Classic French Press Mocha Donut

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and fluffy donuts infused with rich coffee and chocolate flavors, baked and topped with a mocha glaze for a perfect coffee break treat. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 33 minutes layers all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 18 min Serves 6 French cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 6-cavity donut pan with nonstick spray.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk 1 large egg, 3/4 cup buttermilk, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup cooled strong brewed French press coffee until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
  5. Step 5: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
  6. Step 6: Bake for 15-18 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean; allow donuts to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  7. Step 7: For the mocha glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tbsp strong brewed French press coffee, and 2 tbsp milk until smooth.
  8. Step 8: Dip the tops of cooled donuts into the glaze, let excess drip off, and place back on the wire rack to set before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic French Press Mocha Donut take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Classic French Press Mocha Donut?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic French Press Mocha Donut?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Classic French Press Mocha Donut for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Classic French Press Mocha Donut?

French desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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