Double Chocolate Cheesecake Donuts

If you love the rich decadence of chocolate combined with the creamy tang of cheesecake, then these Double Chocolate Cheesecake Donuts are about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine soft, fluffy donuts infused with chocolate, complemented perfectly by a luscious cream cheese filling, and finished with a chocolate glaze and sprinkles for that irresistible crunch. Whether you’re serving them up for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, these donuts promise to delight every chocolate lover’s palate.

Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing

These Double Chocolate Cheesecake Donuts bring together the best of both worlds: the light, airy texture of a classic baked donut and the rich, silky creaminess of cheesecake. The chocolate flavor is deep and satisfying without being overly sweet, making them suitable for all ages. Plus, the chocolate sprinkles add a playful texture and visual appeal that makes these donuts perfect for parties, brunches, or just an indulgent weekend treat. Their unique combination of flavors and textures ensures they’re a guaranteed hit whenever you share them.

What You’ll Need

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted
• 1/4 cup chocolate sprinkles for topping

Setup & Equipment

• Donut pan – essential for shaping the donuts perfectly
• Mixing bowls – one for the donut batter, another for the cheesecake filling
• Electric mixer or hand whisk – to blend ingredients smoothly
• Spatula – for folding ingredients gently
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accuracy
• Cooling rack – to let donuts cool evenly after baking
• Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler – for melting the chocolate chips

Double Chocolate Cheesecake Donuts: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan lightly with oil or non-stick spray to ensure the donuts come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution and avoids any lumps.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; stir just until combined for light and fluffy donuts.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheesecake Filling

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, continuing to mix until fully incorporated and creamy. This cheesecake filling will add a luscious surprise inside each donut.

Step 6: Assemble the Donuts

Fill each donut cavity about halfway with the chocolate donut batter. Then spoon a dollop of the cheesecake filling into the center. Cover the filling with more donut batter, filling each cavity nearly to the top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place the donut pan in the oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the donut (avoiding the cheesecake center) comes out clean. Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 8: Glaze and Decorate

Once the donuts are completely cool, drizzle the melted chocolate chips over the tops. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the chocolate sprinkles generously for that extra chocolaty crunch and visual appeal.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

These Double Chocolate Cheesecake Donuts are best served fresh but can be stored for later (see the Keep-It-Fresh Plan below). Pair them with a cup of coffee or milk for a perfect indulgent snack.

Make It Diet-Friendly

• Use almond milk or oat milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free option.
• Replace granulated sugar with coconut sugar or a natural sweetener like stevia, adjusting quantities as needed.
• Swap vegetable oil for unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat content.
• Use reduced-fat cream cheese or a plant-based cream cheese alternative for a lighter filling.

Troubles You Can Avoid

• Dense donuts: Avoid overmixing the batter. Stir just until ingredients are combined to keep the texture light.
• Cheesecake filling sinking: Make sure the batter layers are thick enough to hold the filling in place.
• Donuts sticking to the pan: Grease the donut pan thoroughly or use a non-stick spray for easy release.
• Chocolate glaze hardening too quickly: Work quickly when drizzling melted chocolate and add sprinkles immediately.

Keep-It-Fresh Plan

Store your Double Chocolate Cheesecake Donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. You can also freeze the donuts (without glaze) individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and add glaze fresh before serving.

Ask & Learn

Can I use a different type of chocolate for the glaze?

Absolutely! You can substitute dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate for the glaze depending on your preference. Just melt the chocolate chips gently and proceed as directed.

Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that measures cup-for-cup like regular flour. Be sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

Can I bake these donuts in a muffin tin instead of a donut pan?

While a muffin tin can work, the shape and texture will differ from traditional donuts. You might want to adjust the baking time slightly and expect a denser crumb without the characteristic donut hole.

How do I prevent the cheesecake filling from leaking?

Make sure the cream cheese filling is thick and chilled before assembling. Also, avoid overfilling the donut cavities to keep the filling sealed inside during baking.

Keep Cooking

• Craving even more chocolate indulgence? Try the Triple Chocolate Midnight Chunk Cookies for a chewy, fudgy experience.
• If you love molten centers, you must bake the Midnight Chocolate Lava Core Cookies—they’re a gooey delight.
• For a fun twist on brownies and cookies, check out the Brownie Lava Center Cookie Cups—perfect for sharing!

Let’s Eat

The moment you take that first bite into these Double Chocolate Cheesecake Donuts, the rich chocolatey cake gives way to the smooth, tangy cheesecake center, creating a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and decadent. The melted chocolate glaze and sprinkles add a delightful finishing touch, making these donuts as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re serving them for a weekend brunch or a special celebration, these donuts are sure to be the star of the show. Grab one, savor every bite, and enjoy the irresistible charm of chocolate and cheesecake perfectly combined.

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