Easy Homemade Cake Mix Donuts: Your Quick Guide to Fluffy, Glazed Perfection
Discover the ultimate shortcut to delicious, bakery-style treats right in your own kitchen with these incredibly **Easy Cake Mix Donuts**. Forget complicated recipes and long hours; this simple method transforms a humble box of cake mix into a batch of irresistibly soft, fluffy donuts that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re craving a sweet breakfast, a delightful afternoon snack, or a fun dessert to share, these homemade donuts are a true game-changer. They offer a wonderfully tender crumb and can be adorned with a variety of toppings, from classic vanilla glaze and rich chocolate coating to vibrant, colorful sprinkles, allowing for endless customization and endless smiles.

These **Cake Mix Donuts** provide a delightful and straightforward path to enjoying warm, fresh, and sweet treats from the comfort of your home. Each donut boasts a wonderfully soft and airy texture, bursting with flavor, and can be personalized to your heart’s content. Imagine dipping them into a smooth vanilla glaze, a decadent chocolate coating, or covering them in a playful array of colorful sprinkles – making them not just delicious, but also incredibly fun and truly irresistible. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, promising fantastic results with minimal effort. It’s a versatile base that invites creativity, ensuring every batch can be a unique culinary adventure, easily becoming a family favorite for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
If you’re a fan of classic bakery treats, you might also enjoy exploring our Homemade Krispy Kreme Donut Recipe for that iconic melt-in-your-mouth experience, or dive into our Donut Cake Recipe for a dessert that offers all the flavors of your favorite donut in a convenient cake form. These recipes, like our cake mix donuts, are designed to bring joy and deliciousness to your table with simplicity and flair, proving that homemade treats are always the best.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Adore These Easy Cake Mix Donuts
- Essential Equipment for Perfect Donut Baking
- Ingredients for Your Fluffy Homemade Donuts
- Building the Donut Batter
- Crafting the Classic Vanilla Glaze
- Mixing the Rich Chocolate Glaze
- Creative Donut Topping Ideas
- Exciting Donut Flavor Variations to Try
- Step-By-Step Guide to Baking Your Cake Mix Donuts
- Optimal Storage for Fresh Homemade Donuts
- Pro Tips for Achieving Bakery-Style Donuts at Home
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Explore More Delicious Donut Recipes
Why You’ll Adore These Easy Cake Mix Donuts
There are countless reasons why these **Cake Mix Donuts** have become a beloved staple in many households. Their simplicity combined with incredible flavor makes them an absolute favorite for both seasoned bakers and complete beginners. They truly encapsulate the joy of homemade baking without the typical fuss.
- Quick and Effortless – Utilizing a convenient box of cake mix, these delightful donuts come together with remarkable speed. This recipe is designed to minimize prep time and fuss, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute cravings. You can have a batch of warm, freshly baked donuts ready in under an hour from start to finish, proving that homemade doesn’t have to mean time-consuming.
- Wonderfully Soft and Fluffy – Each bite promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience thanks to their exceptionally light and airy texture. The cake mix base ensures a consistently moist and tender crumb, making these baked donuts far superior to many store-bought options that can often be dry or heavy. They truly deliver that satisfying, plush donut feel that everyone loves.
- Infinitely Customizable – The beauty of this recipe lies in its incredible versatility. While a simple vanilla glaze and chocolate coating are provided as delicious starting points, the possibilities for customization are truly endless. Drizzle with caramel, dust with flavored powdered sugar, or experiment with various extracts, spices, and an array of fun toppings. This allows you to tailor them perfectly to your taste, match specific holiday themes, or simply unleash your creative baking spirit.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a cozy weekend breakfast with family, a vibrant and impressive addition to a brunch spread, a fun treat for a child’s birthday party, a festive offering for holidays, or simply a comforting dessert after dinner, these cake mix donuts fit seamlessly into any event. Their appealing look and delicious taste make them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time.
