Cake Mix Donuts Recipe

If you’re searching for a playful, ultra-easy treat that looks like it’s straight from a bakery but takes barely any effort, you’re going to fall for these Cake Mix Donuts. Slightly crisp edges, fluffy centers, and a dazzling lineup of colorful toppings—they’re the shortcut dessert that brings genuine joy to the table. The best part? You need only a few everyday ingredients and less than a half hour from start to finish. Whether you’re baking with kids, wowing brunch guests, or simply curing a sweet craving, this Cake Mix Donuts recipe is about to become your new favorite kitchen hack.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about simplicity: just a handful of pantry staples come together to create these cheerful Cake Mix Donuts. Every ingredient plays its part, ensuring your donuts are tender, flavorful, and gorgeously golden. You can even customize the flavor party by switching up the cake mix or getting creative with toppings.

• Cake mix (any flavor, 15.25 oz): The secret shortcut for effortless flavor and perfect texture. Pick your favorite (vanilla, chocolate, funfetti—endless options!).
• Large eggs (2): Essential for structure and that soft, cakey crumb.
• Vegetable oil (1/3 cup): Provides moisture and richness; helps the donuts stay soft instead of dry.
• Milk (1/4 cup): Adds just enough liquid to create a silky, pipeable batter.
• Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Amplifies flavor and gives that fresh-baked bakery aroma.
• Optional toppings: powdered sugar, chocolate glaze, sprinkles: The finishing touches! Pick your favorite to make each donut unique and festive.

How to Make Cake Mix Donuts

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

First things first—crank your oven up to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, generously grease your donut pan with a bit of oil or non-stick spray. This not only prevents sticking but also gives you those perfectly shaped, golden-edged Cake Mix Donuts every time.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter will be thick and luscious, which is exactly what keeps your donuts soft and fluffy rather than dense.

Step 3: Fill the Donut Pan

Pour the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with a little corner snipped off. This handy trick makes filling the donut wells a breeze—and way less messy! Pipe the batter into the pan, filling each well about two-thirds full.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into your preheated oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep a close eye—when a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean, they’re done! The aroma will be absolutely irresistible, but resist the urge to pull them out early.

Step 5: Cool and Decorate

Let your donuts rest in the pan for about 5 minutes (they finish setting up as they cool). Then, gently pop them out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, it’s time for the fun part: dip them in chocolate glaze, dust with powdered sugar, or sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles—go wild!

How to Serve Cake Mix Donuts

Garnishes

For that classic donut shop flair, go heavy on the garnishes! A blanket of powdered sugar adds elegance, while a decadent chocolate glaze turns every bite into an indulgent experience. Colorful sprinkles instantly spark joy, and you could even try a drizzle of caramel or a handful of crushed nuts for extra flair.

Side Dishes

Serve your Cake Mix Donuts alongside a mug of coffee, a creamy hot chocolate, or even a chilled glass of milk for the ultimate snack attack. For brunch vibes, fresh fruit or a yogurt parfait makes a beautiful pairing and keeps things refreshing and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Show off your donut creations on a tiered dessert stand or arrange them in playful towers on a bright serving platter. Offer an array of toppings in small bowls so everyone can dress up their own Cake Mix Donuts just how they like. For parties, stack them in a pyramid or serve like “donut holes” by cutting each donut into bite-sized wedges—super fun and totally shareable!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Cake Mix Donuts at their best, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and soft for up to two days. If your kitchen is especially warm or humid, you can pop the container in the fridge—just bring the donuts back to room temp before serving for the perfect bite.

Freezing

Cake Mix Donuts freeze surprisingly well! Arrange the cooled donuts in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep their taste and texture for up to two months—just thaw and enjoy whenever you need a treat.

Reheating

If your donuts have gotten a bit chilly, a few seconds in the microwave (about 10–15 seconds per donut) will bring back their tender texture. You can also warm them in a low oven for a few minutes. Be sure to add any glazes or powdered sugar after reheating for the freshest look and taste.

FAQs

Can I use any type of cake mix for Cake Mix Donuts?

Absolutely! Choose whatever flavor you love—classic yellow, chocolate, red velvet, or even funfetti. Each kind creates a unique batch of Cake Mix Donuts with its own personality and color.

Do I need a donut pan to make Cake Mix Donuts?

While a donut pan gives you the iconic ring shape, you can also use a muffin tin and simply make donut “muffins”—the taste is just as fantastic! For the traditional donut look, though, the pan is worth the investment.

Can I make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, just grab your favorite gluten-free cake mix and follow the same recipe. The texture will still be soft and delicious—just ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How do I make Cake Mix Donuts extra moist?

Stick closely to the ingredient amounts, especially with the oil and milk, and avoid overbaking. If you want even more richness, add an extra tablespoon of oil or a dollop of sour cream to the batter.

What are some fun topping ideas for Cake Mix Donuts?

Aside from the classics like powdered sugar and chocolate glaze, try vanilla icing, crushed cookies, toasted coconut, mini chocolate chips, or a drizzle of peanut butter. Let your creativity run wild—Cake Mix Donuts are a blank canvas!

Final Thoughts

You never know which quick and cheerful recipe will become a forever favorite until you try it, and these Cake Mix Donuts are pure joy in every bite. Don’t just take my word for it—gather your ingredients, invite some friends or little helpers, and let the donut party begin!

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