How Do I Make Cake Donuts with a Cake Mix?

When it comes to satisfying your sweet tooth, few things hit the spot quite like a fresh, warm donut. But what if I told you that you don’t need to go through the hassle of making donuts from scratch? With a box of cake mix and a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of cake donuts that are not only easy to make but also incredibly delicious. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this guide will walk you through the process of making cake donuts with a cake mix.

Why Use a Cake Mix for Donuts?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about why using a cake mix for donuts is a great idea. Cake mixes are a convenient option for creating a consistent and tasty product without needing to measure out all the individual ingredients like flour, sugar, and baking powder. The mix already contains the right balance of ingredients, which saves time and reduces the chance of error. Plus, with so many flavors of cake mixes available, you can easily customize your donuts to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of what you’ll need to make cake donuts using a cake mix:

1 box of cake mix (any flavor you like—chocolate, vanilla, lemon, etc.)

2 large eggs

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 cup water or milk (for a richer taste)

Donut pan (You can find these at most kitchenware stores or online)

Non-stick cooking spray

Optional toppings:

Powdered sugar

Cinnamon sugar

Glaze (store-bought or homemade)

Sprinkles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s get started on making those delicious cake donuts.

Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your donuts bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.

Prepare Your Donut Pan:

Spray your donut pan generously with non-stick cooking spray. This step is crucial to ensure that the donuts come out easily after baking without sticking to the pan.

Mix the Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, oil, and water (or milk). Use a hand mixer or whisk to blend the ingredients until smooth. The batter should be thick but pourable.

Fill the Donut Pan:

Transfer the batter into a piping bag or a large ziplock bag with the tip cut off. This will make it easier to fill the donut molds without making a mess. Pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each mold about two-thirds full. Be careful not to overfill, as the batter will rise during baking.

Bake the Donuts:

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into one of the donuts comes out clean. The edges of the donuts should be lightly golden, but not too brown.

Cool and Remove:

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Afterward, carefully remove the donuts from the pan and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.

Decorating Your Donuts

One of the most fun aspects of making cake donuts is decorating them. Here are a few simple ideas:

Powdered Sugar: Once the donuts have cooled, you can dust them with powdered sugar for a classic, sweet finish.

Cinnamon Sugar: Mix ½ cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon. While the donuts are still slightly warm, dip them in the cinnamon sugar mixture for a deliciously spiced treat.

Glaze: For a simple glaze, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of milk or water until smooth. Dip the top of each donut into the glaze, then return them to the wire rack to set. You can add sprinkles or crushed nuts on top for extra texture and flavor.

Variations to Try

One of the best things about using a cake mix to make donuts is the endless possibilities for flavor combinations. Here are a few variations you might want to try:

Chocolate Cake Mix: Use a chocolate cake mix and top the donuts with a chocolate glaze or dust them with cocoa powder and powdered sugar for a double chocolate delight.

Lemon Cake Mix: For a bright, citrusy treat, use a lemon cake mix and finish with a lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice.

Spice Cake Mix: Perfect for fall, a spice cake mix can be paired with a cinnamon glaze or a dusting of cinnamon sugar.

Red Velvet Cake Mix: Create a stunning and delicious donut by using red velvet cake mix and topping it with cream cheese glaze or powdered sugar.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your cake donuts turn out perfectly every time:

Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can lead to tough, dense donuts. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Check for Doneness Early: Ovens can vary, so start checking your donuts a minute or two before the minimum baking time to prevent overbaking.

Store Properly: Cake donuts are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days. If you want to keep them longer, they freeze well; just wrap each donut individually and store them ina freezer-safe bag.

Conclusion

Making cake donuts with a cake mix is a quick and easy way to enjoy fresh, homemade donuts without the fuss of traditional donut-making methods. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for breakfast, a party, or just because, these donuts are sure to be a hit. With the variety of cake mix flavors and toppings available, you can customize them to your heart’s content. So grab a box of your favorite cake mix and get ready to enjoy some delicious homemade donuts!