Are you a lover of sweet treats? Do you have a passion for indulging in decadent, soft, and fluffy cake donuts that melt in your mouth? Look no further! We’ve gathered 20 irresistible cake donut recipes that will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends. From classic vanilla glazed to creative flavors like matcha green tea and raspberry filled, these recipes are sure to delight.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, our collection of cake donut recipes has something for everyone. And the best part? Each recipe is carefully crafted to ensure that the cake donuts turn out light, fluffy, and utterly delicious.
In this article, we’ll be sharing not one, not two, but 20 mouthwatering cake donut recipes that are perfect for any occasion. From birthdays and brunches to snacks and desserts, these donuts will become your new go-to treat.
Classic Vanilla Glazed Cake Donuts
Sweeten your day with these tender and fluffy cake donuts smothered in a rich vanilla glaze.
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
– Vanilla glaze (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Cover and let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
6. Punch down the dough and use a donut pan to shape the donuts.
7. Fry the donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Allow the donuts to cool before glazing.
Vanilla Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk together until smooth and drizzle over the cooled donuts.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chocolate Frosted Cake Donuts with Sprinkles
These decadent donuts combine the richness of chocolate cake, the creaminess of frosting, and the fun of sprinkles. 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 unsweetened cocoa powder
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Chocolate frosting (store-bought or homemade)
– Sprinkles, for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, milk, yeast, and salt.
3. Add eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth.
4. Stir in cocoa powder.
5. Fry donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
6. Allow donuts to cool before glazing with chocolate frosting.
7. Sprinkle with desired toppings.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cinnamon Sugar Cake Donuts
Start your day with a sweet treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings! These Cinnamon Sugar Cake Donuts are soft, fluffy, and infused with the warmth of cinnamon.
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 egg
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Cinnamon sugar mixture (see below)
Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
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, egg, and salt; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in cinnamon and let mixture rest for 5 minutes.
5. Using a piping bag or spoon, drop dough into hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd.
6. Cook donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. While still warm, toss donuts in cinnamon sugar mixture.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lemon Blueberry Cake Donuts
Lemon Blueberry Cake Donuts Recipe
Brighten up your day with these delightful Lemon Blueberry Cake Donuts! Infused with the sweetness of blueberries and the tanginess of lemon, these bite-sized treats are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, melted butter, egg, lemon juice, and blueberries; mix until smooth batter forms.
4. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of batter into hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
5. Remove donuts with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes
Red Velvet Cake Donuts with Cream Cheese Frosting
Treat your taste buds to a moist and decadent donut, infused with the classic flavors of red velvet cake and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons red food coloring
– Vegetable oil for frying
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and red food coloring.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Using a piping bag or spoon, drop the dough into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain donuts on paper towels and let cool.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar, to taste
Mix the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add powdered sugar to taste, adjusting sweetness as needed.
Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts
Get ready to fall in love with the sweet and spicy flavors of autumn! These Pumpkin Spice Cake Donuts are perfect for a cozy morning treat or a delightful dessert.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
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, and yeast.
3. Add milk, pumpkin puree, melted butter, egg, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix until smooth.
4. Pipe donut batter into rings using a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with a corner cut off.
5. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6. Drain excess oil on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
7. Serve warm and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Maple Bacon Cake Donuts
Maple Bacon Cake Donuts Recipe
Elevate your donut game with these sweet and savory Maple Bacon Cake Donuts, featuring the perfect balance of maple syrup’s richness and crispy bacon’s smokiness.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon pure maple syrup
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat 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, egg, maple syrup, and whisk until smooth.
4. Fold in crumbled bacon.
5. Pipe donut batter into rings using a pastry bag or a zip-top plastic bag with a corner cut off.
6. Fry donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 4-6 minutes per batch (depending on oil temperature)
Strawberry Frosted Cake Donuts
Sweeten up your day with these scrumptious Strawberry Frosted Cake Donuts! Soft, fluffy donuts coated in a layer of rich strawberry frosting and topped with crushed graham crackers will have you coming back for more.
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
– 1 egg
– 1 cup strawberry jam
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– Crushed graham crackers for topping
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 salt. Mix until smooth.
4. Pipe donuts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Allow donuts to cool before frosting with strawberry jam and powdered sugar mixture.
6. Top with crushed graham crackers.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes (including frying time)
Banana Walnut Cake Donuts
These moist and flavorful donuts combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the crunch of toasted walnuts, all wrapped up in a tender cake donut. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet treat any time of day!
Ingredients:
– 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup whole milk
– 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add mashed bananas, milk, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in chopped walnuts.
5. Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop donut mixture into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd.
6. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired) and serve warm.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes total, depending on the number of donuts cooked at once.
Double Chocolate Cake Donuts
Treat your taste buds to a rich and decadent dessert with these Double Chocolate Cake Donuts. Moist, fluffy donuts filled with a velvety chocolate center will satisfy any 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 unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vegetable oil.
4. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until smooth.
5. Pipe or spoon the batter into donut shapes.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown, then flip and cook for an additional minute.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar while still warm.
Cooking Time: 4-5 minutes per batch
Apple Cider Cake Donuts
These sweet and fluffy donuts are infused with the cozy flavors of apple cider, perfect for a crisp fall morning or any time you need a pick-me-up. Moist cake donuts are topped with a caramel glaze and crunchy cinnamon sugar, making them an irresistible treat.
