Name: Baked Chocolate Crumb Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup dark cocoa powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/3 cup sugar; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1 egg; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 3 tbsp milk; 3/4 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2/3 cup sugar; 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 tsp salt

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 55 reviews

If you’re craving something that combines rich chocolate flavor with a sweet, crunchy topping, you’re in for a real treat with this Baked Chocolate Crumb Donuts Recipe. These donuts bring together moist, tender crumb with a luscious glaze and the perfect crumbly chocolate topping that adds an irresistible texture contrast. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert, these baked delights offer all the joy of classic chocolate donuts but with a lighter, home-baked touch. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

On a white marbled surface, there are several clear glass bowls and a small white bowl arranged neatly. One clear glass bowl holds white flour with a round white cheese wheel on top, and a silver spoon rests in the flour. Another clear glass bowl contains block of butter. A white bowl holds reddish-brown sauce with a silver spoon inside. There is also a clear glass measuring cup filled with white milk, a small white bowl with white sugar, two brown eggs, a small bowl of light orange liquid, a small dish of white salt, and a bottle of vanilla extract with a dark label. All items are placed close together, ready for baking photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All of the ingredients for this recipe are simple pantry staples, yet each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavor and texture in the donuts. From the cocoa powders delivering deep chocolate richness, to sour cream keeping the donuts tender and moist, every ingredient counts.

3/4 cup flour: The base of your donut batter, providing structure while keeping them soft.
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor with a touch of bitterness for depth.
1/4 cup dark cocoa powder: Boosts the chocolate intensity and a beautiful dark hue.
1/2 tsp baking soda: Helps the donuts rise perfectly for that light, airy texture.
1/4 tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
1/2 cup sour cream: Keeps the donuts moist and tender with a slight tang.
1/3 cup sugar: Sweetens the donuts without overpowering the cocoa’s richness.
1/3 cup vegetable oil: Adds moisture and keeps the crumb soft.
1 egg: Binds everything together and contributes to the fluffiness.
1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Brings warmth and complexity to the chocolate flavors.
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar: The base for the sweet, glossy glaze that adds a creamy finish.
3 tbsp milk: Lightens the glaze for perfect drizzling consistency.
3/4 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds aromatic sweetness to the glaze.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: For the crumb topping, providing richness and crispness.
1 1/2 cups flour (for crumb topping): Creates that crave-worthy crumbly texture.
2/3 cup sugar (for crumb topping): Gives the topping its sweet crunch.
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (for crumb topping): Intensifies the chocolate flavor in the topping.
1/4 tsp salt (for crumb topping): Balances flavors perfectly in the crumb topping.

How to Make Baked Chocolate Crumb Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by greasing your donut pan thoroughly to ensure the donuts come out cleanly after baking. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it hot and ready to bake your chocolatey masterpieces evenly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, both cocoa powders, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first ensures that your donuts will have that perfect chocolate flavor and will rise evenly in the oven.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate smaller bowl, stir together the sour cream, sugar, vegetable oil, egg, and vanilla extract. This mixture will add moisture and sweetness while keeping your donuts tender and delicate.

Step 4: Mix Batter

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, stirring gently until just combined. The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want for baked donuts that hold their shape and texture.

Step 5: Bake the Donuts

Fill each cavity of your donut pan with the batter, then bake for approximately 12 minutes or until the donuts spring back lightly when touched, indicating they’re fully cooked but still tender.

Step 6: Cool Before Glazing

Let the donuts cool on a wire rack to room temperature. This step is crucial so that the glaze and crumb topping will set properly without melting away.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth, creating a luscious, pourable glaze that will add sweetness and a glossy finish to the donuts.

Step 8: Make the Chocolate Crumb Topping

Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Then stir in the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt, tossing with a fork until the mixture reaches a crumb-like consistency. This topping will give the donuts a wonderful texture and extra chocolate punch.

Step 9: Assemble the Donuts

Dip or drizzle each donut with the glaze, then immediately press the chocolate crumb topping onto the wet glaze. This ensures the topping sticks perfectly and creates that signature crunchy contrast you’ll love.

How to Serve Baked Chocolate Crumb Donuts Recipe

There are seven small dark brown cupcakes placed on a white plate. Each cupcake has a thick layer of crumbly chocolate topping that looks rough and uneven, covering the entire top surface. The cupcakes have a moist, dense texture that is visible around the edges where the crumbly topping drips slightly. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, and the image is close up, showing the details of the crumb topping and the dark cake beneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate these baked beauties even further, consider sprinkling some mini chocolate chips, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a few edible gold flakes on top. These touches add flair and make your presentation something special for guests or family.

Side Dishes

Pair your donuts with a cozy cup of coffee, a frothy latte, or even a chilled glass of milk. For a brunch spread, fresh berries or yogurt can provide a refreshing balance to the rich chocolate flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the plate: place your donuts on a tiered cake stand for a charming display, or serve them in a rustic basket lined with a cute kitchen towel. For gifting, stack them in a decorative box tied with ribbon — they’re sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Baked Chocolate Crumb Donuts Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep the crumb topping crisp, avoid stacking donuts directly on top of each other.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to one month without losing their delicious flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy the donuts fresh out of the oven again, gently warm them in a microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven (300 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 minutes. This will revive their softness and slightly melt the glaze for a fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum or similar binding agents for the best texture in your Baked Chocolate Crumb Donuts Recipe.

Can I use regular cocoa powder instead of dark cocoa powder?

Absolutely. Regular unsweetened cocoa powder works fine, though the flavor will be slightly lighter and less intense. If you want a richer chocolate taste, you might try substituting some of the flour with more cocoa powder.

Is it necessary to use sour cream in the recipe?

Sour cream adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps donuts tender. If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk, but the texture might vary slightly.

How do I prevent the crumb topping from falling off?

The key is to press the crumb topping firmly into the glaze while it’s still wet. This ensures it adheres well and stays put, giving your donuts that perfect crunch on top.

Can this recipe be doubled for a larger batch?

Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake the donuts in batches or use multiple pans. Baked Chocolate Crumb Donuts Recipe scales beautifully for parties or gatherings.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so heartwarming about baking your own chocolate donuts, and this Baked Chocolate Crumb Donuts Recipe truly makes it easy to create a delectable treat that feels special but is simple to make. With its rich chocolate flavors, tender crumb, and that irresistible crumb topping, it’s a recipe that’s bound to bring smiles and maybe even a little drool around your kitchen. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and share the joy with those you love!