Cake Donuts with Chocolate Glaze

Soft, baked cake donuts with a shiny, fudgy chocolate topping. Simple to make, easy to love.

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Why You’ll Love These Donuts

• No frying needed—they’re baked, not fried!

• Quick and easy, done in about 30 minutes.

• Classic flavors, moist crumb, and a silky chocolate glaze.

• Perfect for kids, brunches, coffee breaks, or anytime you want a bakery treat at home.

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Ingredients

Donut Batter:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (adds a subtle bakery-style aroma)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 2 large eggs, at room temperature

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Glaze:

• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup (adds shine and helps set the glaze)

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Equipment You’ll Need

• Donut pan (standard 6- or 12-cavity)

• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)

• Whisk and spatula

• Pastry bag (or zip-top bag with the corner snipped)

• Cooling rack

• Small saucepan (for glaze)

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‍ Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your donut pan with nonstick spray or a bit of butter to ensure easy release after baking.

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2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg

• 1/4 tsp salt

Stir until evenly combined and no clumps remain.

Note: Nutmeg is optional, but it gives that classic old-fashioned donut flavor. You can substitute with cinnamon if preferred.

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3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, beat together:

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 cup whole milk

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.

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4. Combine Wet and Dry

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. The batter should be thick but smooth—avoid overmixing, which can toughen the donuts.

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5. Fill the Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to a pastry bag or zip-top bag with a snipped corner. Pipe the batter into each cavity of the prepared donut pan, filling each about 3/4 full.

Alternative: Spoon the batter into the pan carefully if you don’t have a piping bag.

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⏲️ 6. Bake

Place the donut pan in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly when pressed with your fingertip. The edges will be just turning golden.

Remove from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

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Chocolate Glaze Instructions

7. Prepare the Glaze

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine:

• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup

Stir constantly until the mixture is completely melted and smooth—this should take about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in:

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Tip: Keep the saucepan over very low heat if needed to maintain a smooth consistency while dipping.

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8. Glaze the Donuts

Once the donuts are cool enough to handle, dip the top of each donut into the chocolate glaze. Let the excess glaze drip off before returning the donuts to the wire rack.

Optional: Place parchment or wax paper under the wire rack for easy cleanup.

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9. Add Toppings (Optional)

While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle with your favorite toppings:

• Colorful sprinkles

• Crushed nuts (like peanuts, almonds, or pecans)

• Mini chocolate chips

• Toasted coconut flakes

• Sea salt flakes (for a sweet-salty twist)

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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days, though the glaze may firm slightly.

• Freezer: Freeze unglazed donuts in a sealed container. Thaw and glaze when ready to serve.

To refresh: Microwave for 10–15 seconds to restore soft texture.

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Fun Variations

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⏱️ Quick Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Bake Time: 10–12 minutes

• Total Time: ~32 minutes

• Yield: 12 standard donuts

• Calories: ~250 per donut

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Tips from the Test Kitchen

• Don’t overmix the batter—stir just until the dry ingredients are moistened.

• Keep glaze warm for easy dipping and glossy finish.

• Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother batter texture.

• Want extra fluffy donuts? Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes before baking.