Who doesn’t love a fresh, warm donut in the morning? I know I do. But if we’re being honest, making donuts from scratch is not always the kind of project that fits into a busy weekday or a lazy weekend when you want something fun without turning the kitchen upside down.
That’s exactly why these Cake Mix Donuts are such a good idea. They give you that soft, fluffy donut texture with a shortcut that makes the whole process feel a lot more doable. With a boxed cake mix, a few pantry basics, and a simple glaze, you can pull together a batch in no time and still feel like you made something special.
If you’ve ever wanted homemade donuts without the extra fuss of yeast, rising time, or frying, this is the kind of recipe that makes mornings a little easier and a whole lot sweeter.
Table of Contents
What are Cake Mix Donuts?
Cake Mix Donuts are exactly what they sound like: baked donuts made with a boxed cake mix as the base. It’s a simple shortcut that cuts down on prep while still giving you soft, tender donuts that feel homemade.
Instead of mixing together flour, sugar, leavening, and all the other usual baking ingredients from scratch, the cake mix does a lot of the heavy lifting for you. That means fewer steps, fewer ingredients to measure, and a recipe that feels very approachable whether you bake all the time or only once in a while.
These donuts are especially nice for busy mornings, brunch with family, or those moments when you want something a little playful without committing to a longer baking project. They are sweet, easy to customize, and simple enough to make with kids too.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to keep this one in your back pocket.
- Quick and easy: From mixing the batter to glazing the donuts, this recipe comes together fast.
- Great for busy mornings: You get a homemade treat without an all-day baking project.
- Made with simple ingredients: Most of what you need is already easy to keep on hand.
- Easy to customize: Change the cake mix flavor, switch up the glaze, or add sprinkles to make them your own.
- Kid-friendly: This is a fun recipe for little helpers, especially when it is time to glaze and decorate.
- Baked, not fried: You still get the donut experience without needing to deal with hot oil.
Other Donut Recipes
Ingredients
Here’s a closer look at the main ingredients that bring these Cake Mix Donuts together.
- Boxed cake mix: This is the shortcut that makes the recipe so easy. You can use your favorite flavor depending on the kind of donuts you want.
- Eggs: Eggs help give the donuts structure and keep the texture soft and tender.
- Vegetable oil: This adds richness and helps keep the donuts moist.
- Milk: Milk helps loosen the batter and creates a smooth consistency that pipes nicely into the donut pan.
For the glaze:
- Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and gives the glaze a smooth finish.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the glaze and gives it that classic donut coating look.
- Milk: Helps thin the glaze to the right dipping consistency.
Optional topping:
- Rainbow sprinkles: A simple way to make these donuts feel extra fun and colorful.
Substitutions & Additions
One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is.
- Switch the cake mix flavor: Vanilla is classic, but chocolate or another favorite flavor would also work well.
- Try a different milk: If needed, you can use a milk alternative like almond milk in place of regular milk.
- Add flavor to the glaze: A splash of vanilla extract, almond extract, or a little lemon zest can change the flavor in an easy way.
- Mix in extras: Mini chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or dried fruit can add more texture and variety.
- Use different toppings: If sprinkles are not your thing, leave them off or use another simple topping that fits the flavor you choose.
These easy swaps let you make the recipe work with what you already have while still keeping the overall method the same.
GET NEW POSTS via EMAIL:
How to Make this Recipe
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Spray a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray, then set it aside so it is ready once the batter is mixed.
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and milk until everything is well combined. The batter should be smooth and thick enough to pipe easily.
To make filling the donut pan easier, pour the batter into a large gallon-sized plastic bag and snip off a small piece from one corner. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling each one about halfway. Keeping the cups around halfway full helps the donuts bake evenly and keeps the center hole from disappearing.
Bake the donuts for 12 to 14 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once they are baked, let them cool in the pan for about 5 to 10 minutes. After that, remove them from the pan and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the donuts cool, make the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and milk until just combined and smooth enough for dipping.
Once the donuts are cool, dip each one about halfway into the glaze. Lift it up and turn it slightly to let any excess drip off, then place it back on the wire rack. If you want to use rainbow sprinkles, add them while the glaze is still wet so they stick well.
Let the glaze set, then serve and enjoy.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
A few simple tips can make these Cake Mix Donuts even easier to pull off.
- Use a piping bag or plastic bag: This keeps filling the donut pan neat and much less frustrating.
- Do not overfill the donut pan: Filling each cavity about halfway helps the donuts keep their shape and bake up properly.
- Let the donuts cool before glazing: If they are too warm, the glaze can slide right off.
- Play with flavors: Different cake mix flavors and glaze add-ins can make this recipe feel new each time.
- Keep an eye on bake time: Since ovens vary, start checking near the lower end of the baking range.
Serving Suggestions
These donuts are easy to serve in a few different ways depending on the occasion.
