Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly soft, moist donut that took mere minutes to prepare. What if we told you it only requires two ingredients for the donuts themselves and one for the glaze? Welcome to the wonderful world of 2-Ingredient Cake Mix Baked Cake Donuts! In less than 30 minutes, you can have a batch of these irresistible treats ready to delight your taste buds and impress your family and friends. Forget the fuss of traditional baking and the mess of deep-frying; these hassle-free baked donuts are a game-changer for any dessert lover.
Effortless Indulgence: Discover the Magic of 2-Ingredient Baked Donuts
For every donut enthusiast who craves that fresh, bakery-quality taste without the daunting process, these Cake Mix Baked Cake Donuts are your new secret weapon. This recipe is specially crafted for the semi-homemade baker, for those who fear the splattering oil of a deep fryer, and for anyone needing a quick, simple solution that doesn’t compromise on flavor. These are not just “good for being easy”; they are genuinely amazing, rivaling many scratch-made versions in their tender crumb and delicious taste. Get ready to fall in love with the sheer convenience and incredible results!
The beauty of these baked cake donuts lies in their minimal ingredient list. By starting with a boxed cake mix, you’re instantly bypassing a multitude of steps – no need to measure flour, sugar, baking powder, or salt separately. The dry cake mix already contains the perfect balance of leavening agents and flavorings, ensuring a consistent and delicious outcome every time. This foundational shortcut makes homemade donuts accessible to everyone, from novice bakers to seasoned pros looking for a quick fix.
Donut Obsession: Simple Solutions for Every Craving
My love for donuts runs deep—I confess, I’m practically a walking donut advertisement with my collection of donut-themed apparel! And while I adore the art of baking from scratch, I also champion smart shortcuts that make life sweeter and easier, especially when celebrating joyous occasions like National Donut Day. That’s precisely why these 2-ingredient baked cake donuts hold a special place in my heart.
Many wonder how it’s possible to create such a delightful treat with so few components. The secret, as mentioned, is the humble cake mix. It cleverly combines all the dry essentials—flour, sugar, leavening, salt, and flavor—into one convenient package. Then, with just one additional moist ingredient, you achieve the perfect donut batter. This ingenious method means you don’t need yeast, powdered sugar (for the donut itself), or even eggs, simplifying the process dramatically without sacrificing the tender, cakey texture you expect from a great donut.
While this recipe champions simplicity, my kitchen is always buzzing with other delicious donut creations. If you’re eager to explore more homemade options, don’t miss these easy-to-make, scratch-made Blueberry Donuts, also ready in about 30 minutes. For a nostalgic twist, try my Easy Old-Fashioned Donuts. And for those seeking wholesome flavors, the Whole Wheat Baked Banana Donuts with a Peanut Butter Glaze or the classic Baked Banana Donuts with a Maple Glaze offer delightful alternatives. Each recipe promises that homemade goodness in a surprisingly short time.
Unlock Endless Flavors: Your Cake Mix Donut Adventure
The moment I realized the incredible potential of transforming a simple cake mix into delicious baked donuts, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The versatility of this method is truly exciting, offering a blank canvas for your culinary imagination. The options for customizing your cake mix donuts are virtually limitless, allowing you to tailor each batch to your specific cravings or an upcoming occasion.
The magic starts with your choice of cake mix. Whether you prefer a classic vanilla, a decadent chocolate, a vibrant red velvet, a zesty lemon, or a warm spice cake, any flavor will work beautifully. This freedom allows for seasonal variations or simply indulging in your favorite cake profile transformed into a donut. The second “secret” ingredient is a binding agent that replaces the oil and eggs typically called for on a cake mix box. You can choose from:
- Mashed Banana: Adds natural sweetness, incredible moisture, and a subtle fruit flavor. Perfect for vanilla or spice cake mixes.
- Cinnamon Applesauce: Delivers a tender texture and a lovely hint of cinnamon, making it ideal for autumn-themed donuts or with yellow cake mixes.
- Pure Canned Pumpkin: Provides richness and a beautiful orange hue, excellent with spice or chocolate cake mixes for a seasonal treat.
- Greek Yogurt: A fantastic option for adding protein and tanginess, resulting in an exceptionally moist and slightly dense donut.
And let’s talk about the glaze—it’s another stroke of genius! Instead of whipping up a traditional powdered sugar and milk icing, we use store-bought cake frosting. Simply microwave a container of your favorite frosting for about 10-15 seconds until it achieves a smooth, dippable consistency. This creates a perfectly sweet, shiny glaze that sets beautifully, just like a professional bakery donut. Chocolate, vanilla, cream cheese, or funfetti frostings all work wonderfully. For those who prefer a lighter touch, a homemade simple icing or even a drizzle of maple syrup can be lovely alternatives. The combination of the soft, cakey donut and the sweet, glistening glaze is pure bliss. Oh my yum!