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
– 1/2 cup apple cider
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– Caramel glaze (store-bought or homemade) and cinnamon sugar for topping
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 375°F.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, apple cider, and melted butter.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients; mix until smooth batter forms.
5. Pipe donuts into rings using a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner cut off.
6. Fry donuts for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Drain donuts on paper towels and let cool slightly.
8. Top with caramel glaze and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes to fry the donuts.
Coconut Lime Cake Donuts
Brighten up your day with these sweet and tangy Coconut Lime Cake Donuts! Moist, fluffy cake donuts infused with the warmth of coconut and the zest of lime.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup coconut cream
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, coconut cream, vanilla extract, and lime juice.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Drop dough by spoonfuls into the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Drain donuts on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired).
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes per batch
Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake Donuts
Bring a twist to traditional donuts with these sweet and indulgent treats, packed with the flavors of peanut butter and jelly.
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
– 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 tablespoon grape or strawberry jelly
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, salt, and peanut butter; mix until smooth.
4. Fold in jelly until well combined.
5. Using a piping bag or spoon, drop dough into hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Remove donuts from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Let cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes per batch
Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter and Jelly Cake Donuts!
Matcha Green Tea Cake Donuts
Experience the unique flavor combination of matcha green tea and sweet donuts with this simple recipe.
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 matcha powder
– 2 large eggs
– Confectioners’ sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. Add milk, salt, and matcha powder; mix until smooth.
4. Beat in eggs until well combined.
5. Using a piping bag or spoon, drop donut batter into the hot oil.
6. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
7. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (optional) before serving.
Cooking Time: Approximately 10-12 minutes per batch
Carrot Cake Donuts with Cream Cheese Drizzle
Satisfy your cravings with these moist and flavorful carrot cake donuts, topped with a tangy cream cheese drizzle. Perfect for a special treat or brunch gathering.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup grated carrots
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Fold in grated carrots.
6. Using a piping bag or a spoon, drop donuts into the hot oil, about 1/2 cup each.
7. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
8. Drain on paper towels and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cream Cheese Drizzle:
Mix 8 ounces cream cheese, softened, with 1 tablespoon powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Drizzle over cooled donuts.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Funfetti Birthday Cake Donuts
Celebrate a birthday with these sweet and festive donuts! Filled with colorful funfetti cake mix, topped with creamy frosting, and finished with sprinkles, these donuts are sure to be the star of any party.
Ingredients:
– 1 package funfetti cake mix
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 large eggs
– 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 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Pipe the batter into donut shapes using a piping bag or a zip-top plastic bag with a corner cut off.
4. Fry the donuts for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Drain the donuts on paper towels and let cool slightly.
6. Dust the donuts with confectioners’ sugar and top with sprinkles.
Cooking Time: 3-4 minutes
Tiramisu-Inspired Cake Donuts
Elevate your donut game with these creamy, coffee-infused treats that capture the essence of Italy’s beloved Tiramisu dessert.
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 egg
– 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder
– 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
– Whipped cream and cocoa powder for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oil in a deep frying pan to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, yeast, and salt.
3. Add milk, melted butter, egg, and coffee powder; mix until smooth.
4. Pipe donuts onto a parchment-lined baking sheet using a piping bag or a plastic bag with a corner cut off.
5. Fry donuts for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
6. Dust donuts with confectioners’ sugar while still warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (frying time) + cooling time
Black Forest Cake Donuts
Experience the decadence of a Black Forest cake in donut form! These moist and flavorful treats are filled with cherries, topped with chocolate glaze, and finished with whipped cream.
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
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup cherry filling (homemade or store-bought)
– 1 cup chocolate glaze (homemade or store-bought)
– Whipped cream for topping
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, egg, and melted butter; mix until smooth.
4. Pipe dough into donut shapes and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Allow donuts to cool before filling with cherry filling.
6. Drizzle with chocolate glaze and top with whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes per batch
Salted Caramel Cake Donuts
Sweet and savory collide in these mouthwatering donuts, infused with the richness of salted caramel and the comfort of cake.
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
– Salted caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought), for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Preheat 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, and egg; mix until smooth batter forms.
4. Fry donuts in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Drain excess oil on paper towels and let cool slightly.
6. Drizzle with salted caramel sauce and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (depending on the number of donuts)
Raspberry Filled Cake Donuts
Raspberry Filled Cake Donuts Recipe
A sweet and tangy twist on traditional donuts, these raspberry filled cake donuts are sure to delight.
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
– 1 egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Raspberry jam or preserves, for filling
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oil in a deep frying pan or a deep fryer to 350°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and yeast.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
4. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
5. Pipe the dough 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. Allow the donuts to cool completely before filling with raspberry jam or preserves.
Cooking Time: Approximately 15-20 minutes
Summary
Indulge in the sweet world of cake donuts with these 20 irresistible recipes! From classic vanilla glaze to decadent chocolate frosts, and from fruity lemon blueberry to spicy pumpkin spice, there’s something for every occasion. Try cinnamon sugar donuts for a warm morning treat or strawberry frosted donuts for a birthday celebration. Get creative with matcha green tea or tiramisu-inspired flavors or go classic with red velvet or carrot cake donuts. Whether you’re a sweet tooth or just looking for a special treat, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings!