I love how simple and fun this Cake Mix Baked Donuts with Banana, Cinnamon Applesauce, or Pumpkin Recipe is. It brings together the ease of a classic boxed cake mix with the wholesome natural flavors of banana, cinnamon applesauce, or pumpkin in such a playful and irresistibly tasty way. These baked donuts are perfectly soft, moist, and subtly spiced depending on which mix-in you choose, making them a cozy treat I feel great about sharing with family and friends at any time of day.
Why You'll Love This Cake Mix Baked Donuts with Banana, Cinnamon Applesauce, or Pumpkin Recipe
When I first made these donuts, I was blown away by how warmly comforting and naturally flavorful they were. The banana lends a sweet creaminess, the cinnamon applesauce adds a gentle autumnal spice, and pumpkin brings that seasonal richness that makes each bite just melt in your mouth. I appreciate that the flavors feel homemade but the effort and time are minimal, thanks to the cake mix base.
What really excites me about this recipe is how straightforward and quick it is from start to finish. No messy frying, no complex batter measuring—simply mix, pipe, and bake. Yet, the results feel special enough for brunches, holiday gatherings, or simply a delightful weekend breakfast that impresses without stress. Plus, the option to customize with your favorite mix-in instantly adapts it to any season or craving. It just stands out as one of my all-time easy go-to treats.
Ingredients You'll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is essential and plays a unique role, from the fluffy texture given by the cake mix to the natural sweetness and moistness from the bananas, cinnamon applesauce, or pumpkin.
- Boxed cake mix: Using just the dry mix saves time and provides a perfectly fine crumb foundation for the donuts.
- Banana, cinnamon applesauce, or pumpkin: These mix-ins add moisture, flavor depth, and a naturally soft texture without needing extra oil or eggs.
- Cake frosting: This gives the donuts a luscious glaze that’s easy to drizzle and customize with your favorite flavor.
- Sprinkles (optional): Perfect for adding a bit of festive color and extra fun if you’re serving kids or throwing a party.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F and generously spray your 6-cavity donut pans with non-stick cooking spray. If you only have one pan, that’s fine, just plan to bake in two batches.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix with your choice of mix-in—either 2 cups mashed banana, 2 cups cinnamon applesauce, or a 15-ounce can of pure pumpkin. Stir gently but thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly incorporated and you have a smooth batter.
Step 3: Pour the batter into a gallon-sized resealable plastic bag and seal it tightly. Carefully cut a small hole at one corner of the bag to create a piping bag. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling them almost to the top but not overflowing. You should have enough for 12 donuts.
Step 4: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 7 to 8 minutes. You want the donuts to be set and to spring back lightly when touched—that’s how you know they are perfectly baked.
Step 5: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about five minutes before gently removing them to a wire rack placed over a parchment-lined baking sheet. This setup catches any drips from the glaze in the next step and keeps things tidy.
Step 6: Heat your cake frosting in a microwave-safe bowl for about 10 to 15 seconds, just until it loosens enough to drizzle easily. Dip each donut into the warm frosting, then place them upright on the wire rack.
Step 7: If you want to add sprinkles, do so immediately after glazing each donut while the frosting is still wet. Let the glaze set for at least 5 to 10 minutes before serving so it firms up nicely. Enjoy every comforting, flavor-packed bite!
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields about 12 delicious baked donuts, making it perfect for a family treat or a small gathering. The prep time is incredibly fast—around 5 minutes to mix and pipe the batter. Baking takes 7 to 8 minutes per batch, so total cook time depends on how many pans you have; usually about 15 minutes total if baked in two batches. Allow for roughly 5 minutes of resting time so the donuts cool and the glaze sets perfectly. Altogether you're looking at about 23 minutes from start to finish, which is fantastic for fresh, homemade donuts!
How to Serve This Cake Mix Baked Donuts with Banana, Cinnamon Applesauce, or Pumpkin Recipe
I personally love serving these donuts warm or at room temperature, which really lets their soft crumb and subtle flavors shine through. For a cozy breakfast or brunch, pair them with a cup of rich coffee or a warmly spiced chai latte. They also make a lovely afternoon treat with a glass of cold milk or a lightly brewed herbal tea.
If I’m hosting a gathering, I like to arrange them on a pretty platter with a variety of toppings nearby—think chopped nuts, extra sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate—for a fun personalized touch. They’re such an inviting snack that always disappear fast at parties or holiday events. Serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or yogurt to balance the sweetness and add freshness.
For special occasions, I’ve found these donuts work beautifully as a brunch centerpiece. Stacking them on a tiered stand and adding fresh edible flowers or cinnamon sticks as decor makes the presentation feel just as delightful as the taste. They’re just perfect for sharing with loved ones on weekend mornings or casual celebrations.
Variations
One of my favorite parts about this Cake Mix Baked Donuts with Banana, Cinnamon Applesauce, or Pumpkin Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. You can swap the cake mix flavor to chocolate, spice, or even lemon to completely change the donut’s character. The mix-ins can be customized too—I’ve tried mashed sweet potato instead of pumpkin for a subtle twist, and it worked like a charm.
If you need a gluten-free treat, look for a gluten-free boxed cake mix and ensure your frosting is also free from gluten-containing ingredients. For a vegan version, I recommend using a vegan-friendly cake mix and frosting, and picking applesauce as the mix-in since it naturally doesn’t contain animal products.