- Absolutely Kid-Friendly – Not only are these donuts a massive hit with children for their sweet flavor and fun, colorful toppings, but the baking process itself is simple enough for little helpers to get involved. Kids will especially love assisting with the mixing, carefully piping the batter into the donut pan, and, of course, the most exciting part: decorating their own donuts with sprinkles, drizzles, and other sweet adornments. It’s a wonderful activity that results in a tasty reward and cherished memories.
Essential Equipment for Perfect Donut Baking
To embark on your journey of making these delightful **Cake Mix Donuts**, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can significantly streamline the baking process, ensure consistency, and help you achieve professional-looking results with ease.
- Donut Pan: A high-quality nonstick donut pan is an absolute must-have for this recipe. Most pans hold 6 or 12 donuts. Using a nonstick surface is crucial for easy release after baking, helping to preserve the perfect round shape of your homemade donuts. Make sure to grease it even if it’s nonstick!
- Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll need a spacious mixing bowl to comfortably combine all the wet and dry batter ingredients without spills. A bowl with high sides is ideal for using an electric mixer.
- Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer): While you can mix the batter by hand, an electric mixer makes the process much quicker and ensures a perfectly smooth, lump-free batter. A handheld mixer is perfectly adequate for this recipe.
- Piping Bag or Large Ziplock Bag: This is a secret weapon for neatly and efficiently filling the donut pan molds. Piping the batter prevents mess and ensures an even distribution. If you don’t have a dedicated piping bag, simply snip off one corner of a large, sturdy ziplock bag to create a makeshift piping tool.
- Wire Cooling Rack: Essential for allowing your freshly baked donuts to cool completely and for the glaze to set properly. Placing donuts on a wire rack allows air to circulate around all sides, preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom and ensuring an even texture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurement of ingredients is key to consistent and delicious results. Always use standard dry measuring cups for dry ingredients and liquid measuring cups for liquids.
- Small Bowls: Handy for whisking together the separate glaze mixtures. This prevents cross-contamination of flavors and allows for easy dipping.
- Whisk or Fork: For quickly combining glaze ingredients until smooth.
Ingredients for Your Fluffy Homemade Donuts
Crafting these wonderful **Cake Mix Donuts** requires a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward ingredient list, ensuring a hassle-free and accessible baking experience for everyone.

Building the Donut Batter Essentials
- Yellow Cake Mix – This is the undeniable star and primary shortcut of our recipe, serving as the foundational base for your fluffy donuts. It provides a naturally sweet, incredibly tender texture and significantly streamlines the traditional baking process by pre-combining flour, sugar, leavening agents, and flavorings. Feel free to experiment with other cake mix flavors like vanilla, butter pecan, or even funfetti for different flavor profiles.
- Large Egg – A single large egg acts as a crucial binding agent, effortlessly bringing all the liquid and dry ingredients together. It also significantly contributes to the structure and richness of the donuts, ensuring they hold their shape beautifully during baking and possess a lovely, tender, and moist crumb that’s a joy to bite into.
- Vegetable Oil – This ingredient is absolutely essential for adding deep moisture and a delicate tenderness to your donuts. Vegetable oil helps create that desirable soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that stays fresh longer than butter-based recipes. Canola oil or other neutral-flavored oils can also be seamlessly used as excellent substitutes.
- Milk – The milk is vital for achieving the perfect smooth, pourable batter consistency, making it easy to fill your donut pan. It works harmoniously with the other liquid ingredients to ensure the cake mix is fully hydrated, resulting in evenly baked, consistently moist, and perfectly risen donuts. Any kind of milk (dairy or your preferred non-dairy alternative) can be used effectively.
Crafting the Classic Vanilla Glaze Ingredients
- Powdered Sugar – Also widely known as confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar, this ingredient forms the smooth, sweet, and beautifully uniform base of your glaze. Its incredibly fine texture dissolves effortlessly, creating a silky, lump-free coating that adheres perfectly to the donuts.
