There’s something truly magical about transforming a simple box of cake mix into warm, fluffy Cake Mix Donuts that bring joy to any gathering. With just a handful of ingredients, these baked delights not only save you time in the kitchen but also eliminate the guilt that comes with frying. Each donut is coated with your choice of luscious glazes—vanilla, chocolate, or maple—and topped off with colorful sprinkles, making them perfect for birthdays, brunches, or simply a cozy treat at home. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe guarantees a fun and satisfying experience for everyone involved. Ready to indulge without the fuss? Let’s dive into the world of donuts that are sure to become your new go-to!
Why are these donuts so irresistible?
Easy to Make: Combining a few simple ingredients and a boxed cake mix means no complicated steps—just pure baking joy!
Delightful Flavor: Each donut is soft and fluffy, with the option to customize flavors to match your mood, making them perfect for any occasion.
Guilty-Free Indulgence: Baked, not fried, these treats are a lighter option that everyone can feel good about enjoying.
Versatile Decor: With three glaze options and endless topping possibilities, you can personalize each batch to fit any theme. Try matching them with delicious Coconut Cream Pancakes for a fun breakfast spread!
Quick and Fun: Whip them up in under 30 minutes and watch as they disappear—perfect for gatherings, family breakfasts, or a cozy night in!
Cake Mix Donut Ingredients
For the Donuts
• Boxed Cake Mix – The star of the show, providing flavor and structure; feel free to experiment with chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet.
• Eggs – Acts as a binding agent for a rich texture, but you can swap in flax eggs for a vegan option.
• Oil – Keeps the donuts moist and delicious; applesauce can be used as a healthier substitute if desired.
• Milk – Hydrates the mixture, ensuring a soft donut; any type of milk works, including plant-based options.
• Vanilla Extract – Elevates the flavor profile; consider using almond or lemon extract for a tasty twist.
For the Glazes
• Powdered Sugar – The base for all glaze recipes, creating that lovely, sweet finish.
• Milk – Adjusts the consistency of your glaze; use a bit more for a thinner glaze or less for a thicker option.
• Cocoa Powder – Mix this in for your chocolate glaze to get that rich, chocolaty flavor.
• Maple Syrup – Perfect for the maple glaze; it adds a warm sweetness that’s hard to resist.
Make your delicious cake mix donuts come to life with these simple ingredients and get ready for an irresistible treat!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Easy Cake Mix Donuts
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your donut pan with a generous layer of non-stick spray. This will ensure that your lovely cake mix donuts come out easily once baked. Set your pan aside and get ready to mix the ingredients together for a smooth batter.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Using a whisk or electric mixer, blend the ingredients until the mixture is smooth and homogenous, which should take about 2-3 minutes. The batter should be thick yet pourable, ready to transform into delightful cake mix donuts.
Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan
Carefully transfer the batter into a piping bag for ease of filling or use a large spoon. Pipe or spoon the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 3/4 full. Be mindful not to overfill, as the donuts will expand during baking. Once filled, take a moment to smooth any batter that may have splattered for a polished finish.
Step 4: Bake the Donuts
Place the filled donut pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. The donuts are ready when they turn a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As they bake, the delightful aroma of cake mix donuts will fill your kitchen, making anticipation rise.
Step 5: Cool the Donuts
Once they are baked to perfection, remove the donut pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes. This helps them set and makes them easier to remove. You’ll notice them pulling away slightly from the edges, indicating they are perfectly baked and ready to be lifted out.
Step 6: Prepare the Glazes
While the donuts cool, it’s time to whip up your glazes! In separate bowls, combine powdered sugar with milk, adjusting to your desired consistency for each glaze—vanilla, chocolate, and maple. Mix until smooth and glossy, ensuring that each glaze is rich in flavor and inviting.
Step 7: Glaze the Donuts
Once the donuts are fully cooled, gently dip the top of each one into your preferred glaze, allowing the excess topping to drizzle off. Feel free to add colorful sprinkles while the glaze is still wet to make your cake mix donuts even more festive. Your kitchen is now filled with sweet, inviting treats!
Step 8: Let Set and Serve
Place the glazed donuts on a wire rack to allow the glaze to set. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes, giving you just enough time to admire your handiwork. Once set, these beautiful cake mix donuts are ready to be enjoyed fresh—perfect for sharing with family and friends!
How to Store and Freeze Cake Mix Donuts
Room Temperature: Store unglazed cake mix donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and moisture.
Fridge: If you’ve glazed the donuts, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to layer them between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze unglazed donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen cake mix donuts at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can briefly warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes for extra fluffiness.
Expert Tips for Cake Mix Donuts
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Cool Completely: Make sure your cake mix donuts cool down entirely before glazing; this prevents the icing from melting and ensures a smooth finish.
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Right Filling Level: Avoid overfilling the donut pans; filling them 3/4 full helps maintain the classic donut shape and gives you that desirable airy texture.
