Are you ready to indulge in a world of sweet treats? Look no further! In this article, we’ll be exploring 20 amazing cake donut recipes that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or just need a quick pick-me-up, these delicious donuts are sure to impress.
From classic flavors like vanilla and chocolate to creative combinations like maple bacon and strawberry frosted, we’ve got something for everyone. And the best part? These recipes are easy to make and require minimal ingredients, so you can get baking in no time!
In this article, we’ll be sharing all 20 of our favorite cake donut recipes, complete with step-by-step instructions and mouth-watering photos. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s get started!
Classic Vanilla Cake Donuts with Glaze
Start your day off right with these soft, fluffy donuts infused with the warmth of vanilla and topped with a sweet glaze. These classic treats are perfect for breakfast or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar for glaze
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Pipe batter into donut shapes using a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with a corner cut off.
5. Fry donuts for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
6. Drain excess oil and let cool completely.
7. Whisk confectioners’ sugar and a splash of milk to form glaze; drizzle over cooled donuts.
Cooking Time: About 15 minutes
Chocolate Cake Donuts with Sprinkles
These rich and moist donuts are infused with the deep flavor of dark chocolate and topped with a colorful sprinkle surprise. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these indulgent treats are sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Sprinkles, for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, milk, eggs, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
4. Pipe the dough into donut shapes using a piping bag fitted with a round tip.
5. Fry the donuts for 1-2 minutes or until they float to the surface and are golden brown.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and top with sprinkles while still warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on the size of the donuts)
Red Velvet Cake Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting
Elevate your donut game with these moist and decadent Red Velvet Cake Donuts, topped with a tangy and creamy Cream Cheese Frosting. Perfect for a special treat or brunch gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Cream Cheese Frosting (recipe below)
Donut Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, oil, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Pipe into donut shapes and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Mix all ingredients until smooth and creamy. Spread or pipe onto cooled donuts.
Lemon Blueberry Cake Donuts
These bite-sized donuts are infused with the brightness of lemon and the sweetness of blueberries, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup blueberry jam or preserves
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, egg, lemon juice, and blueberry jam; mix until smooth.
4. Cover the mixture and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
5. Punch down the dough and use a donut pan to shape into donuts.
6. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil and dust with powdered sugar.
Cooking Time: About 4-5 minutes per batch, depending on the number of donuts.
Cinnamon Sugar Cake Donuts
Start your day with a delicious treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. These cinnamon sugar cake donuts are soft, fluffy, and packed with warm cinnamon flavor.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Cinnamon sugar (a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon) for coating
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, melted butter, egg, and cinnamon; mix until smooth.
4. Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour.
5. Fry donuts for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
6. Remove from oil and immediately coat in cinnamon sugar mixture while still warm.
Cooking Time: About 20-25 minutes total (including rising time)
Maple Bacon Cake Donuts
These indulgent donuts combine the richness of maple syrup with the smoky flavor of crispy bacon, all wrapped up in a fluffy cake donut. Perfect for brunch or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Fold in the maple syrup and crumbled bacon.
6. Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop the dough into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Drain donuts on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts
Warm up with the cozy flavors of fall by baking these scrumptious pumpkin spice cake donuts. Perfect for a chilly morning or an afternoon pick-me-up, these sweet treats are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
3. Add milk, eggs, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
4. Pipe dough into donut shapes and fry for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Drain on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar while still warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes to fry the donuts, plus additional time for cooling.
Strawberry Frosted Cake Donuts
Start your day with a sweet treat that combines the classic flavors of strawberry and vanilla in a soft, fluffy donut. These Strawberry Frosted Cake Donuts are perfect for breakfast or as a snack to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon strawberry jam
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
– Fresh strawberries for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, melted butter, and egg; mix until smooth.
4. Pipe the dough into donut shapes using a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner cut off.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
6. Allow donuts to cool before glazing with strawberry jam.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and garnish with fresh strawberries, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch (depending on the size of your donuts)
Banana Bread Cake Donuts
Elevate your snack game with these moist and delicious Banana Bread Cake Donuts. Perfect for breakfast on-the-go or as a mid-day treat, these donuts are packed with the warm spices and sweet flavors of banana bread.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the donut maker or a deep frying pan with at least 3-4 inches of oil to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. Add mashed bananas, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Drop the batter by spoonfuls into the donut maker or hot oil.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Let cool before dusting with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cook Time: Approximately 4-6 minutes per batch.