- Milk – Used to carefully thin the powdered sugar, allowing you to achieve precisely your desired glaze consistency. For best results, start with the recommended amount and then add more sparingly, just a teaspoon at a time, whisking continuously until the glaze is perfectly dippable and coats a spoon evenly.
- Clear Vanilla Extract – This ingredient adds a subtle yet absolutely essential sweet flavor to the glaze without altering its bright white color, which is especially desirable for achieving that classic, pristine vanilla donut appearance. If clear vanilla isn’t readily available, regular vanilla extract will certainly work, but be aware it may impart a slightly off-white tint to your glaze.
Mixing the Rich Chocolate Glaze Ingredients
- Powdered Sugar – Just as with the vanilla glaze, powdered sugar provides the indispensable smooth, sweet foundation for this decadent chocolate coating. Its fine texture ensures a velvety finish.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – This is precisely where the rich, deep, and robust chocolate flavor comes from. Utilizing unsweetened cocoa powder gives you precise control over the sweetness of the final glaze, allowing you to create a perfectly balanced and intensely chocolatey experience.
- Milk – Thins the chocolate glaze to the ideal dipping consistency. Begin with the specified amount and adjust as needed, adding a tiny bit more milk if the glaze is too thick, or a bit more powdered sugar if it’s too thin, to ensure it coats the donuts beautifully without being overly thick or too runny.
- Clear Vanilla Extract – While sometimes considered optional for chocolate glazes, a touch of clear vanilla extract surprisingly enhances and deepens the overall chocolate flavor, making it even more complex and satisfying. It truly helps to bring out the best in the cocoa.
Creative Donut Topping Ideas
- Sprinkles – An optional but highly recommended addition, sprinkles instantly add a joyous burst of color, a delightful crunch, and an undeniably playful touch to your donuts. Choose classic rainbow sprinkles for a universally festive look or select specific colors to perfectly match themed events, holidays, or team colors.
- Other Exciting Topping Ideas: Don’t stop at sprinkles! Consider a diverse range of alternative toppings to elevate your donuts. Finely chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds) add a satisfying earthy crunch. Toasted coconut flakes bring a tropical aroma and chewy texture. Mini chocolate chips, white chocolate shavings, or even crushed cookies (like Oreos or graham crackers) can add delightful variations. A simple drizzle of caramel sauce, white chocolate, or a contrasting colored icing can also create stunning visual and flavor contrasts.
You can find the precise measurements for all these ingredients conveniently listed at the bottom of the comprehensive recipe card.
Exciting Donut Flavor Variations to Try
One of the most exciting aspects of baking with cake mix is the incredible flexibility it offers for customization. These **Cake Mix Donuts** are a fantastic base for a wide array of flavors and textures, allowing you to get incredibly creative in the kitchen. Here are some inspiring variations to truly make these donuts your own:
- Decadent Chocolate Cake Donuts – For a truly rich and indulgent treat, simply swap the yellow cake mix for a high-quality chocolate boxed cake mix. The result is an intensely chocolatey donut that pairs beautifully with either the classic vanilla or the luscious chocolate glaze, or even a simple elegant dusting of powdered sugar.
- Classic Cinnamon Sugar Donuts – A timeless and universally beloved treat! Instead of applying a glaze, once the donuts are slightly cooled but still warm to the touch, toss them generously in a fragrant mixture of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. This creates a wonderfully aromatic and comforting treat reminiscent of traditional fried donuts.
- Sweet Glazed Maple Donuts – Elevate your vanilla glaze by adding a touch of pure maple extract (about ½ to 1 teaspoon, to taste). This simple addition infuses your donuts with a warm, sweet, and distinctly autumn-inspired flavor that is absolutely irresistible, especially when paired with a hot cup of coffee or a cozy chai latte.