Gather Your Essentials: Ingredients and Supplies for Donut Perfection
The beauty of these easy baked donuts lies in their simplicity, requiring minimal ingredients and basic kitchen tools. Here’s what you’ll need to create your own batch of deliciousness:
Ingredients:
- 1 (13.25 ounce) Boxed Cake Mix (any flavor, dry mix only): This is your magic shortcut! It contains all the pre-measured dry ingredients like flour, sugar, leavening agents, and flavorings, ensuring a consistent and foolproof base for your donuts. Feel free to experiment with chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, spice, or lemon cake mixes. Gluten-free cake mixes also work perfectly for dietary needs.
- Mashed Banana, Cinnamon Applesauce, OR Pure Canned Pumpkin (approx. 2 cups mashed banana, 2 cups applesauce, or 1 15-ounce can pumpkin): This is your second key ingredient, acting as a binder and providing essential moisture. It replaces the oil and eggs typically required for a cake mix, resulting in a tender, soft donut. Greek yogurt is another excellent option for added moisture and a slight tang.
- Store-Bought Cake Frosting (any flavor): The effortless glaze! Microwaving this transforms it into a smooth, dippable coating that hardens into that classic donut glaze finish. Chocolate, vanilla, cream cheese, or funfetti frostings are all great choices. For a lighter touch, you can opt to make a simple icing from scratch or even a maple syrup drizzle.
- Sprinkles (optional): While optional, sprinkles add a festive touch and a burst of color, making these donuts even more appealing, especially for parties or baking with kids.
Supplies:
- Two 6-Cavity Donut Pans: Essential for shaping your baked donuts. Having two pans allows for a continuous baking process.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For easily combining your cake mix and mix-in.
- Whisk: To ensure your batter is smooth and well-incorporated.
- Wire Cooling Rack: Crucial for allowing your donuts to cool evenly and for catching any glaze drippings.
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: For warming your frosting into a perfect glaze.
- Resealable Baggie (gallon-size) or Piping Bag: This is the easiest way to neatly fill your donut pans, ensuring uniformly shaped donuts without a sticky mess.
Your Simple Guide: How to Make Cake Mix Baked Cake Donuts
Making these cake mix baked donuts is incredibly straightforward. You’ll combine a dry cake mix, one moist mix-in, and a container of frosting for the glaze. While sprinkles are technically optional, I firmly believe they’re a must for adding that extra touch of fun and festivity to your homemade donuts! I’ve outlined the process, highlighting different flavor combinations to spark your creativity.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray one or two 6-cavity donut pans with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring every crevice is coated to prevent sticking. Set them aside.
- Mixing the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine your chosen dry cake mix (chocolate, vanilla, spice, etc. – remember, only the dry mix, ignore the box instructions for oil/eggs) with one of your preferred mix-in options (2 cups mashed banana, 2 cups cinnamon applesauce, or 1 15-ounce can of pure pumpkin). Stir everything together thoroughly with a whisk until a thick, uniform batter forms. Avoid overmixing; just combine until smooth.
- Filling the Pans: Transfer the donut batter into a gallon-sized resealable baggie. Press out any excess air and seal it shut. Snip a small corner off the bottom of the baggie (about 1/2 inch) to create a makeshift piping bag. Carefully pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling it almost completely full. If you have a dedicated piping bag and a round tip, feel free to use that for even greater precision. This recipe typically yields about 12 standard-sized donuts.
- Baking: Place the filled donut pans into the preheated oven. Bake for 7-8 minutes. The donuts are ready when they are lightly golden, feel set to the touch, and spring back when gently pressed. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and the specific cake mix used.
- Cooling: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes. This helps them firm up and prevents them from breaking when removed. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the warm donuts to a wire cooling rack placed over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The parchment paper will catch any glaze drippings later, making cleanup a breeze. If you only have one donut pan, repeat the baking process with the remaining batter.
Flavor Spotlights:
Chocolate Cake Donuts: For a rich, decadent treat, simply use a chocolate cake mix. Combine it with your preferred mix-in (pumpkin puree creates a wonderfully moist chocolate pumpkin donut, for instance). Glaze with chocolate frosting and adorn with rainbow sprinkles for a classic look.
- For vanilla cake donuts, combine vanilla cake mix and applesauce in a large mixing bowl.
- Stir until just combined, ensuring a smooth, lump-free batter.
Vanilla Cake Donuts: A timeless choice! Pair a vanilla cake mix with cinnamon applesauce for a subtly spiced, incredibly tender donut. A simple white frosting glaze will complete this classic. Alternatively, try a lemon cake mix with mashed banana for a bright, fruity twist.
Strawberry Cake Donuts: Use a strawberry cake mix and combine it with mashed bananas for a sweet, fruity base. Glaze with a strawberry-flavored frosting for an extra burst of berry goodness. If you prefer a spice cake mix, applesauce or pumpkin are excellent mix-ins, complemented perfectly by a cream cheese or plain vanilla frosting glaze.
