Pin it
These baked cake donuts with chocolate glaze offer all the satisfaction of a coffee shop treat with the ease of home baking. Skip the deep fryer and create perfectly shaped donuts using a simple donut pan and basic pantry ingredients.
After many Sunday morning baking sessions, I've found that proper pan preparation and batter consistency are key to perfect cake donuts.
Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips
- Buttermilk: Creates tender crumb (substitute provided below)
- Flour: All-purpose works best for proper structure
- Chocolate: Use quality cocoa for richest glaze
- Pan spray: Essential for easy removal
Pin it
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pan Preparation
- Grease donut pan thoroughly
- Use spray or brush with oil
- Pay attention to center post
- Wipe away excess
- Batter Making
- Mix dry ingredients first
- Combine wet ingredients separately
- Fold together gently
- Avoid overmixing
- Filling and Baking
- Pipe batter into pan
- Fill only 2/3 full
- Tap pan to remove bubbles
- Watch carefully while baking
Making thousands of these in my kitchen, I've learned that room temperature ingredients blend best and produce the most tender crumb. The pan makes all the difference - invest in a good quality non-stick donut pan.
Storage Solutions
Keep at room temperature 1-2 days in sealed container. Freeze unglazed donuts up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing.
No Donut Pan?
Use mini muffin tin for donut holes:
- Grease well - no liners
- Fill 2/3 full
- Reduce baking time to 6-10 minutes
- Test with toothpick for doneness
Temperature Tips
Room temperature ingredients ensure proper mixing. Check donuts early - overbaking leads to dryness.
Common Problems
If donuts stick:
- Pan wasn't greased enough
- Filled too full
- Didn't cool completely
Pin it
These baked cake donuts prove you don't need a deep fryer for delicious homemade treats. The combination of tender cake and rich chocolate glaze creates coffee-shop quality results right in your kitchen. Remember, proper pan preparation and careful measuring make all the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why use buttermilk in donuts?
- Buttermilk makes the donuts tender and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
- → Can I make these without a donut pan?
- A donut pan is necessary for the proper shape in baked donuts.
- → How do I know when they're done?
- The tops should spring back when lightly pressed, about 7-9 minutes.
- → Can I make these ahead?
- Best enjoyed fresh, but can be made same day. Glaze just before serving.
- → What if my glaze is too thick?
- Add milk one teaspoon at a time until it reaches a pourable consistency.