Recreate the famous cosmic brownie in donut form with these soft, baked Cosmic Triple Chocolate Cake Donuts. Topped with rainbow sprinkles and chocolate glaze, these are a fun activity to make with kids and enjoy as a sweet treat! In this post, you will learn:
- How to how to make baked chocolate cake donuts in the oven using a donut pan.
- Where to find the famous Cosmic Brownie sprinkles and how to make chocolate icing for donuts.
These homemade chocolate cake donuts are packed with chocolate flavor and are a fun homemade variation of the bakery style chocolate frosted donut or chocolate glazed donut you’d pay $3 each for.
With a cake-like texture from being baked, not fried, these are also a fun alternative to cupcakes for kid’s birthday parties or just a random donut party. Because what kid wouldn’t be excited about chocolate cake donuts with sprinkles alongside a glass of milk with a rainbow lid donut printable? Or better yet, make it a Cosmic party and hand out cosmic cookies as party favors.
Ingredients for Chocolate Cake Donuts:
- 1 recipe Baked Chocolate Donuts (recipe below)
- Chocolate Icing/Glaze for Donuts (recipe below)
- Nonstick Donut Pan
- Rainbow Chocolate Chip Sprinkles
How to Make Chocolate Cake Donuts
Step 1: Make Homemade Donut Batter
To get started, follow the recipe below to make the chocolate cake donut batter. Because these donuts are triple chocolate, the easiest way to melt the chocolate that will go inside the batter is to microwave it in 30 second intervals at 50% power. Lowering the microwave power is important, as melting it at the default power will cause the chocolate to seize, become hard, and ultimately become unusable.
Tip: Don’t have time to make homemade? You can make baked chocolate cake donuts using cake mix by mixing according to instructions on box and then baking for 12-14 minutes (different cake mixes will vary, so just be sure to test with a fork for doneness before removing from the oven).
Step 2:Â Scoop Batter Into Donut Pans
Once your donut batter is mixed, spray the donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and scoop 3 tablespoons of batter in each donut cavity (or until they are half full). I like to use a 3-tablespoon sized cookie scoop, as it will allow you to evenly distribute the batter between each cavity. If you don’t have a scoop, another easy way to pipe batter into donut pan cavities is to scoop batter into a gallon-sized plastic bag, snip off one corner, and then pipe it in.
If batter gets in the center, simply use a mini spatula to clear that area (you will want this clear so your donut has the traditional hole in the center).
Step 3: Allow Donuts to Cool
This is an important step! Before adding the chocolate glaze on top, your donuts must be cool. Otherwise, the glaze will soak into the cake.
Step 4: Top Donuts With Chocolate Glaze & Sprinkles
Once the chocolate cake donuts are cooled, make your chocolate ganache using the recipe below. Simply spoon the glaze over the donuts or spoon the icing into a plastic bag, snip off one corner, and pipe over top.
Immediately after adding the chocolate donut glaze, top with chocolate chip rainbow sprinkles. Anything topped with these chocolate chip rainbow sprinkles reminds me of Little Debbie Brownies and makes things 10x more fun, right?
Decorating Idea: Top each donut with a “Gosh Donut” donut printable and take them as Friday treats to your kid’s teachers or your coworkers as a reward for getting through the week.
Cosmic Triple Chocolate Cake Donuts
Packed with a triple threat of chocolate, these little guys are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth any time of the day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup milk I used 1%
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips melted
Ganache
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Topping
Before you begin! If you make this, will you do me a huge favor and leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe? This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
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In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and mini chocolate chips. Set bowl aside.
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In a separate large bowl, whisk together vanilla, egg, sour cream, and milk.
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Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
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Melt the 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave (on half power) for 1-2 minutes (or until melted). Pour melted chocolate into batter and mix until combined.
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Spray the donut pan with non-stick cooking spray and scoop 3 tablespoons of batter in each donut cavity (or until they are half full). If batter gets in center, use a mini spatula to clear that area (you will want this clear so your donut has the traditional hole in the center). TIP: for easy filling, use a cookie scoop or spoon batter into a gallon-sized bag, snip off the corner, and pipe it in.
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Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean (mine took exactly 10 minutes to bake, but watch your oven carefully to prevent from overbaking).
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Once baked, let the donuts cool IN the pan on a wire rack for 5-10 minutes before removing. Top with ganache and sprinkles.
To make ganache:
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Pour chocolate chips and place in a glass bowl. Set aside.
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Place cream in a small saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat medium heat. Pour over chocolate and let stand until chocolate has softened (4-5 minutes). DO NOT STIR.
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After 5 minutes have past, stir the chocolate until smooth. Let it slightly cool before pouring over donuts.
Last Step! Please leave a review and rating letting me know how you liked this recipe! This helps my small business thrive so I can continue providing free recipes and high-quality content for you.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I Freeze Cake Donuts?
Yes, cake donuts can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. When freezing, I suggest freezing them unfrosted, as the glaze will likely become messy in the process. Be sure to wrap tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in an air-tight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, you can either allow donuts to set out a room temperature overnight (in their bag) or to defrost, transfer donut to a microwave-safe plate and microwave in 10 second intervals until soft and warm.
So whether you’re looking for a fun weekend activity with the kids or need a creative treat to bring to your next block party, these homemade chocolate cake donuts with frosting and sprinkles are ready to win over hearts…and tastebuds.
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
These chocolate cake donuts look so incredible delicious! And I love all the coloured chocolate sprinkles going on too. Wish I had one now.
Monique | WritingMonique says
Ow ow ow.. Your chocolate recipes always get to me! These look delicious!