If you have ever craved the perfect blend of coffee and chocolate, this coffee lovers chocolate cake donuts recipe is sure to become your new go-to dessert. These baked donuts combine robust coffee undertones with a rich chocolate batter, resulting in a treat that feels indulgent without requiring a deep fryer. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast or pair them with your afternoon coffee, these donuts offer a moist, fudgy taste that coffee enthusiasts adore.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup brewed coffee (room temperature or slightly warm)
- ½ cup milk (dairy or coconut milk work well)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze (optional)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons brewed coffee
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons corn syrup (helps create shine)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a donut pan or coat it with nonstick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine brewed coffee, milk, eggs, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract. Stir until blended.
- Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, mixing gently until a smooth batter forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with the tip snipped off. Pipe the mixture into each donut cavity, filling about halfway.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
- Let donuts cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes before gently removing. Cool completely on a wire rack to prevent crumbling.
- If you are using the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, coffee, vanilla extract, and corn syrup until smooth. Dip each donut top into the glaze, then set them on a rack so the excess can drip off.
Tips & Variations
- For a crunch: Top glazed donuts with chopped peanuts or Skor bits.
- More coffee flavor: Use a stronger brew or add a pinch of instant espresso powder to the batter or glaze.
- Lighter texture: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This promotes an even rise and fluffier crumb.
- Alternative milks: Swap dairy milk for canned coconut milk if you are looking for a subtle tropical note.
- Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Avoid refrigeration as it can alter the texture.
Nutrition Facts
Below is an approximate breakdown for one donut (with glaze). Actual totals may vary by ingredient brand and portion size:
- Calories: ~220
- Total Fat: ~7g
- Carbohydrates: ~37g
- Protein: ~4g
Final Thoughts
You do not need professional baking expertise to whip up these coffee-infused donuts. The key is balancing the delicate coffee flavor with decadent chocolate, then baking them just long enough for a soft, cake-like texture. Whether you drizzle them with glaze or keep them simple, these donuts will brighten your mornings or sweeten any get-together with their indulgent charm.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use instant espresso powder instead of brewed coffee?
Yes. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder in ½ cup of hot water, then let it cool slightly before mixing into the batter. - How do I prevent my donuts from sticking to the pan?
Grease your donut pan thoroughly. Also, let the donuts cool a few minutes in the pan before removing them. This helps them stay intact. - Can I make these donuts without a donut pan?
You can bake them in a muffin tin. However, they will resemble muffins more than donuts in shape. Keep an eye on baking time, as it may vary slightly. - Why did my donuts turn out dense?
Overmixing the batter or using expired leavening agents can lead to denser donuts. Gently stir the ingredients until just combined for the best texture. - Are these donuts freezer-friendly?
You can freeze them in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw your donuts at room temperature and glaze them fresh for best results.
Coffee Lovers Chocolate Cake Donuts Recipe
12
servings25
minutes10
minutes220
kcalIngredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup brewed coffee (room temperature or slightly warm)
1/2 cup milk (dairy or coconut milk work well)
2 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Glaze (optional)
2 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons brewed coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons corn syrup (helps create shine)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Lightly grease a donut pan or coat it with nonstick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine brewed coffee, milk, eggs, melted butter (or coconut oil), and vanilla extract. Stir until blended.
- Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, mixing gently until a smooth batter forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with the tip snipped off. Pipe the mixture into each donut cavity, filling about halfway.
- Bake for about 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
- Let donuts cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes before gently removing. Cool completely on a wire rack to prevent crumbling.
- If you are using the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, coffee, vanilla extract, and corn syrup until smooth. Dip each donut top into the glaze, then set them on a rack so the excess can drip off.
Notes
- For a crunch: Top glazed donuts with chopped peanuts or Skor bits.
More coffee flavor: Use a stronger brew or add a pinch of instant espresso powder to the batter or glaze.
Lighter texture: Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This promotes an even rise and fluffier crumb.
Alternative milks: Swap dairy milk for canned coconut milk if you are looking for a subtle tropical note.
Storage: Store leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Avoid refrigeration as it can alter the texture.