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Spray Generously: Don’t skimp on non-stick spray when prepping your pans; this will guarantee easy removal of the donuts and keeps them intact for perfect glazing.
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Check for Doneness: Look for a light golden color and spongy texture to confirm whether your donuts are done; they should pull away from the pan slightly.
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Flavor Variations: Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cake mix flavors; using red velvet or lemon can add a delightful twist to your cake mix donuts!
What to Serve with Easy Cake Mix Donuts
Indulge in a delightful spread that complements the fluffy sweetness of your homemade donuts with delicious sides and beverages.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing contrast to the sweet donuts, balancing flavors beautifully.
- Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layered with granola and berries, this creamy treat brings a satisfying crunch and creaminess that pairs perfectly with donuts.
- Rich Hot Chocolate: Warm and velvety, a cup of hot chocolate complements the sweet glazes and enhances the cozy dessert vibe.
Elevate your donut experience with these fun-to-serve ideas that transform your treats into a full meal or snack experience. Try serving alongside a delicious breakfast casserole for a brunch gathering or enjoy with coffee for a quiet evening treat!
Cake Mix Donuts: Endless Variations
Feel free to customize your cake mix donuts and make them your own for every occasion!
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Flavor Swap: Replace the boxed cake mix with a different flavor, like lemon or carrot, for a fresh twist. Imagine the zing of lemon-infused donuts on a sunny morning!
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Vegan Delight: Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs to make these delicious donuts vegan-friendly. Every bite is just as fluffy and enjoyable!
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Lower-Fat Option: Substitute the oil with applesauce for a lighter version while keeping those donuts moist and delightful. You’ll hardly notice the difference!
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Dairy-Free Treat: Use plant-based milk alternatives such as almond or oat milk for a completely dairy-free donut experience. This way, everyone can enjoy them!
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Flavorful Extracts: Swap vanilla extract for almond, coconut, or almond extract, giving your donuts a bright and unique flavor profile. Experimenting is half the fun!
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Spices for Heat: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for warmth and depth. These spices magically transform your donuts into cozy treats.
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Chocolate Chip Surge: Fold in mini chocolate chips or fruit like fresh berries into the batter for a sweet surprise in every bite. This truly elevates the classic cake mix donut experience!
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Glaze Variations: Elevate your glazes by mixing in flavored syrups like caramel or toffee for a unique finish on your donuts. It complements the sweetness perfectly!
Embrace these variations while baking and make your cake mix donuts shine with creativity! Remember to pair them with impressive treats like Fried Strawberry Cheesecake for a memorable brunch!
Make Ahead Options
These Easy Cake Mix Donuts are a fantastic option for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the donut batter up to 24 hours in advance—just mix all the ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Additionally, unglazed donuts can be baked and kept at room temperature for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months; simply thaw them overnight in the fridge before glazing. To maintain quality, wait to glaze them until just before serving to ensure the icing is fresh and doesn’t melt. When ready to enjoy, simply warm them slightly, glaze, and savor the delightful taste of homemade Cake Mix Donuts with minimal effort!
Easy Cake Mix Donuts Recipe FAQs
What type of cake mix should I use?
Absolutely! You can use any flavor of boxed cake mix, whether it’s chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet. Experimenting with different flavors can lead to unique and exciting variations of your cake mix donuts that suit your mood or the occasion!
How should I store my cake mix donuts?
To keep your unglazed cake mix donuts fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they’re glazed, move them to the fridge and enjoy within 2 days. Remember to layer them between parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.
Can I freeze cake mix donuts? How?
Yes, you can freeze your cake mix donuts! For best results, freeze them unglazed. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 3 months! To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes or warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to bring back that fluffy texture.
What if my donuts are too dense?
If your cake mix donuts turn out too dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or adding too much liquid. Ensure you mix just until combined for a light, airy texture. As a tip, when filling the donut pan, stick to the 3/4 full rule to allow room for the donuts to rise beautifully!
Can I make these donuts dairy-free?
Very much so! Simply swap the regular milk with a plant-based alternative like almond, soy, or oat milk. Additionally, using flax eggs in place of traditional eggs will help create a delicious vegan version of these scrumptious cake mix donuts.
Is there a way to add toppings or flavors?
The more the merrier! You can customize your cake mix donuts by mixing in chocolate chips, nuts, or even zest from oranges or lemons to the batter. For toppings, consider crushed candies or nuts in addition to sprinkles while the glaze is wet. This way, each batch can be personalized to your liking!
Cake Mix Donuts: Easy Baked Treats with 3 Irresistible Glazes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan with non-stick spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the batter into a piping bag and fill the donut pan about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until light golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
- Prepare the glazes by mixing powdered sugar with milk to desired consistency in separate bowls.
- Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze and add sprinkles if desired.
- Allow the glaze to set for about 10-15 minutes before serving.
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