooth. Spread onto the baked chocolate donuts and sprinkle on sprinkles or mini chocolate chips. This frosting is a take on what I used for my Chocolate Sugar Cookies.

Join me on Instagram and tag your chocolate baked donuts with #ritzymom @ritzymomblog!

Baked Chocolate Cake Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup AP Flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg or 1/8 cup unsweetened applesauce (for vegan)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or (1/4 cup coconut milk solids skimmed from top of the can)
- 1/4 cup whole milk or 3 tablespoons coconut milk left in can
- 4 tablespoons melted butter or melted coconut oil / or canola oil
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Glaze (Glossy)
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons corn syrup
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
- 4 tablespoons butter, softened or vegan butter
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 teaspoons milk or almond milk for vegan
- sprinkles or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
-
Begin by buttering up two donut pans. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
Melt butter and set aside. The rest of this donut batter is a one bowl method that you throw together in minutes. I’m telling you, super easy and quick recipe that is so yummy.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, egg, vanilla extract, and sour cream until smooth. Then dump in unsweetened cocoa powder, flour, salt, sugar, and baking soda. Switch to a wooden spoon or spatula and gently incorporate until just mixed. Lastly, pour in the melted butter and fold in gently.
Fill a piping bag and pipe out donuts evenly. Fill each about 2/3 full as these chocolate baked donuts rise. This recipe yields approximately 8 donuts.
Bake the chocolate baked donuts for 12-15 minutes. Cool in the tins for 10 minutes. Then turn them out onto a cooling rack.
Shiny Glaze
-
To make a shiny, glossy, and smooth chocolate glaze, use a bowl large enough to dip the donuts in. Whisk together powdered sugar with cocoa powder. Then drizzle in some heavy cream and corn syrup and whisk until smooth. Corn syrup will give you that mirror glaze type shine. Take a cooled donut and dip it into the chocolate glaze. Then place onto a baking sheet or your cooling rack, but have a parchment sheet down to catch any possible drips. Then immediately cover with sprinkles or mini chocolate chips.
Chocolate Frosting
-
This is a buttercream frosting. Just whisk your soft butter with powdered sugar. Add milk and vanilla extract. Spread on donuts.
Recipe Notes
see recipe details to change these to vegan donuts. Contact me with any questions or further recipe help!
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