Are you craving warm, fluffy donuts but don't have the time for a complicated recipe? This easy cake donut recipe using cake mix is your answer! It's incredibly simple, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers those irresistible cake donut flavors you love. Get ready to enjoy homemade deliciousness without the fuss. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, weekend baking projects, or even a fun activity with the kids. Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) your favorite cake mix (any flavor works!)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Sprinkles (optional)
Equipment:
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Donut pan (preferably non-stick)
- Spatula
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut pan generously. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, eggs, and milk. Whisk everything together until a smooth batter forms. Don't overmix – a few lumps are okay.
Step 2: Bake the Donuts
Fill each donut cup in the pan about ¾ full. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
Step 3: Cool the Donuts
Let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and ensures the glaze sets properly.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
While the donuts are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add vanilla extract if desired. Adjust the milk amount to reach your desired consistency – you want it to be thick enough to coat the donuts but not so thick that it's difficult to pour.
Step 5: Glaze and Decorate
Once the donuts are completely cool, dip the top of each donut into the glaze, letting any excess drip off. Immediately add sprinkles, if using. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Tips for Perfect Cake Donuts:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough donuts. Mix until just combined.
- Grease the pan well: This prevents the donuts from sticking and ensures easy removal. Using a non-stick donut pan is highly recommended.
- Check for doneness: Start checking for doneness around 8 minutes. Every oven is different!
- Cool completely before glazing: Glazing warm donuts will cause the glaze to melt and become runny.
Variations:
- Different Cake Mix Flavors: Experiment with different cake mix flavors – chocolate, red velvet, lemon, etc., for a variety of delicious donuts.
- Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles to the batter before baking for extra flavor and texture.
- Creative Glazes: Get creative with your glaze! Try adding cocoa powder for a chocolate glaze, lemon zest for a lemon glaze, or even melted white chocolate for a decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per donut, approximate):
This will vary depending on the cake mix used. For a general estimate, a single cake donut made with this recipe may contain around 200-250 calories, depending on the specific cake mix and glaze used.
Enjoy your easy and delicious homemade cake donuts! They're the perfect treat for any occasion and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let us know in the comments what cake mix flavor you used and how they turned out! Happy baking!