- Moist Fruity Donuts – Introduce natural sweetness, vibrant flavor, and extra moisture by mixing mashed fruits directly into the donut batter. Try mashed ripe bananas for a banana bread-like donut, pumpkin puree for a seasonal spice flavor, or fresh puréed berries (like finely chopped strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) for a bright, fruity twist. Ensure any fruit additions don’t make the batter overly thin.
- Festive Frosted Fun Donuts – Go beyond simple glazes by topping your baked donuts with a rich, creamy frosting. Our Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe adds a delightful tangy sweetness, while brightly colored icing can create a wonderfully festive and eye-catching look for holidays or special parties. Store-bought frostings are also a quick and easy option for ultimate convenience.
- Crunchy Nutty Donuts – For an added layer of texture and delightful depth of flavor, sprinkle finely chopped nuts (such as crunchy pecans, earthy walnuts, or delicate slivered almonds) or toasted coconut flakes generously over the wet glaze. The nuts add a satisfying crunch and a rich, toasted flavor that complements the sweet donut perfectly.
- Bright Lemon Zest Donuts – Brighten up your donuts with a refreshing citrus kick! Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to your yellow cake mix batter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to your vanilla glaze for a wonderfully tangy and zesty treat.
- Invigorating Mocha Donuts – For coffee and chocolate lovers, incorporate a tablespoon of instant espresso powder or very strong brewed coffee into your chocolate cake mix batter or chocolate glaze. This creates a delightful coffee-infused flavor that mocha enthusiasts will absolutely adore.
- Aromatic Spiced Chai Donuts – Mix a teaspoon of your favorite chai spice blend (typically a mix of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and sometimes nutmeg) into a vanilla or yellow cake mix batter for a fragrant, warming, and comforting donut that’s perfect for cooler weather.
Step-By-Step Guide to Baking Your Cake Mix Donuts
Baking these delightful **Cake Mix Donuts** is a straightforward and enjoyable process. Follow these detailed steps carefully to ensure perfectly baked, wonderfully soft, and consistently delicious treats every single time. Precision in preparation and keen attention during baking will undoubtedly lead to the best, most satisfying results.
- Step 1. Prepare Your Oven and Donut Pan. Begin by precisely preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). It’s crucial that the oven is at the correct temperature before you place the donuts inside for even baking. While the oven heats up, thoroughly spray a non-stick donut pan with a good quality non-stick cooking spray. Do not skip this essential step, as it’s absolutely crucial for preventing your donuts from sticking to the pan and ensuring effortless removal and perfectly shaped treats.

Step 2. Thoroughly Mix the Donut Batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine all the core ingredients for the donut batter: the entire box of yellow cake mix, the large egg, the vegetable oil, and the milk. Using an electric mixer (either a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment), beat the ingredients together on medium speed until they are just combined and appear smooth. It is very important to be careful not to overmix the batter, as excessive mixing can overdevelop the gluten, which will ultimately lead to tough, rather than fluffy, donuts. Mix just until no dry streaks of cake mix remain, and the batter has a uniform consistency.

Step 3. Fill the Donut Pan Evenly. Carefully pour or, for a cleaner and more controlled approach, pipe the donut mixture evenly into the prepared donut pan molds. It’s absolutely crucial to only fill each mold about halfway full. Overfilling will inevitably cause the donuts to lose their distinct circular shape and overflow while baking, creating uneven and less appealing results. For a truly clean and easy transfer, I highly recommend using a piping bag. Alternatively, you can place the batter into a large ziplock bag, snip off one small corner, and gently squeeze the batter into the molds with precision.

Step 4. Bake and Cool the Donuts Properly. Place the filled donut pan into your preheated oven and allow the donuts to bake for a duration of 10-13 minutes. Keep in mind that baking time may vary slightly depending on the calibration of your specific oven, so it’s always wise to keep a close eye on them. The donuts are perfectly ready when they appear lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out completely clean, indicating they are cooked through. Once baked, promptly remove the pan from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pan for approximately 5 minutes. This crucial resting period allows them to firm up slightly before you delicately transfer them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack is essential for proper air circulation, which prevents any potential sogginess on the bottoms of your delicious treats.