Different cooking methods also come into play if you want to get creative. While I love the baked version for its simplicity and healthier profile, you could experiment with an air fryer to get a slightly crispier exterior. Just monitor closely to avoid overcooking. I also sometimes frost the donuts with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a touch of brewed chai or orange juice instead of the cake frosting for a lighter finish.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
When I have leftover donuts, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, though they rarely last that long! If it’s warmer or humid, I prefer to keep them refrigerated to maintain freshness, where they’ll keep well for about 4 days. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature before serving so the texture softens nicely.
Freezing
These donuts freeze very well. I let them cool completely and then wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to enjoy them, I thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave to bring back that just-baked softness.
Reheating
To reheat, I find that the microwave is the quickest way, heating one donut for about 10-15 seconds depending on your microwave’s power. This softens the glaze and refreshes the donut’s texture nicely. You can also warm them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes wrapped lightly in foil if you want a more even heat without drying them out. I avoid reheating in a toaster or pan because it can make the donuts dry or tough.
FAQs
Can I use any flavor of boxed cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! I’ve used yellow, chocolate, spice, and even funfetti cake mixes with great results. The choice of cake mix will slightly alter the flavor profile, so feel free to experiment and tailor it to your taste or occasion.
Do I have to use frosting for the glaze? Can I use something else?
The cake frosting makes a rich, easy-to-use glaze that’s very forgiving, but you can definitely use alternatives like a simple powdered sugar glaze mixed with milk or fruit juice, or even a cream cheese glaze for added tang. Just warm it slightly to get that perfect dipping consistency.
Is it possible to make these donuts without a donut pan?
If you don’t have a donut pan, you could try piping the batter into muffin tins for donut holes or small rounds, though the shape and baking time will differ. Alternatively, you could bake them as mini cakes in small molds, but the donut’s signature ring shape is best achieved with a pan designed for donuts.
Can I add spices or flavor extracts to the batter?
Yes! I often add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to enhance the natural flavors of the mix-ins. Just be cautious not to add too much liquid since you’re relying on the moisture from the banana, applesauce, or pumpkin.
How do I know when the donuts are done baking?
The easiest way is to check that the donuts spring back lightly when touched and are set around the edges. Baking for 7-8 minutes usually works perfectly, but if you want to be extra sure, a toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Conclusion
I can’t recommend this Cake Mix Baked Donuts with Banana, Cinnamon Applesauce, or Pumpkin Recipe enough. It’s one of those rare gems that’s quick, fuss-free, and yet produces donuts that taste like you spent hours perfecting them. Whether you’re making a cozy breakfast, a festive party treat, or a sweet snack, these donuts bring joy with every bite. I hope you have as much fun making and sharing them as I do!
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Cake Mix Baked Donuts with Banana, Cinnamon Applesauce, or Pumpkin Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 12 donuts
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cake Mix Baked Cake Donuts are a quick and easy treat made from a boxed cake mix combined with a simple mix-in like mashed banana, cinnamon applesauce, or pumpkin. Baked to perfection in donut pans and topped with a smooth frosting glaze and optional sprinkles, they make a delightful homemade snack or dessert in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 (13.25 ounce) boxed cake mix, any flavor (dry mix only)
Mix-In Options (choose one)
- 2 cups mashed banana
- OR 2 cups cinnamon applesauce
- OR 1 (15 ounce) can pure pumpkin
Topping
- 1 container cake frosting, any flavor
- Sprinkles, optional
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Donut Pans: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray one or two 6-cavity donut pans thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray and set them aside to be ready for the batter.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix with your chosen mix-in (mashed banana, cinnamon applesauce, or pure pumpkin). Stir until the mixture is well combined and forms a consistent batter.
- Fill the Donut Pans: Transfer the batter into a gallon-size resealable plastic bag and seal it tightly. Cut a small corner from the bottom of the bag to create a makeshift piping bag. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling them almost completely. This batter should make about 12 donuts. Alternatively, use a piping bag if available.
- Bake the Donuts: Place the filled donut pans into the preheated oven and bake for 7-8 minutes, or until the donuts are set and spring back when gently pressed.
- Cool the Donuts: Remove the pans from the oven and let the donuts cool in the pans for at least 5 minutes. Then carefully transfer the donuts to a wire rack set over a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to catch glaze drips. Repeat the baking process with any remaining batter if you don’t have two pans.
- Prepare the Frosting Glaze: Heat the container of cake frosting in a microwave-safe bowl for 10-15 seconds until it reaches a drizzling consistency, suitable for dipping.
- Glaze and Decorate: Dip each cooled donut into the frosting glaze, coating it evenly, then place it upright on the wire rack. While the glaze is still wet, sprinkle with optional sprinkles. Repeat with all donuts and allow the glaze to set for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the flavor of your donuts by selecting different boxed cake mixes and frostings.
- Using ripe bananas or spices in the mix-in can add natural sweetness and flavor.
- If you don’t have donut pans, you can bake the batter in muffin pans and then shape or decorate accordingly.
- Make sure not to overfill the donut pans to avoid batter overflow during baking.
- Let the donuts cool completely before glazing to prevent the frosting from melting off.
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