- Keep it classic: Glaze the donuts and finish with rainbow sprinkles for a simple, cheerful treat.
- Serve with coffee or milk: They make a great breakfast treat or easy brunch addition.
- Turn them into dessert: Slice a donut in half and add a scoop of ice cream in the middle for a fun dessert idea.
- Make donut holes instead: If you want something bite-sized, you can shape smaller portions and bake them as donut holes.
They are just as welcome on a casual weekday morning as they are on a brunch table with family and friends.
Storage Suggestions
If you have leftovers, they are easy to store.
- Room temperature: Store the donuts in an airtight container for a day or two if you plan to enjoy them soon.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unglazed donuts in an airtight container. When you are ready to serve them, let them thaw and glaze them fresh.
Keeping the glaze off until serving is a smart way to help the texture stay its best after freezing.
Recipe FAQ
Can I make these donuts ahead of time? Yes. You can bake the donuts ahead and store them in an airtight container, then glaze them right before serving.
Can I use a different kind of milk? Yes. Almond milk, soy milk, or another milk alternative should work fine here.
Can I make mini donuts instead? Absolutely. Use a mini donut pan and shorten the baking time as needed.
Do I have to use sprinkles? Not at all. They are completely optional, but they do add a fun finish.
Can I change the cake mix flavor? Yes. That is one of the easiest ways to make this recipe your own.
More Glazed Recipes
Cake Mix Donuts are proof that a shortcut can still lead to something homemade and really satisfying. They are soft, sweet, easy to customize, and simple enough to make without a lot of planning ahead.
Whether you are baking for a family breakfast, a relaxed brunch, or just because a glazed donut sounds good, this recipe keeps things easy while still feeling special. Grab your favorite cake mix, a donut pan, and a few pantry staples, and you are already most of the way there.
Cake Mix Donuts
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix
- 2 large egg
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup milk
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 3 Tbsp milk
- rainbow sprinkles optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Spray donut pan with non-stick cooking spray, set aside.
- Whisk together dry cake mix, egg, vegetable oil, and water until combined.1 box cake mix, 2 large egg, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup milk
- Pour batter into a large, gallon sized plastic bag and snip off small portion of one corner. Squeeze donut mix into prepared donut pan until cups are about 1/2 full.
- Bake at 350° F for 12-14 minutes. Let donuts cool in pan for about 5-10 minutes then remove and let cool completely on wire rack.
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk together butter, powdered sugar, and milk until just combined.1 Tbsp unsalted butter, 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, 3 Tbsp milk
- Dip the cooled donut about 1/2 way into the glaze then lift and turn sideways to let extra run off. Place back on wire cooling rack.rainbow sprinkles
- Repeat with remaining donuts.
- Top with optional sprinkles and enjoy!
These look really great! I love a good boxed mix all dressed up for a special occasion. 🙂 Pinned!
Thanks, Meggan! I hope you enjoy them!
Decorating these with school colors for our little cheerleaders’ bake sale! Super easy and fun!
Please could you tell us what size the box of cake mix was. There are many different weights. Thanks!
Absolutely, Margie! I updated the recipe with the information ? Thanks for catching that!
Its just any kind of cake mix, i did this with 2 different cake mixed from 2 different brands and it worked fine for me, hope this helped
Thank you for the update. One last question…I was about to order donut pans from Amazon and didn’t know what size to get. Was this recipe for 2 dozen regular or mini donuts? Sorry to be such a bother.
Just regular donuts.
Just what I was looking for today, the first really cool day in NY. I have a box mix for a cinnamon cake and it’s going to make the best donuts! Thanks for the recipe <3
No problem, Kathy! Hope you enjoy them!
They aren’t thick enough
My grandchildren are coming over this morning. We’re going to have a really good day thanks to you! After our breakfast we will go outside and “Wake up the animals!” so that they can be fed theirs.
That’s great, Jeffrey! Hope they love them as much as my kids did!
My question is so we dont follow the right ingredients on the cake box? Just use 1 egg and such as you listed?
Yes, that is correct.
I have one 6 cavity doughnut pan. Do I need to refrigerate the batter between batches?
Thank you!
No, you don’t have to refrigerate the batter between batches.
I don’t have a donut pan. Anything I can use instead?
Unfortunately, no.
I don’t have a donut pan either. What I use is a muffin tin with foil rolled up in a ball and sprayed with cooking spray in the middle. Then I pour the batter around it. They turn out to be smaller donuts and not as perfect, but they look and taste like donuts just the same 🙂
Great, easy recipe!
Try making a ring with foil, or maybe grease a ramekin, and put a ball of foil in the center for the hole. Just and idea, hope this helps!
Hi. I can’t wait to make these for my son. Do you think the batter would stay good in the refrigerator? To bake later?
