Cake Mix Donuts Recipe: The Easiest Way to Deliciousness!

Craving donuts but short on time? Forget the complicated yeast recipes and endless kneading! This cake mix donut recipe is your shortcut to fluffy, flavorful donuts in under 30 minutes. Imagine biting into a warm, freshly baked donut, glazed to perfection, all without the fuss of traditional donut making. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! This recipe is incredibly simple, perfect for beginner bakers, busy parents, or anyone who wants a quick and satisfying treat. Get ready to transform a simple cake mix into a batch of irresistible donuts that will disappear in minutes!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First and foremost, it leverages the convenience of cake mix. Cake mixes already contain a balanced blend of flour, sugar, leavening agents, and flavorings, taking the guesswork out of the equation. This ensures consistent results every time. Secondly, baking the donuts instead of frying makes the process healthier and less messy. No dealing with hot oil or the lingering smell of fried food! The donut pan creates a perfectly shaped donut with a soft, tender crumb, similar to its fried counterpart. Finally, the versatility of this recipe allows for endless customization. You can use any flavor of cake mix you like, add mix-ins, and experiment with different glazes and toppings to create your own signature donuts.

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 oz) cake mix (any flavor)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• For the Glaze (optional):
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Sprinkles or other toppings (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare donut pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a donut pan thoroughly with cooking spray or butter. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies to prevent the donuts from sticking.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, milk, eggs, and melted butter until well combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in tough donuts. A few lumps are okay.
3. Fill donut pan: Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a large zip-top bag. If using a zip-top bag, snip off one corner. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about 2/3 full. This prevents the donuts from overflowing during baking.
4. Bake the donuts: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The donuts should be lightly golden brown.
5. Cool the donuts: Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart.
6. Make the glaze (optional): While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract (if using) until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
7. Glaze the donuts: Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, or drizzle the glaze over the donuts using a spoon.
8. Add toppings (optional): Immediately sprinkle the glazed donuts with sprinkles, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or any other toppings you desire.
9. Let the glaze set: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. This will help prevent the glaze from being messy.
10. Enjoy! Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade cake mix donuts!

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing develops the gluten in the cake mix, which can result in tough donuts. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
• Grease the donut pan well: This is crucial to prevent the donuts from sticking. Use cooking spray or butter, and make sure to get into all the crevices.
• Don’t overfill the donut pan: Filling the cavities too full will cause the donuts to overflow during baking, resulting in misshapen donuts. Fill each cavity about 2/3 full.
• Adjust baking time as needed: Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Check the donuts after 8 minutes and bake for a few more minutes if needed, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Use a piping bag for easy filling: Using a piping bag (or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off) makes it much easier to fill the donut pan evenly and cleanly.
• Experiment with different cake mix flavors: The possibilities are endless! Try chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, lemon, or any other flavor you like.
• Add mix-ins to the batter: Fold in chocolate chips, sprinkles, chopped nuts, or fruit to add extra flavor and texture to your donuts.
• Get creative with the glaze: Add food coloring to the glaze to create colorful donuts. You can also use different extracts, such as almond or peppermint, to add flavor.
• Use a double boiler for a smoother glaze: If you want a super smooth and glossy glaze, try melting the powdered sugar and milk in a double boiler.

Storage Instructions

These cake mix donuts are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze may become slightly sticky over time. For longer storage, you can freeze the unglazed donuts. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few hours before glazing and serving.

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, you can use any type of milk you prefer, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk.
• Can I use oil instead of melted butter? Yes, you can substitute the melted butter with oil, but the donuts may not be as flavorful.
• Can I make these donuts without a donut pan? While a donut pan is recommended for the classic donut shape, you can bake the batter in a muffin tin. Fill each muffin cup about 2/3 full and bake for the same amount of time.
• My donuts are sticking to the pan. What am I doing wrong? Make sure you are greasing the donut pan thoroughly with cooking spray or butter. You can also try dusting the pan with flour after greasing it.
• My donuts are dry. What can I do to prevent this? Avoid overbaking the donuts. Check them after 8 minutes and bake only until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Can I fry these donuts instead of baking them? While this recipe is designed for baking, you can fry the donuts. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and carefully drop the donuts into the hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and glaze as desired.

Conclusion

With this cake mix donut recipe, you’re just a few steps away from enjoying warm, delicious homemade donuts any time you want. The simplicity and versatility of this recipe make it a winner for bakers of all skill levels. So ditch the complicated recipes and embrace the ease of cake mix donuts. Experiment with different flavors, glazes, and toppings to create your own signature treats. Happy baking!