Step 5. Prepare and Glaze Your Donuts. While the donuts are cooling on the rack, it’s the perfect time to prepare your luscious glazes. In two separate small bowls, whisk together the ingredients for the simple vanilla glaze in one, and the ingredients for the rich chocolate glaze in the other until both are perfectly smooth and lump-free. Once the donuts have cooled completely on the wire rack (this step is absolutely crucial for the glaze to set properly and not melt off), you can begin the exciting dipping process. Dip approximately half of your baked donuts into the vanilla glaze, coating about half of each donut. For the remaining donuts, dip them into the decadent chocolate glaze. Immediately after dipping, if desired, generously top with colorful rainbow sprinkles or any other chosen toppings before the glaze has a chance to set.
- Step 6. Allow Glaze to Set and Serve. After the joyous process of glazing and topping, let the donuts rest undisturbed on the wire rack for approximately 30 minutes. This important setting time allows the glaze to firm up and fully set, which is essential for preventing stickiness and ensuring a clean, enjoyable bite. Once the glaze is firm to the touch, your delicious **Cake Mix Donuts** are perfectly ready to be served and enthusiastically enjoyed!
Optimal Storage for Fresh Homemade Donuts
To ensure your delicious **Cake Mix Donuts** remain as fresh, soft, and tasty as possible for an extended period, proper storage methods are incredibly important. Follow these guidelines based on how long you plan to keep your homemade treats:
- Room Temperature Storage – For immediate enjoyment or short-term storage, ensure your glazed and completely cooled donuts are placed in an airtight container. Keep this container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Stored this way, your donuts will remain wonderfully fresh and soft for up to 2 days. To prevent the delicate glaze from sticking or smudging, you can interleave layers of donuts with a piece of parchment paper.
- Refrigerator Storage – If you need to extend their freshness a bit longer, perhaps for up to a week, store the donuts in a sealed airtight container in the refrigerator. Be aware that refrigeration can sometimes alter the texture of baked goods slightly, often making them a little firmer or denser. For the best eating experience, it is highly recommended to allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before serving.
- Freezer Storage – These delightful donuts freeze exceptionally well, making them perfect for meal prepping, batch baking, or simply having a quick treat on hand for later. For optimal results, wrap each individual donut tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Then, place the individually wrapped donuts into a larger freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 2 months without significant loss of quality. To thaw, simply transfer them overnight to the refrigerator or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. For a “freshly baked” feel, you can also warm them slightly in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven (at 300°F/150°C) for just a few minutes until gently warm.

Pro Tips for Achieving Bakery-Style Donuts at Home
Achieving perfect, bakery-quality donuts from a simple cake mix is easier than you think with these expert tips and tricks. Follow these suggestions closely to elevate your baking results and ensure every batch of **Cake Mix Donuts** is a resounding success, impressing everyone who tries them.
- Always Use a Quality Nonstick Donut Pan – Investing in a good quality nonstick donut pan is absolutely essential for hassle-free baking. This ensures that your donuts release effortlessly from the molds after baking, preserving their perfect round shape and preventing any frustration or damage. Even with a nonstick pan, a light spray of cooking oil or butter is still highly recommended for an extra layer of assurance.
- Crucially, Avoid Overfilling the Molds – This is a very common mistake that can significantly impact the final appearance of your donuts. Fill each donut mold only about halfway full with batter. This critical step allows ample room for the donuts to rise beautifully and evenly during baking without overflowing the pan and losing their signature donut shape. Using a piping bag (or a ziplock bag with a snipped corner) makes this task much easier and far neater.
