How Many Calories Are in a Devil's Food Cake Donut?

January 3, 2026 •

4 min read

On average, a standard Devil's food cake donut contains approximately 250-300 calories, though this number can vary significantly depending on the size, ingredients, and toppings. This beloved chocolate treat, known for its dense, cake-like texture and rich flavor, is a popular indulgence, but understanding its nutritional profile is key for those mindful of their diet.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a Devil's food cake donut typically falls between 250 and 300, influenced by its size and toppings. Variations exist between different brands, from store-bought varieties like Entenmann's to those found at bakeries like Kwik Trip. Understanding the macronutrient distribution of fats, carbs, and sugars is crucial for managing your intake. Baked alternatives offer a lighter, healthier option for those seeking a similar flavor with fewer calories. It is important to consider these factors when enjoying a donut as part of a balanced diet.

Key Points

Calorie Range: A Devil's food cake donut typically contains 250 to 300 calories, varying by size and toppings.
Macronutrient Profile: These donuts are high in fat and carbohydrates (sugar) and low in protein.
Icing Adds Calories: Extra frosting, drizzles, and sprinkles can significantly increase the total calorie and sugar count.
Preparation Method Matters: Baked donuts are a lower-calorie, lower-fat alternative to their traditional fried counterparts.
Mindful Consumption: Enjoying a donut in moderation or opting for a plain version can help manage overall calorie and sugar intake.
Healthy Alternatives: Healthier homemade recipes using ingredients like protein powder, applesauce, and natural sweeteners are excellent for mindful indulgence.

The Average Calorie Count for a Devil's Food Cake Donut

The calorie content of a Devil's food cake donut isn't a single, fixed number. Instead, it varies based on several key factors, including the size, the brand, and the specific toppings. A typical, medium-sized cake donut from a commercial bakery or grocery store can contain anywhere from 250 to 300 calories. Factors such as icing, sprinkles, and filling can increase this number. For example, a donut with a simple chocolate icing might be on the lower end of the range, while one with extra frosting and sprinkles can push the calorie count higher, sometimes exceeding 300 calories.

Nutritional Breakdown: What's Inside?

Beyond just calories, it's insightful to look at the macronutrient breakdown of a Devil's food cake donut. A typical donut of this type contains a high proportion of fat and carbohydrates, with very little protein or fiber.

Fats: These donuts are often high in fat, primarily from the oil used for frying. A single donut might contain 15-19 grams of fat, with a significant portion being saturated fat. Some store-bought versions may also contain trans fats, though many companies have worked to eliminate these from their products. Palm oil and soybean oil are common ingredients.
Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content is substantial, driven by the flour and sugar. A typical donut can contain 20-36 grams of carbs, with most of that coming from sugars.
Sugar: The sugar content is particularly high due to the donut's ingredients and any added toppings. Values can range from 7 grams for a plain cake donut to over 22 grams for a frosted one.
Protein: These donuts are not a significant source of protein, typically containing only 3-4 grams per serving.

Comparison Table: Devil's Food vs. Other Donut Types

To put the Devil's food cake donut into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular donut varieties based on typical medium-sized servings:


Donut Type	Approx. Calories	Approx. Sugar	Approx. Fat	Notes
Devil's Food Cake	250-300	7-22g	15-19g	Rich, dense, and moist.
Glazed (Raised)	190-270	15-20g	11-15g	Light and airy yeast-based donut.
Chocolate Frosted	270-340	24-28g	12-15g	Can vary widely depending on brand and frosting thickness.
Boston Kreme	300-350	20-30g	15-20g	Filled with a custard or cream filling.
French Cruller	220-250	10-15g	12-15g	Lighter, choux-pastry based donut.

Strategies for a Healthier Indulgence

For those who enjoy donuts but want to reduce their caloric or sugar intake, several strategies can be employed. This allows for a satisfying treat without completely derailing dietary goals.

Mindful Consumption

Portion Control: Don't eat the whole donut in one sitting. Split it with a friend or save half for later to cut the calories in half instantly.
Frequency: Treat donuts as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit. This makes the indulgence more special and less impactful on your overall health.

Smarter Choices

Opt for Plain: A plain cake or yeast donut will almost always have fewer calories and sugar than a heavily frosted, filled, or sprinkled one. For example, a Kwik Trip devil's food cake donut without icing is 210 calories, versus 240 or 250 with icing.
Seek Out Healthier Alternatives: Many bakeries and recipe websites offer healthier versions of donuts. These often involve baking instead of frying, using whole grains, and incorporating natural sweeteners. Baked protein donuts, for example, can have significantly fewer calories and added sugar while providing more protein.

The Rise of Baked Alternatives

The demand for healthier baked goods has led to an increase in baked donut recipes and products. Baking a donut instead of frying it drastically reduces the fat and calorie content. Numerous recipes exist that leverage ingredients like protein powder, almond meal, and natural sweeteners to create a healthier, yet still delicious, treat.

Example ingredients for baked alternatives:

Whole wheat or oat flour
Applesauce or pumpkin puree instead of oil
Natural sweeteners like maple syrup or monk fruit
Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for moisture and protein

Conclusion

A Devil's food cake donut is a decadent treat, typically ranging from 250 to 300 calories per serving. Its specific nutritional value is heavily influenced by factors like size, toppings, and preparation method (fried vs. baked). While high in fat and sugar, enjoying it mindfully as an occasional treat is a key part of a balanced diet. For those looking for a more frequent, guilt-free option, exploring baked, homemade alternatives can provide a similar flavor profile with a more favorable nutritional breakdown.

For more information on nutritional guidelines and balanced eating, you can refer to authoritative sources such as the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, a basic glazed donut has a slightly lower calorie count than a standard Devil's food cake donut, but the difference is not substantial. Both are high in sugar and fat, so neither is a 'healthy' choice in large quantities. A glazed donut is a yeast donut, making it lighter and airier, while the Devil's food is denser and richer.

The high calorie content is primarily due to the deep-frying process, which absorbs a significant amount of oil, contributing heavily to the fat content. Additionally, the high amount of sugar in both the cake base and the icing contributes to the overall caloric load.

To reduce calories, consider sharing the donut to decrease portion size. Alternatively, choose a plain cake donut over one with heavy icing, or explore healthier baked, homemade recipes that substitute ingredients to reduce fat and sugar.

The main difference lies in the cocoa. Devil's food cake typically uses a higher amount of cocoa and includes a bit of baking soda to create a deeper, richer, and often more moist chocolate flavor and a darker color. A standard chocolate cake donut may be lighter in both color and taste.

For a smaller, miniature-sized Devil's food cake donut, the calorie count will be lower, likely ranging from 100 to 150 calories depending on the specific size and topping. Always check the nutritional information for the specific product if available.

Yes, several healthy alternatives exist. You can make baked protein donuts using protein powder and natural sweeteners, or use fruit purees like applesauce or pumpkin to reduce fat and calories. Homemade options give you full control over the ingredients.

A frosted Devil's food cake donut, such as the Entenmann's brand, can have approximately 290 calories. A version with additional toppings, like sprinkles, might even be slightly higher.