Imagine biting into a soft, decadent chocolate donut that's so rich and moist it practically melts in your mouth - without the guilt of deep-frying! These Mini Chocolate Cake Donuts are the ultimate treat that will transform your ordinary day into a chocolatey celebration. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or that mid-afternoon sweet craving, these adorable donuts are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 donuts
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cavity non-stick donut pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy removal of donuts.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This helps remove any lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth. The buttermilk will help create a tender, moist texture.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough donuts.
- Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off. This will help you fill the donut cavities neatly and evenly.
- Carefully pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about 2/3 to 3/4 full. Use a small spoon to smooth the tops if needed.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Then, carefully turn out the donuts onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional: Once cooled, you can dust the donuts with powdered sugar, dip them in chocolate glaze, or decorate as desired.
- Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Tips
- Sifting is crucial! Take the extra minute to sift your dry ingredients to prevent lumpy batter and ensure a smooth, tender donut texture.
- Don't overmix the batter - mix just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense donuts.
- Use a piping bag or zip-top bag for neat, even donut filling. This helps create professional-looking donuts every time.
- Check donuts early - oven temperatures can vary. Start checking at 12 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- For variations, experiment with different toppings like chocolate glaze, powdered sugar, or even crushed nuts.
- Use fresh ingredients, especially baking powder and baking soda, to ensure maximum rise and fluffiness.
- Let donuts cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and maintain their perfect texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 20mg
