Donuts are one of the trendiest desserts right now. Why not make your own with this incredibly easy recipe? Choose your cake mix, pick food coloring and sprinkles—the possibilities are endless. This simple method delivers bakery-style results with minimal fuss.
Grab a donut pan, follow the cake-mix directions, and be sure to spray the pan with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer the batter to a piping bag (or a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped) and fill each well about halfway. The glaze is where you can get creative—mix food coloring into a simple sugar glaze and finish with sprinkles for picture-worthy pastries.
This recipe yields 18 donuts, so invite friends over to celebrate the start of spring or package a dozen as a thoughtful gift. A neat presentation—six to twelve donuts in a pretty box—makes a lovely surprise for loved ones.
EASY CAKE-BATTER DONUT RECIPE
Makes 18 donuts
Ingredients
- Cake mix and ingredients called for on the box
- Glaze:
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1.5 cups powdered sugar
- 2.5 tbsp milk
- Food coloring (your choice)
- Sprinkles for decorating
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spray a donut pan with cooking spray.
- Prepare cake batter according to the box instructions.
- Transfer batter to a piping bag or large zip-top bag and snip off a corner.
- Pipe batter into the donut pan, filling each well about halfway.
- Bake for about 14 minutes, then cool the donuts in the pan slightly before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the glaze: whisk melted butter, powdered sugar, milk, and a few drops of food coloring until smooth and combined. Adjust milk or sugar to reach the desired consistency.
- Dip each cooled donut into the glaze and turn it sideways to let excess drip off. Add sprinkles immediately before the glaze sets.
- Allow glaze to set, then serve or package as a gift.
Tips: Experiment with different cake mix flavors and glaze colors for a fun variety. For cleaner decorating, use a spoon or small offset spatula to spread glaze, or pipe designs with a contrasting glaze. Store donuts in an airtight container for up to two days for best freshness.