Coconut Lime Cake Donuts
These bite-sized donuts are infused with the sweetness of coconut and the brightness of lime, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. With their soft and fluffy texture, you’ll want to devour an entire batch in one sitting!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, coconut flakes, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and lime juice.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Pipe the batter into donut shapes using a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner cut off.
6. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil and let cool.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Double Chocolate Cake Donuts
These indulgent treats combine the richness of chocolate cake with the fun of donut-making. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, these double chocolate cake donuts are a must-try!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
5. Pipe donut batter into rings using a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with a corner cut off.
6. Fry for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 3-4 minutes per batch
Peanut Butter Cup Cake Donuts
These rich and decadent donuts are filled with the creamy goodness of peanut butter cups, topped with a sweet glaze, and finished with chopped peanuts. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons peanut butter
– 1/4 cup peanut butter cups, chopped
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Chopped peanuts, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, peanut butter, and egg; mix until smooth.
4. Pipe mixture into donut shapes and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Drain excess oil and let cool.
6. Glaze with powdered sugar mixed with a little water, and top with chopped peanuts.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Funfetti Cake Donuts
Add a pop of color and whimsy to your day with these bite-sized treats. Moist cake donuts filled with sprinkles and topped with a sweet glaze will be the highlight of any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup sprinkles (funfetti)
– Confectioners’ glaze (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
5. Add sprinkles and fold until evenly distributed.
6. Use a piping bag or spoon to drop dough into hot oil, 2-3 donuts at a time.
7. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then flip and cook an additional minute.
8. Drain on paper towels and glaze with confectioners’ sugar (optional).
9. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (depending on oil temperature)
Carrot Cake Donuts with Walnuts
These sweet treats combine the moistness of carrot cake with the crunch of walnuts, all wrapped up in a soft and fluffy donut.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, eggs, carrots, and walnuts.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Pipe donuts using a piping bag or spoonfuls of dough into the hot oil.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain donuts on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Apple Cider Cake Donuts
These soft and fluffy donuts are infused with the warm spices and sweet flavors of apple cider, making them a perfect treat for the fall season. With just the right amount of sweetness and a hint of tanginess from the cider, these donuts are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup apple cider
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, apple cider, and melted butter. Mix until smooth.
4. Beat in the egg until well combined.
5. Cover and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down dough and fry donuts in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired) and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Salted Caramel Cake Donuts
Salted Caramel Cake Donuts: A Delicious Treat
These fluffy donuts are infused with the rich flavors of caramel and a touch of salt, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. With a simple recipe and minimal ingredients, you can create these sweet indulgences at home.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, melted butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Pipe the dough into donut shapes and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Allow donuts to cool before glazing with caramel sauce and dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Mocha Latte Cake Donuts
Elevate your donut game with these rich and indulgent mocha latte cake donuts, infused with the deep flavors of espresso, chocolate, and creamy mocha.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, melted butter, egg, and espresso powder; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Pipe donut mixture into rings and fry for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes per batch
Raspberry Filled Cake Donuts
Start your day with a sweet surprise – soft, fluffy cake donuts filled with a burst of juicy raspberry filling!
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Raspberry filling (store-bought or homemade)
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, egg, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
4. Pipe donut batter into rings using a piping bag.
5. Fry donuts for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Allow donuts to cool before filling with raspberry filling.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes (depending on the number of donuts)
Matcha Green Tea Cake Donuts
Experience the delightful fusion of Japanese matcha green tea and sweet donuts with this easy-to-make recipe. These soft, fluffy donuts infused with the subtle bitterness and grassy notes of matcha are perfect for a unique dessert or snack.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder ( ceremonial or premium grade)
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and matcha green tea powder.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Use a piping bag or spoon to drop the dough into the hot oil, about 1/2 cupfuls.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain excess oil on paper towels. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch
Black Forest Cake Donuts
Elevate your donut game with these rich and indulgent Black Forest cake donuts, infused with the flavors of chocolate, cherries, and whipped cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup maraschino cherry juice
– 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add cocoa powder, eggs, and cherry juice; mix until smooth.
4. Fry donuts for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
5. Let cool before glazing with whipped cream and dusting with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on oil temperature)
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweetest treats with our collection of 20 amazing cake donut recipes! From classic vanilla and chocolate to creative flavor combinations like maple bacon, pumpkin spice, and strawberry frosted, there’s something for every occasion. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or subtle sweetness, these recipes are sure to impress. With toppings and fillings galore, you’ll be spoilt for choice with our diverse selection. So go ahead, get baking, and satisfy your sweet tooth with these mouthwatering cake donuts!
