If you’re a fan of the classic chocolate old fashioned donut, prepare to fall entirely in love with this Chocolate Donut Cake Recipe! Imagine all the coziness of your favorite donut, reimagined as a super moist, deeply chocolatey bundt cake finished with a luscious vanilla glaze that hardens into the most satisfying sheet of sweetness. Whether you’re busting it out for breakfast, sharing a slice after dinner, or sneaking bites with your afternoon coffee, this beauty fits every occasion. Trust me, once you try this Chocolate Donut Cake Recipe, you’ll never look at regular old donuts the same way again.

Chocolate Donut Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You truly don’t need any fancy ingredients to make this chocolate magic happen. Each one is essential though—lagered for richness, tenderness, taste, and that signature donut charm. Take a peek at how every component matters in your Chocolate Donut Cake Recipe journey!

Unsalted butter: This adds rich flavor and the perfect tender crumb; make sure it’s room temperature for ultra-fluffy mixing.
Granulated sugar: Beyond sweetness, it helps the cake get that beautiful, crackly exterior reminiscent of old fashioned donuts.
Large eggs: Essential for binding and structure—using room temperature eggs ensures a smooth batter.
Vanilla extract: A must-have for warmth and that classic donut aroma.
All-purpose flour: Stick to spooned and leveled for accurate measuring, which keeps your cake light not dense.
Dutch process cocoa powder: This brings a dark, rich flavor and gorgeous chocolate color; Rodelle or Hershey’s Special Dark both work beautifully.
Baking powder & baking soda: Your cake’s power duo for lift—giving you that signature donut cake lightness.
Salt: Just a bit balances sweetness and intensifies chocolatey notes.
Ground nutmeg (optional): A hint of donut-shop nostalgia comes from this cozy spice.
Cardamom (optional): For a subtle, aromatic lift that wonderfully complements cocoa.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and ensures extra tender crumb—don’t skip for true donut authenticity.
Full fat sour cream: Ultra-rich, this is the secret to a supremely soft cake that stays fresh days after baking.
Hot water: Unlocks the cocoa’s intensity for deep, dreamy flavor.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): The base for that signature shiny donut topping.
Whole milk (for glaze): Keeps things creamy and perfectly pourable.
Vanilla (for glaze): Finishes off the glaze with comforting, sweet depth.

How to Make Chocolate Donut Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Choose a well-loved 10 to 12 cup bundt pan and coat it generously with non-stick baking spray—those nooks and crannies need extra love to ensure an easy release!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until the mix is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Don’t rush this step—it’s the foundation for an airy, tender cake. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add your eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Next, add the vanilla extract and blend until just combined. This step infuses each bite of your Chocolate Donut Cake Recipe with richness and warmth.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and (if you’re using them) nutmeg and cardamom in a separate bowl. This even distribution means every slice gets an even lift and flavor.

Step 5: Create the Cake Batter

With the mixer on low, alternately add the dry mix and the combined buttermilk and sour cream, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Gently mix until barely combined—a few streaks of flour are totally fine. Over-mixing is the enemy of truly tender cake!

Step 6: Finish with Hot Water

Remove the bowl from the mixer and slowly stir in the hot water by hand using a rubber spatula. This step makes the batter smooth and unleashes the chocolate’s full, fudgy depth—so don’t skip it!

Step 7: Fill the Pan and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, then firmly tap it on the counter three times to settle the batter and eliminate pesky air bubbles. Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, checking at the 45-minute mark with a toothpick (it should emerge clean or with a few moist crumbs). If your cake’s browning a bit too enthusiastically on top, tent with foil for the final 10 minutes.

Step 8: Cool and Invert

Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for exactly 10 minutes—this is the sweet spot for unmolding success. Afterward, invert onto a rack or cake platter and flip again so the rustic, craggy bottom faces up. Let it cool completely before donning the glaze.

Step 9: Make and Apply the Donut Glaze

To make the glaze, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a medium bowl until smooth and pourable. Tweak the consistency with extra sugar or milk as needed. After your cake is cool, generously drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides. Give it 10 to 15 minutes to set for that irresistibly crackly finish—now you truly have a Chocolate Donut Cake Recipe masterpiece!

How to Serve Chocolate Donut Cake Recipe

Garnishes

This cake is a showstopper on its own, but if you want to level it up, try garnishing with a dusting of cocoa powder, a sprinkle of colorful jimmies for a real donut-shop effect, or even a handful of mini chocolate chips for extra chocolatey decadence. Edible gold leaf or a pop of freeze-dried raspberries can make your Chocolate Donut Cake Recipe fit for any festive occasion.

Side Dishes

While a hearty slice is pure joy with nothing else but a big mug of coffee, you can absolutely add a few simple sides. Think a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a bowl of fresh strawberries. For brunch, serve alongside some crispy bacon or a fruit salad—so good!

Creative Ways to Present

Take inspiration from the donut shop counter and serve each slice on a small napkin or parchment for grab-and-go fun. If you’re serving a crowd, cut the cake into bite-sized cubes and skewer with toothpicks for an irresistible party platter. Or try turning leftovers into a chocolate trifle, layering cake cubes, cream, and berries for an over-the-top dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Chocolate Donut Cake Recipe stays tender and delicious for days! Just keep the cake tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The glaze actually helps seal in the moisture, so every slice stays bakery-fresh.

Freezing

To freeze, let your cake cool completely and wrap it in two layers of plastic wrap followed by a layer of foil. Skip the glaze before freezing to avoid stickiness later. Pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature—then glaze just before enjoying for best texture and shine.

Reheating

While there’s no pressing need to reheat this cake, if you crave a warm slice, just zap it (unglazed is ideal) in the microwave for about 10 seconds. For a bigger wow factor, try quickly toasting a slice under the broiler for a minute until the glaze gets glossy—like a fresh donut, every time.

FAQs

Can I use natural cocoa powder instead of Dutch process?

Dutch process cocoa provides a deep, smooth chocolate flavor and rich color. While you can substitute natural cocoa powder in a pinch, be aware your Chocolate Donut Cake Recipe may taste lighter and the crumb may not be quite as plush.

How do I prevent my bundt cake from sticking to the pan?

Be generous with your non-stick baking spray, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of your pan. If you’re worried, you can also dust the greased pan with a little cocoa powder or flour for extra insurance.

What should I do if I don’t have buttermilk?

If you’re out of buttermilk, stir one tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar into a half cup of whole milk and let it sit for five minutes—it’ll mimic the tang and tenderizing power buttermilk brings to the Chocolate Donut Cake Recipe.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour and double-check that your cocoa and other ingredients are gluten-free. The cake turns out deliciously tender and chocolaty every time.

How should I store leftovers if the cake is already glazed?

Once glazed, keep the cake tightly wrapped or in an airtight cake carrier at room temperature—it’ll stay fresh and moist for up to 4 days. If your kitchen runs warm, you can refrigerate, but let slices come to room temp before serving for best flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Chocolate Donut Cake Recipe—it’s pure comfort food, easy enough for any baker, and guaranteed to disappear fast whenever you serve it. Whether you bake it up for a special brunch or a weeknight treat, one bite will win you—and everyone you share it with—over. Give it a go and enjoy every gooey, glazed, chocolate-filled forkful!

Chocolate Donut Cake Recipe