Unfortunately, No. Batter does not do well if made ahead and stored.
These look great! Can I swap the cake mix for any flavor and keep the rest of the ingredients the same? I have about 6 different mixes in my pantry that are just sitting there.
Yes, absolutely!
What if I use a different size cake mix. It seems most cake mixes are less than your recipe states. Is there a difference in the ingredient amounts?
If you use a different size cake mix, you will need to add about 1-2 Tbsp. of flour to the batter to make it comparable to the recipe. If I remember correctly, the Duncan Hines brand is the one I used with the larger cake mix volume.
OMG how easy are these to make! My kids would LOVE them for breakfast 🙂 Perfect for this weekend :):)
Absolutely! I think my oldest mowed through at least 1/2 dozen or so.
Awesome, I finally got a donut pan but have yet to use it! Will have to whip it out soon for sure… these look delicious!!
These were the first donuts to christen my donut pan! And now I’ve made several more… all the donuts!!
Cake for breakfast is my life motto. These look so awesome and maybe a little *too* easy to make..? 😉
Agreed!!
I really do need to get me a donut pan – is there a brand that you recommend? I have this deep hidden fear of baking cake-like things because I always think that I’m going to put in so much work and it will stick to the pan. Isn’t that crazy!? Anyway, I love these! I’m with your little one; I’d be excited too!
I just bought my donut pan from Target on a whim one day… I don’t even know what brand it is… haha. So I would just grab one you think would work.
Hi, can you fry these
I’m sure that you could but I have not tried it so cannot verify if they will work or not.
Do you know how long the bake time would be for an 18 cavity mini donut pan and if it would work? I want to make these for my office and I think mini would go over better.
I would start by reducing the cooking time by 1/3 and then go from there. If they are not done enough then just put them back in the oven for longer.
I managed to get a Krispy Kreme cake mix, so I jumped online to find a way to convert it to donuts. I’ll be using that mix and your alterations to make the cake donuts on our donut pan. Thanks for posting this! I’ve had these pans for years – both regular and mini- and can’t remember ever having used them before now. So, great mix (it’s amazing, truly!), and it comes with a small packet of glaze, too. Fun, fun!
Where do I find this Krispy Kreme cake mix? I must have some to try!
Duncan Hines cake mixes are 18.5 oz not 16.25 oz (Betty Crocker?) Just wondering what adjustments I would need to make to this recipe?
Not all Duncan Hines cake mixes are 18.5oz, some are 16.25oz – it just depends on the flavor. I can’t remember what particular brand I used when making these, but just read the box before choosing one. If you have one and it’s already 18.5oz then the donuts will just be a little more dense.
I’m getting ready to make some Olympic ring donuts for the kids’ daycare and this recipe sounds perfect!
For those wondering what else to use who don’t have a doughnut pan, I have an electric mini doughnut maker, and it’s perfect. each batch only takes 2-3 minutes, so it’s super fast and they taste amazing.
I also have a 12 count mini donut maker and have been reading the comments to see if it would work..THANK YOU for your comment!!
Hi, how many mini donuts would this make, I only have a mini donut pan.
Hi Jane,
I’m sorry… I would not know as I do not own a mini donut pan. I’m guessing that it would be half as large? So double the amount stated in the recipe.
How long would it take to bake this as mini donuts?
Try cutting the cook time in half and go from there. If you find they are underdone, then add more time just 2-3 minutes at a time until they are done.
I made these but due to being gluten intolerant i got a gluten free betty crocker cake mix and used 1/4 cup bananas + 1/2 teaspoon baking powder as an egg replacement and it worked perfectly. Seriously I was really surprised how well they turned out. I’m so appreciative for this recipe even though i modified it for gluten and dairy allergy. Thank you so much!!!
I’m so glad you were able to adapt these for your preferences and they worked out for you!
Thanks! I have several boxes of cake mix and was wondering if I could use them in the donut pan.
I am going to make these this weekend and will give update on using the mini do-nut pans- I have a recipe from Williams Sonoma to make from Scratch and will bake 350 4 min then rotate pan and bake another 4 min- they should be good and done- I will update you- also– a note on what works for me- when filling the wells of the donut pans (in my case mini donut pan) I put batter in cake decorating bag and do one squeeze around the center well in circle shape- way easier than using a spoon – and they come out perfectly level and even every time-
I will give review update on baking time with this cake mix box recipe for mini donuts – probably on Sunday- looks delicious
Do these donuts freeze well? I’m thinking of making them a week before we need them.
I have not tried to freeze them. But they only take 20 minutes to make… why not just make them the day of? or the day before then you can glaze them the next morning.
