Glazed Chocolate Doughnut Cake Recipe

If you have a soft spot for rich, chocolatey desserts that feel both nostalgic and a little fancy, you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Glazed Chocolate Doughnut Cake Recipe. It perfectly bridges the gap between a doughnut’s tender crumb and a cake’s indulgent depth, all wrapped up in a luscious chocolate glaze that catches the light just right. Every bite delivers a moist, coffee-enhanced chocolate richness balanced by a glossy, sweet coating that simply melts in your mouth. Trust me, this recipe will be your new go-to for celebrations, cravings, or any moment in need of a decadent treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but incredibly important, each playing its part in building that moist texture, rich flavor, and beautiful cake color. From the velvety butter to the brewed coffee that deepens the chocolate notes, everything combines beautifully to create a crowd-pleasing dessert.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, 2 sticks): Room temperature butter creamed with sugar creates the light, fluffy base for the cake’s texture.
• Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups): Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s tenderness and crumb.
• Large eggs (3): Provide structure and richness to the batter.
• Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the chocolate’s natural flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
• Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds moistness and a slight tang to balance the sweetness beautifully.
• Whole milk (1/2 cup): Contributes to the cake’s soft crumb.
• Brewed coffee (1/2 cup, cooled): Intensifies the chocolate flavor, making it more complex and rich.
• All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): The backbone of the cake, providing body and structure.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder (3/4 cup): Gives that deep chocolate punch and beautiful dark color.
• Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons): Helps the cake rise for a tender crumb.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with the sour cream to create lift and softness.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

For the glaze:

• Powdered sugar (2 cups): Sweet base for the glaze that sets into a shiny finish.
• Whole milk (4 to 5 tablespoons): Used to thin the glaze to the perfect pourable consistency.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and warmth to the glaze.
• Pinch of salt: Keeps the glaze from being overly sweet and rounds out the flavor.

How to Make Glazed Chocolate Doughnut Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring your bundt pan thoroughly is crucial here. The subtle curves and crevices of a bundt pan can stubbornly cling to cake batter if not prepared properly, so make sure every nook is well-coated to achieve that perfect shape when the cake comes out.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter with granulated sugar for around 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is the foundation of your cake’s tender texture because it traps air, helping the cake rise beautifully and feel airy instead of dense.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This steady mixing allows even distribution and prevents a curdled texture. Stir in the vanilla extract to infuse a lovely aromatic backdrop into your batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the sour cream, whole milk, and cooled brewed coffee until smooth. This trio is the secret to the cake’s moistness and intensified chocolate flavor, with the coffee providing a rich depth without tasting like coffee itself.

Step 5: Sift Dry Ingredients

Sifting the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt is important to remove lumps and ensure everything mixes consistently. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in your final crumb.

Step 6: Mix Batter

Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mixing on low speed just until combined keeps your cake tender. Overmixing can develop gluten and lead to dryness, so patience here pays off big time.

Step 7: Fill and Bake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared bundt pan and smooth out the top gently. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. The baking time solidifies the cake’s tender crumb and builds that irresistible crust on the edges.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wired rack. This cooling period helps the cake firm up enough to maintain its shape during glazing but keeps it moist inside.

Step 9: Make the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, 4 tablespoons of milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Adjust the consistency adding a little more milk if too thick or more powdered sugar if too runny. The glaze should easily drizzle over your cake while setting into a glossy finish.

Step 10: Glaze the Cake

With the cake completely cooled, drizzle the glaze slowly over the top allowing it to cascade naturally down the sides. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes to form a delicate, sweet shell that’s the perfect finishing touch for this dessert.

How to Serve Glazed Chocolate Doughnut Cake Recipe

Garnishes

While the glaze is stunning on its own, you can elevate the cake with a few simple garnishes. Fresh berries, shaved chocolate, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts add color and texture, creating a show-stopping presentation that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for contrast. If you want to add a little brightness, fresh fruit or a tangy berry compote complements the rich chocolate flavor spectacularly.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into thick wedges and serve on vibrant plates with a drizzle of extra glaze or sauce around each slice. You can also layer slices between whipped cream for a quick layered dessert or cube it to serve as part of a dessert platter. It’s fun to get creative and impress your guests with different presentations of this classic favorite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and fresh for up to 3 days, but if your kitchen is warm, refrigeration is a good idea to keep it from spoiling.

Freezing

The Glazed Chocolate Doughnut Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. When stored properly, it will maintain its texture and flavor for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To enjoy your cake as if freshly baked after freezing, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before serving. If you want a just-baked feel, warm slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, but don’t overheat or you’ll lose that perfect crumb.

FAQs

Can I use regular coffee instead of brewed coffee in this recipe?

Yes, brewed coffee is recommended because it blends smoothly into the batter and enhances the chocolate flavor without adding too much moisture. Instant coffee can work if dissolved in a small amount of hot water first, but avoid using coffee substitutes as they might alter the taste.

Is it possible to make this cake without a bundt pan?

Absolutely! You can bake the batter in a standard 9×13 inch cake pan or two 8-inch round pans. Adjust the baking time slightly and check with a toothpick regularly to make sure it doesn’t overbake.

What if I don’t want to use coffee in the cake?

If you prefer no coffee flavor, substitute the coffee with additional milk. The cake will still be delicious, but the coffee really lifts the chocolate notes and adds depth if you are open to it.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Definitely! The glaze can be mixed up to a day before and kept in the fridge. Just give it a quick whisk before pouring it on the cake if it thickens too much in the fridge.

How do I get the glaze to set nicely without it sliding off?

The key is to make sure the cake is completely cool before glazing. Also, the glaze consistency should be pourable but thick enough to cling to the cake’s surface. Adding powdered sugar or reducing the milk will help thicken it if needed.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Glazed Chocolate Doughnut Cake Recipe that makes it a treasured addition to any dessert lineup. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat yet impressive enough for guests or celebrations. Once you try it, I have a feeling it’ll become one of those recipes you reach for time and time again when you want to share something sweet, comforting, and absolutely unforgettable.

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