- Ensure Donuts are Completely Cool Before Glazing – Patience truly is a virtue when it comes to the glazing stage! If your donuts are even slightly warm when you attempt to glaze them, the delicate glaze will melt, slide right off, or become absorbed into the donut, leading to a messy, uneven, and far less appealing finish. Always let them cool completely on a wire rack for at least 20-30 minutes before you even think about dipping them.
- Get Incredibly Creative with Your Toppings – Don’t limit yourself to just standard sprinkles! While rainbow sprinkles always add a festive and cheerful touch, consider exploring a wide variety of other toppings to enhance both flavor and texture. Crushed nuts (such as crunchy peanuts, buttery walnuts, or elegant slivered almonds), finely toasted shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, crushed freeze-dried fruit pieces, or even a drizzle of contrasting colored icing or a rich caramel sauce can add delightful dimensions.
- Expertly Adjust Glaze Consistency as Needed – The perfect glaze consistency is key: it should be thick enough to beautifully coat the donut but thin enough to drip slightly and evenly. If you find your glaze is too thick to spread or dip easily, gradually add a tiny bit more milk (or water) one teaspoon at a time, whisking vigorously until you reach the desired, smooth consistency. Conversely, if your glaze turns out too thin, whisk in a bit more powdered sugar until it thickens to perfection. This flexibility ensures you achieve the ideal coating every time.
- Never Overmix the Batter – This is a golden rule in baking, especially for cakes and donuts. Once you have added the wet ingredients to the dry cake mix, mix only until the ingredients are just combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Overmixing vigorously develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough, dense, and chewy donuts instead of the desired light, soft, and fluffy texture.
- Always Use a Wire Rack for Cooling and Setting – After your donuts are baked, always transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This crucial step allows air to circulate freely all around each donut, preventing any condensation from building up and keeping the bottoms from becoming soggy. Similarly, after glazing, let your donuts set on a wire rack (preferably placed over a sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil to catch any drips) to ensure the glaze hardens evenly and beautifully.
- Experiment Liberally with Different Cake Mix Flavors – Don’t feel confined to just yellow cake mix! The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, lemon, spice, or even red velvet cake mixes can all create unique and incredibly delicious donut bases, opening up a delightful world of flavor combinations for you to explore and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cake Mix Donuts
Here are some common questions and helpful answers regarding baking these easy and utterly delicious **Cake Mix Donuts**, designed to help you troubleshoot and enhance your baking experience:
- Can I fry these donuts instead of baking them?
This particular recipe is specifically formulated and designed for baked donuts, which inherently results in a lighter, cake-like texture that is distinct from traditional fried donuts. While you *could* attempt to fry them, the batter consistency might prove to be too thin for traditional deep frying methods, and they may not hold their shape as well as a yeast-risen or choux pastry donut. For the best results and to achieve the intended fluffy, cakey texture, we strongly recommend baking them as per the instructions provided.
- What if I don’t have a donut pan? Can I still make them?
Absolutely! If you don’t possess a dedicated donut pan, you can still enjoy a very similar treat. A muffin tin makes an excellent alternative. Simply fill the muffin cups about two-thirds full with the donut batter to create delightful donut-muffin hybrids. The baking time might be slightly longer (typically around 15-20 minutes, so keep an eye on them). Alternatively, for a more donut-like appearance, you can shape small pieces of aluminum foil into tight rings and place them in the center of muffin cups before filling with batter, though this requires a bit more effort and might not yield perfectly round centers.
- Why are my donuts dense or dry? What went wrong?
Dense donuts are a common issue and are often a direct result of overmixing the batter. When you overmix, the gluten in the flour component of the cake mix overdevelops, making the donuts tough and heavy. Always mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Dry donuts, on the other hand, are typically caused by overbaking. To avoid this, keep a very close eye on the baking time and remove them from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating they are cooked through but not excessively dried out.
- Can I make these donuts ahead of time for an event?