I made these today. The box mix I had was a smidge more, 16.5 oz. I used Cream Cheese frosting. OMG! These are so good. Although, the consistency of a donut was still more like a cake. Not dense like a donut. I don’t know if it had to do with there was pudding in the mix of the cake mix or not. But, will definitely make these again! I used a generic cake mix from Aldi. I can’t wait to try this out with other flavors. I could eat them without the frosting. lol
I tried to make these but my donuts were way to moist. They just fall apart. I’m not really sure whats going on.
You have created a monster. I am now on the search for other variations… cake flavor and different ways to top the donuts. My favorite so far as been when I used a choc. mix. I love this so much. I use a donut machine. My next problem is to figure out how to make them with part of a box.
I haven’t tried this yet. I have been using King Arthur doughnut mixes and a pan I got from them. I am excited to try this, I was wondering if you could use melted butter for the oil? The mixes I get from KAF use melted butter. What do you think. I can just taste a red velvet doughnut with cream cheese glaze.
If you use melted butter you would need to use a different ratio. Melted butter and oil are not 1:1 interchangeable in recipes.
I made these when my 14 yr old was sick to cheer her up and she loved them thanks so much
That’s great, Riley! Thanks!
Hi! I am a teacher and my students would like to collect money and buy donuts once a week for class. I think this is a much affordable way to have donuts each week. I do have a quick question. Can I make these and glaze these the night before class? or do you have any suggestions on how to ice/glaze them that will make it until the next day? Thanks!
Yes, absolutely! Just refrigerate them right after you glaze them and they’ll be fine the next day.
Thanks Jennifer! I am going to make them tonight and surprise my students tomorrow. I’m thinking funfetti with the glaze. Do you have any other flavor combo ideas? I’m thinking yellow cake with chocolate glaze?
I would do a chocolate with chocolate glaze or a red velvet with a cream cheese glaze.
Hi Jennifer! Just wanted to give you an update! These turned out yummy! from my 122 Freshmen students – they says “THANK YOU!!!” LOL I have a quick question- Is there a way to make these a little heavier or denser? Would I just add more flour? I have th 15.5 oz boxes so I add 2 tablespoons of flour. Just wondering if it was possible to get it heavier than super light and fluffy. Thank you!
That’s awesome! I’ve only ever made them this way but if you want them denser you would just lessen the amount of liquid that goes into the batter… so I would lessen the amount of water from 1 cup to 1/2 cup and see how the batter looks. If the batter is a little too thick then just add water 1 Tbsp at a time until you get your desired consistency. Also, adding 1 extra egg will make them more dense along with the less amount of water.
my donuts came out like hocky pucks! tasted great but had to rewarm them in the microwave to be able to soften them enough to eat them!
have you tried to make these doughnuts in a deep fryer?
No, I have not… but I’m sure they would not work as they are not dense enough.
So awesome! I used this recipe for a baking competition and won! 🙂
Some cake mixes are only 15.25 oz dry mix. Would it be advisable to add cake flour to make up the difference?
Cake flour or regular flour would work just fine.
I needed a foolproof donut recipe. This one met my expectations. The glaze was great too. I used vanilla creamer warmed in the microwave because I ran out of milk. I’m going to use the glaze for cookies I like it so much.
Am I able to use muffin mix?
You can certainly try but I cannot guarantee that the results will be the same.
I can’t wait to make these with the grands this summer they love making donuts and I know this will be a hit! Thanks
Looks so yummy. I love the way you explain recipes. And I have to tell you that your decorations are just amazing.
Help! I made these amazing donuts (chocolate) last week for a bazaar I was doing. this week I did them again (twice) and they just crumbled apart. I tried white cake and chocolate one was Betty Crocker one Duncan Hines. What could I have done wrong?
I’m sorry that happened, Tanya! Unfortunately, without being in the kitchen with you I can’t say what went wrong as it could be any number of factors.
I forgot to buy donuts for my Bible Study brunch tomorrow. These were the perfect solution and worked great on my baby cakes donut maker!!
I have a mini donut pan. Should I bake less time?
Yes, I would reduce the time by 4-5 minutes then check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center of the batter. If it comes out clean, they are done, if not put them back in for a few more minutes.
I have a Wilton pan. Everything I make in it sticks no matter what I do. Also, though they tasted really good, the donuts fell apart when I tried to get them out. I think I’ve tried fort the last time.
I have previously made donuts with Aldi cinnamon muffin mix, and banana bread mix and they were the right density, but cake mixes have so many more flavor choices making it more fun!
Using this recipe resulted in donut shaped cakes that held together well enough to remove from the pan. I could see this recipe as a way to dupe your kids into thinking they are eating donuts but adults should know that this recipe results in a cake texture. I’m wondering if whole wheat flour could be added to this recipe to strengthen the texture. Results were tasty but not what I wanted.
My Canadian mix, Betty Crocker, says it has 432 grams, which equals only 15.24. Oz…I believe, should I do anything differently?
it is cake mix in a donut pan so just cake in a circle not a donut. No one needs a recipe for that.