Glazing Your Donuts:
- Prepare the Glaze: Spoon your store-bought frosting into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Stir well until it reaches a smooth, pourable, or drizzling consistency. If it’s too thick, heat for a few more seconds; if too thin, let it cool for a moment.
- Dip and Decorate: Once your donuts are cooled on the wire rack, take one donut at a time and dip the top half into the warm glaze. Lift it out, allowing any excess to drip off, then place it back upright on the wire rack.
- Add Sprinkles: If you’re using sprinkles, apply them immediately after glazing each donut, while the glaze is still wet, to ensure they stick.
- Set and Enjoy: Repeat the glazing process with all remaining donuts. Allow the glaze to set for 5-10 minutes. Once the glaze is firm, your delicious baked cake donuts are ready to be savored! The process is so quick and enjoyable, you’ll be whipping up these delightful treats at every opportunity. I particularly recommend trying an apple spice cake mix with a cream cheese frosting glaze—it might just become your absolute favorite!
Storage Solutions for Your Delightful Donuts
To keep your homemade cake mix baked donuts fresh and delicious for as long as possible, proper storage is key. Here’s how to best preserve their delightful texture and flavor:
- Room Temperature: Store any leftover glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. While they will remain soft, the glaze might become slightly tacky over time. If stacking, place a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve their presentation. For the best results, it’s often wise to only glaze the donuts you plan to serve immediately, keeping the rest unglazed for later. This method generally helps them hold up better.
- Refrigerator: For extended freshness, you can store your donuts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Chilling helps the glaze set more firmly, which can be desirable for transport or warmer climates. However, the donuts themselves may dry out a little faster in the cold. For optimal enjoyment, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15-30 minutes before eating to restore their softness.
- Freezing (Unglazed): Plain, unglazed baked donuts freeze exceptionally well for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap each donut individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw the donuts at room temperature for a few hours and then glaze them fresh. This ensures they taste just as good as when they were first baked!
Beyond the Basics: Explore More Irresistible Donut Recipes
If these cake mix baked donuts have ignited your passion for homemade treats, you’ll be thrilled to dive into my extensive collection of The Best Homemade Donut Recipes. This curated selection offers a variety of delightful options, from classic fried to innovative baked versions, each designed to be both easy and utterly delicious. Whether you’re craving a light and fluffy texture or a rich, dense cake donut, you’ll find a recipe to satisfy every craving. As an added bonus, I share creative ways to elevate even store-bought donuts, turning them into gourmet-worthy delights with simple additions and presentations. It’s time to become a true donut connoisseur!
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a box of your favorite cake mix, choose your moist mix-in, and pick out a container of frosting. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll be indulging in the unparalleled deliciousness of homemade baked cake donuts. This recipe is your ticket to quick, easy, and utterly satisfying treats!
If you embark on this delightful journey and create my Cake Mix Baked Cake Donuts, don’t forget to share your culinary masterpieces! Snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @thebakermama—I absolutely love seeing your creations. For more inspiration, tips, and a vibrant community of fellow food lovers, be sure to join my Friends of The BakerMama Facebook group. It’s a wonderful space to connect, share, and discover new favorite recipes. Enjoy the baking, and enjoy the eating! 😍
xoxo,
Cake Mix Baked Cake Donuts
- Author: Maegan – The BakerMama
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Total Time: 23 mins
- Yield: 12 Donuts
- Category: Breakfast
Description
These 2-Ingredient Cake Mix Baked Cake Donuts are too good to be true! Just two ingredients for the donuts and a container of frosting for the glaze, and in less than 30 minutes, you’ll have great cake donuts ready to enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 (13.25 ounce) boxed cake mix, any flavor (just the dry mix)
- 1 mix-in (2 cups mashed banana OR 2 cups cinnamon applesauce OR 1 (15 ounce) can pure pumpkin)
- 1 container cake frosting, any flavor
- Sprinkles, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Spray one (or two) 6 cavity donut pans with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cake mix (just the dry mix, no other ingredients listed on the box) with one of the mix-in options until well combined.
- Transfer the batter to a gallon-size resealable baggie and seal shut. Cut a small piece off one corner of the bottom of the baggie and fill each donut ring almost completely full with batter. You can also use a piping bag, if you have one. (Should make 12 donuts)
- Bake for 7-8 minutes or until donuts are set and spring back up when touched.
- Let donuts cool in pan for at least 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to collect glaze drippings. Repeat process with remaining batter if you don’t have two donut pans.
- Heat frosting in a microwave-safe bowl for 10-15 seconds until of drizzling consistency. Dip one donut at a time into the frosting glaze and place upright back on the wire rack.
- If sprinkling with sprinkles, do so immediately after glazing each donut. Repeat with remaining donuts. Allow glaze to set for 5-10 minutes. Enjoy!
Notes
If using a mini donut pan, bake for about 5 minutes before testing for doneness.