Why settle for one dessert when you can combine two? This Fully Cake Turned Donut recipe takes your favorite cake batter and turns it into light, fluffy donuts that are as fun to make as they are to eat. With a tender crumb and a customizable glaze, these cake-inspired donuts are perfect for parties, brunch, or just satisfying your sweet tooth.
I discovered this trick when I had extra cake batter on hand and decided to get creative. The result was a batch of delightful donuts that captured the essence of cake while embracing the charm of a donut. Whether you’re using a boxed cake mix or making your batter from scratch, this recipe guarantees delicious results.
Let’s dive into the sweet world of Fully Cake Turned Donuts!
Quick Overview in Todd Wilbur’s Style
This Fully Cake Turned Donut recipe transforms your favorite cake batter into perfectly baked or fried donuts. With endless possibilities for flavors and toppings, these cake-inspired donuts are a unique and delicious twist on classic desserts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Soft, Sweet, and Versatile
- Two Desserts in One: Cake flavor meets donut charm for the ultimate treat.
- Endless Flavor Options: Use any cake batter to create your dream donut.
- Fun and Creative: Perfect for kids, parties, or special occasions.
- Easy to Make: Requires minimal ingredients and equipment.
What You Need for Fully Cake Turned Donut
Ingredients:
For the Donuts:
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor) or 2 cups homemade cake batter
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (or as directed on the cake mix box)
- â…“ cup vegetable oil (or as directed)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or flavoring of choice
Optional Toppings:
- Sprinkles
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped nuts
- Melted chocolate
How to Make Fully Cake Turned Donut
Step 1: Preheat the Oven or Heat the Oil
- For baked donuts: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan.
- For fried donuts: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
- In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, eggs, milk, and oil according to the package or recipe instructions. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
Step 3: Form the Donuts
- Baked Method: Spoon or pipe the batter into the prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about ¾ full.
- Fried Method: Pour the batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the batter into the hot oil in donut shapes or use a donut cutter.
Step 4: Cook the Donuts
- Baked Donuts: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the donuts are lightly golden and spring back when touched. Let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Fried Donuts: Fry for 1–2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
Step 6: Glaze and Decorate
- Dip the cooled donuts into the glaze, allowing the excess to drip off.
- Add sprinkles, nuts, or other toppings while the glaze is still wet. Let the glaze set before serving.
Tips for Perfect Cake Donuts
- Use a Piping Bag: Piping the batter makes it easier to achieve a clean, donut shape.
- Don’t Overfill the Pan: Overfilling can result in donuts that lose their shape.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free cake mix or flour blend for gluten-free donuts.
- Flavor Variety: Experiment with different cake flavors like chocolate, lemon, or red velvet.
- Healthier Version: Replace oil with applesauce for a lighter option.
Make a Healthier Version
- Reduce Sugar: Use less glaze or a sugar-free substitute for the frosting.
- Whole Wheat: Mix whole wheat flour into your homemade batter for added fiber.
Closing Thoughts
And there you have it—Fully Cake Turned Donut, a creative and delicious way to enjoy the best of both desserts. Whether baked or fried, these donuts are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a fun treat for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions for Fully Cake Turned Donut
- Can I use any cake mix for this recipe?
Yes! Any flavor of cake mix works, from chocolate to funfetti. - Do I need a donut pan for this recipe?
No, you can fry the donuts or use a muffin tin to create donut holes. - Can I make mini donuts?
Absolutely! Use a mini donut pan or pipe smaller shapes for frying. - How do I store these donuts?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. - Can I freeze these donuts?
Yes! Freeze unglazed donuts for up to 3 months. Glaze after thawing. - What’s the best way to glaze fried donuts?
Let them cool slightly before dipping to avoid melting the glaze completely. - Can I bake the donuts without a pan?
Yes! Use foil to form rings or bake as muffins instead. - What other toppings work well?
Crushed cookies, caramel drizzle, or powdered sugar are great options. - Can I make this recipe vegan?
Use a vegan cake mix and replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. - How do I prevent the donuts from being too dense?
Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can make the donuts heavy. - What if I don’t have a thermometer for frying?
Test the oil by dropping a small amount of batter in—it should sizzle and float. - Can I make a chocolate glaze?
Yes! Replace some powdered sugar with cocoa powder and add a splash of vanilla.