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Baked Cake-Mix Donuts

Quick and customizable donuts made with boxed cake mix, topped with three simple glazes - vanilla, chocolate, and maple. Perfect for any occasion!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 12 donuts
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the donuts
  • 1 box cake mix (any flavor; yellow, chocolate, or funfetti) Using a flavored mix gives you a head start on taste.
  • 1 large egg Can be replaced with 1/4 cup applesauce or a commercial egg replacer.
  • 1/3 cup oil (light olive oil, vegetable, or canola) Use a neutral oil for the cleanest flavor.
  • 3/4 cup milk (dairy or any unsweetened plant milk)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • optional Sprinkles, chopped candy, or nuts for topping
For the vanilla glaze
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp milk Start with 1 tbsp.
  • 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
  • optional food coloring
For the chocolate glaze
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1-2 tbsp milk Adjust for consistency.
For the maple glaze
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1-2 tbsp milk
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 3/4 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray your donut pans with non-stick spray.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, egg, oil, milk, and vanilla. Mix with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and uniform.
  3. Spoon the batter into a large piping bag or a gallon-sized Ziploc. Snip a corner and pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling about 3/4 full.
Baking
  1. Bake for 10–12 minutes until donuts are light golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  2. Let donuts cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely (another 10–15 minutes).
Making the Glazes
  1. While the donuts cool, whisk each glaze’s ingredients in separate shallow bowls until smooth. The consistency should be pourable but not runny; add more milk 1/4 tsp at a time if too thick.
  2. Dip the top of each donut into the glaze for a few seconds. Let excess drip back into the bowl, then return the donut to the wire rack to set.
  3. Add sprinkles or toppings immediately while the glaze is wet. Let the glaze firm up for about 10–15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For richer donuts, swap half-and-half for milk. Store glazed donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. If your glaze has perishable add-ins, refrigerate and consume within 3 days.