Fluffy, fun, and frosted like your favorite chocolate-glazed donut—these whipped donut cupcakes are a bakery-style twist on a sprinkle-covered classic!
If you’ve ever wished your favorite chocolate frosted donut came in cupcake form, these Whipped Chocolate Donut-Inspired Cupcakes are for you. They start with a soft, bakery-style base and get topped with a fluffy whipped cocoa-marshmallow frosting that mimics that iconic donut glaze—complete with sprinkles, of course. It’s a fun, nostalgic bake that brings all the chocolate donut vibes into one easy, crowd-pleasing cupcake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bakery-style cupcakes made from a box mix upgrade
- Fluffy whipped chocolate donut frosting with marshmallow and glaze
- Inspired by classic chocolate frosted donuts
- Perfect for birthdays, brunches, or fun weekend baking
- Kid-friendly and topped with rainbow sprinkles
- Easy to make but tastes like a bakery treat
- Uses pantry staples and simple steps
Ingredient Notes
- Buttermilk – Swapping this in for water gives the cupcakes a richer, more tender crumb and that bakery-style flavor.
- Marshmallow fluff – Adds lightness and that sweet whipped texture to the frosting, helping mimic a donut-shop glaze.
- Cocoa powder – Use unsweetened cocoa powder for just the right chocolate donut flavor without overwhelming the frosting.
- Donut glaze – A quick mix of powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla helps give the frosting that subtle donut-shop shine.
- Clear vanilla – Keeps the frosting bright in color, but regular vanilla works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
Before You Bake
Do I need to use buttermilk or can I substitute with regular milk?
Buttermilk gives the cupcakes a richer texture and classic bakery-style taste, but you can use regular milk in a pinch. For a quick substitute, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge?
Yes! You can make the whipped chocolate donut frosting up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and let it soften slightly before re-whipping for a fluffy texture.
How full should I fill the cupcake liners for the best rise?
Fill each cupcake liner about 2/3 full. This gives the cupcakes enough room to rise into a nice domed top without spilling over.
Whipped Chocolate Donut-Inspired Cupcakes
Ingredients
Cupcakes
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup oil (vegetable or canola)
- 1 cup buttermilk (substitute this in place of the water on the box)
Whipped Donut Frosting
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 c unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup marshmallow fluff
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar donut glaze (recipe below)
- 1 tsp clear vanilla extract (or regular vanilla)
- 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (optional, if the frosting is too thick)
Quick Donut Glaze (for frosting)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Topping Ideas
- Rainbow Sprinkles
- Dunkin’ Munchkins or store-bought donut holes, cut in half
Instructions
Cupcakes
- Bake the cupcakes according to the directions on the box, swapping the water for buttermilk for an extra rich and bakery-style flavor. Let cool completely before frosting.
Whipped Donut Frosting
- Beat the butter on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the cocoa powder, marshmallow fluff, vanilla, and 2 tbsp of the donut glaze.
- Beat on high for 2–3 minutes until light, whipped, and slightly glossy.
- Add cream or milk as needed for a fluffy, pipeable consistency.
Quick Donut Glaze (for frosting)
- Whisk everything together until smooth.
- Use 2 tablespoons of this glaze in the frosting above.
FAQ
Can I use chocolate cake mix instead of white or vanilla?
You can! The flavor will be richer and more chocolate-forward, which pairs well with the donut-style frosting.
How do I store whipped chocolate donut cupcakes?
Store the frosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Let them come to room temp before serving for the best texture.
Can I freeze these cupcakes with the frosting?
It’s best to freeze the unfrosted cupcakes and make the frosting fresh. If needed, you can freeze fully frosted cupcakes—just freeze them uncovered until solid, then wrap tightly and store for up to 1 month.
What piping tip is best for the donut-style swirl?
A large round or open star tip works great for creating that signature donut-frosted look. You can also spread it with a spatula if you prefer a more rustic style.
Can I use store-bought frosting instead?
You can, but the homemade whipped chocolate donut frosting really makes these stand out. If you’re short on time, whip store-bought chocolate frosting with a bit of marshmallow fluff to add lightness.
Sprinkle of Fun
These Whipped Chocolate Donut-Inspired Cupcakes are the perfect treat for a playful kids’ playdate! With their donut-shop frosting, rainbow sprinkles, and bakery-style base, they bring all the fun of a donut run—no car seats required. Set up a mini cupcake decorating station with extra sprinkles and let the kids “frost their own.” It’s a sweet, low-stress way to turn snack time into an activity they’ll remember.
Grab More Treats
If you’re looking for more donut-inspired cupcakes, check out this vanilla frosted version.
Can’t get enough cupcakes? I have a bunch more here!
Love sprinkles just like I do? Check out my Sprinkle-tastic ebook here.
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