Yes, absolutely! These **Cake Mix Donuts** are quite amenable to being made in advance. The baked and glazed donuts can be conveniently stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days, maintaining excellent freshness. For even longer storage, they can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days. You can also bake the donuts, let them cool completely without glazing, and then freeze them for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw them and then glaze just before serving for the freshest taste and best presentation.
- Can I adapt this recipe to be gluten-free or dairy-free?
Yes, you can certainly adapt this recipe to accommodate dietary needs. To make them gluten-free, simply ensure you use a certified gluten-free cake mix (most major brands offer these now) and verify that all other ingredients, such as sprinkles, are also certified gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, use a suitable dairy-free milk substitute (such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk) and ensure that your chosen cake mix does not contain any dairy ingredients. The glazes can also be easily made dairy-free by substituting dairy-free milk for regular milk.
Explore More Delicious Donut Recipes
If these **Cake Mix Donuts** have sparked a newfound love for homemade treats and easy baking, you’ll be thrilled to explore even more exciting donut creations from our collection. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile and a fun, rewarding baking experience, perfect for expanding your repertoire of delightful desserts and breakfasts.
- Monster Donuts – Perfect for Halloween festivities, themed parties, or any occasion where a touch of spooky fun is desired, these playful and creatively decorated donuts are incredibly enjoyable to make and even more fun to devour!
- Rainbow Donuts – Bring a vibrant burst of color and cheer to your table with these dazzling and delightful rainbow-themed donuts. They are absolutely ideal for birthday celebrations, pride events, or simply adding an instant pop of joy and whimsy to your everyday routine.
- Italian Donuts Recipe – Embark on a culinary journey to Italy with these traditional, delightfully light, and airy donuts, often characterized by their simple elegance and typically served with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar for a truly authentic taste.
- Canned Biscuit Donuts Recipe – For those moments when you need an even quicker donut fix, these incredibly easy and resourceful donuts made from pre-made canned biscuits are an ingenious hack. They are a fantastic solution for when you’re incredibly short on time but still craving a big, satisfying donut flavor.
We are so excited for you to experience the immense joy of making and tasting these truly wonderful **Cake Mix Donuts**! Please do give this incredibly simple and deliciously versatile recipe a try in your own kitchen. Once you’ve whipped up a batch, don’t forget to come back and share your experience by leaving a comment along with your well-deserved star rating. Your valuable feedback is truly invaluable to us and helps other aspiring bakers discover this delightful treat. Happy baking, and enjoy every sweet bite!
Pin
Cake Mix Donuts
Ingredients
For the Donuts:
- 1 box Yellow Cake Mix
- 1 Large Egg
- 1/3 cup Vegetable Oil
- 3/4 cup Milk
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Milk
- 1 teaspoon Clear Vanilla Extract
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 2 Tablespoons Milk
- 1 teaspoon Clear Vanilla Extract
For the Topping:
- Sprinkles optional
Instructions
For the Donuts:
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and generously spray a non-stick donut pan with a non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy release.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, egg, vegetable oil, and milk. Using a hand-held mixer or a stand mixer, beat the ingredients until they are just combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough donuts.
-
Carefully pour the batter evenly into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about halfway full. For best results and less mess, use a piping bag or a large ziplock bag with a corner snipped off to pipe the batter into the pan.
-
Bake for 10-13 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a donut comes out clean. Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
For the Glaze:
-
In two separate bowls, whisk together the ingredients for the vanilla glaze in one, and the ingredients for the chocolate glaze in the other, until both are smooth and lump-free.
-
Once the donuts have cooled completely, dip approximately half of the donuts into the vanilla glaze and the other half into the chocolate glaze, coating about half of each donut. Immediately top with rainbow sprinkles or other desired toppings while the glaze is still wet.
-
Allow the glazed donuts to cool on the wire rack for about 30 minutes to give the glaze sufficient time to set and harden before serving.
-
Serve your delicious homemade cake mix donuts and enjoy every delightful bite!