Name: Cake Mix Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487117H13M4S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box cake mix; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar; 3 tbsp milk; Rainbow sprinkles, optional

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving bakery-style donuts but wished you could make them in a snap with hardly any mess, then these Cake Mix Donuts are about to become your new best friend. Picture a batch of fluffy, tender donuts rolling out of your oven with all the aroma and sweet promise of something straight from the local donut shop. With just a few everyday ingredients and less effort than it takes to stand in line, you’ll be whipping up colorfully glazed Cake Mix Donuts that look like a party and taste like pure happiness. Trust me, after a single bite, everyone will be convinced you have a secret bakery hidden in your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s genuinely astonishing how a handful of simple pantry staples can transform into the most delightful breakfast treat. Each ingredient pulls its weight to create that perfect plush interior, a moist crumb, and a glistening glaze you can decorate to your heart’s content. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 box cake mix: The flavor is totally up to you—vanilla, chocolate, funfetti, red velvet, or lemon, each variety brings its own personality to your donuts.
2 large eggs: Eggs add richness and help bind everything together, resulting in that classic donut texture you crave.
¼ cup vegetable oil: This oil keeps the donuts irresistibly moist and gives them a light, tender crumb.
½ cup milk: Milk smooths out the batter and makes the finished donuts soft and fluffy.
1 Tbsp unsalted butter (melted): A touch of butter in the glaze adds richness and silky texture.
1 ½ cups powdered sugar: This is the magic behind the sweet, glossy donut glaze everyone will want to lick off their fingers.
3 Tbsp milk (for glaze): Helps achieve the perfect pourable consistency for that dreamy donut topping.
Rainbow sprinkles (optional): Sprinkles are always a good idea—festive, fun, and they turn your donuts into cheerful showstoppers.

How to Make Cake Mix Donuts

Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s ready for action. Grab your donut pan and give it a thorough misting with non-stick cooking spray. This keeps your Cake Mix Donuts from sticking and ensures a quick, easy release that keeps those perfect donut shapes intact.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk. Stir until you don’t see any more dry streaks—the batter should be thick but smooth. This is where the magic begins: the batter will smell amazing already, no matter which cake mix flavor you choose.

Step 3: Pipe the Batter In

Spoon the batter into a large gallon-sized zip-top bag, seal, then snip off a small corner of the bag. This makes an instant, mess-free piping bag. Carefully squeeze the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about halfway. This ensures uniform donuts that rise just right.

Step 4: Bake

Pop your filled donut pan into the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the donuts spring back lightly to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The house will fill with the nostalgic scent of cake and anticipation!

Step 5: Cool and Glaze

Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes, then gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they’re cooling, stir together the melted butter, powdered sugar, and milk until you have a smooth, glossy glaze. Once the donuts are cool, dip the tops in the glaze and set them back on the rack.

Step 6: Decorate with Sprinkles

Before the glaze sets, shower each donut with a cascade of colorful sprinkles. This step is incredibly fun, especially if little hands want to help! Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then your Cake Mix Donuts are ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Cake Mix Donuts

Garnishes

Don’t be shy with your creative flourishes! Besides traditional rainbow sprinkles, try toasted coconut, mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate. You can also switch up the glaze color with a drop or two of food coloring to match holidays or party themes.

Side Dishes

Cake Mix Donuts pair beautifully with a cup of strong coffee, a mug of hot cocoa, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced breakfast or brunch table. If you’re hosting, serve them alongside yogurt parfaits or a platter of crispy bacon for the ultimate sweet-and-savory spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Add a little wow factor to your presentation by stacking glazed donuts on a pretty cake stand, arranging them in a donut tower, or threading them onto wooden skewers for a fun party display. For birthdays or brunches, a DIY donut decorating bar is always a crowd-pleaser—set out bowls of different glazes and toppings for guests to customize their Cake Mix Donuts.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover donuts in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 2 days. To keep them extra moist, add a slice of bread to the container—it’ll help prevent the donuts from drying out.

Freezing

If you want to get ahead or save some treats for later, freeze the unglazed donuts in a zip-top freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw at room temperature and dip in freshly made glaze. This way, your Cake Mix Donuts taste bakery-fresh every single time.

Reheating

For warm, just-baked vibes, pop a donut in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you prefer, you can also heat them in a 300 degree oven for a few minutes. Just remember: glaze after reheating for the best texture!

FAQs

Can I use any flavor of cake mix?

Absolutely! One of the joys of Cake Mix Donuts is their flexibility—every flavor from classic chocolate to funfetti to red velvet works beautifully. Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonal cake mixes too.

Do I need a special donut pan?

While a donut pan will give you that signature shape, you can get creative if you don’t own one. Use a muffin tin and place rolled-up foil in the center of each cup to create a makeshift donut mold.

Can I make these Cake Mix Donuts vegan?

Yes! Swap the eggs for flaxseed or commercial egg replacer, use plant-based milk, and choose a vegan-friendly cake mix. The results will still be fluffy, flavorful, and totally satisfying.

Why are my donuts dense instead of fluffy?

If your donuts turn out heavy, you may have over-mixed the batter or overfilled the pan. Mix just until combined and only fill each cavity halfway to let the donuts rise properly and stay light.

What other toppings go well with Cake Mix Donuts?

Your imagination is the limit! Try crushed Oreos, chopped nuts, cinnamon sugar, mini marshmallows, or even a zigzag of peanut butter or caramel sauce once the glaze sets. Every batch can be uniquely yours.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wanted to whip up a batch of fun, foolproof homemade treats, Cake Mix Donuts are the ultimate solution. They’re so easy, so delicious, and so customizable that one taste will make them a staple in your baking repertoire. Give these a try and watch smiles appear—sometimes, the simplest recipes truly bring the most joy.

Cake Mix Donuts Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Cake Mix Donuts are a quick and easy treat to satisfy your sweet cravings. Made with just a few simple ingredients, these donuts are perfect for a fun baking project or a delightful snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 box cake mix

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup milk

Glaze:

1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
3 tbsp milk

Topping:

Rainbow sprinkles, optional

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray donut pan with non-stick cooking spray, set aside.
Whisk together dry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk until combined.
Pour batter into a large plastic bag and pipe into the prepared donut pan, filling each cup about halfway.
Bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes. Cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American