2-Ingredient Baked Cake Donuts Recipe

Fluffy 2-Ingredient Baked Cake Donuts Recipe That Anyone Can Make

Whipping up delectable two-ingredient baked cake donuts can be surprisingly simple and delightful.

Minimal effort meets maximum flavor in this clever kitchen hack.

Pantry staples become your secret weapon for creating irresistible treats.

Soft, pillowy textures emerge from an ingenious combination that defies traditional baking expectations.

Forget complicated recipes with endless ingredients and complicated steps.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward approach to crafting sweet, tender donuts.

Jump into this effortless recipe and watch magic unfold in your kitchen.

Baked Cake Donuts Made with Just Two Ingredients

  • Effortless Baking: Whip up delicious donuts with just two ingredients, making it a breeze for novice bakers and busy home cooks.
  • Versatile Flavors: Customize your donuts by choosing different mix-ins like banana, applesauce, or pumpkin to create unique taste experiences.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking: Engage children in a fun baking activity that's simple enough for little hands to help and enjoy creating sweet treats together.
  • Healthier Indulgence: Swap traditional frying methods for baking, resulting in a lighter, less greasy donut that still satisfies your sweet tooth.

2-Ingredient Baked Cake Donuts Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:
  • Cake Mix: Base for creating quick and easy donuts.
  • Banana, Applesauce, or Pumpkin: Moisture-adding mix-in for binding the batter.
Baking Essentials:
  • Cooking Spray or Oil: For greasing the donut pan.
  • Donut Pan: Special pan for shaping donuts.
Optional Finishing Touches:
  • Frosting, Sprinkles: For decorating and adding extra sweetness.

Cake Donuts (2-Ingredient) Quick Steps

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and give your donut pan a light spray of cooking oil to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Your Magic

Grab a big mixing bowl and pour in your cake mix. Then choose your favorite moist ingredient:
  • Ripe banana
  • Creamy applesauce
  • Smooth pumpkin puree

Blend everything together until you have a silky-smooth batter that looks irresistible.

Step 3: Fill The Donut Molds

Carefully spoon your batter into each donut cavity, filling them about three-quarters of the way up. This gives your donuts room to rise and become perfectly puffy.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and let your donuts bake for 15-20 minutes. They’re ready when they bounce back after a gentle touch and look golden around the edges.

Step 5: Cool And Release

After baking, let the donuts hang out in the pan for 5 minutes. Then gently transfer them to a wire cooling rack to chill completely.

Step 6: Decorate With Delight

Once cooled, go wild with frosting, sprinkles, or whatever topping makes your taste buds dance. Your homemade donuts are now ready to devour!

Notes That Make Baked Cake Donuts Easy

  • Boost Moisture: Use ripe, mashed bananas for extra softness and natural sweetness in your donuts.
  • Swap Ingredients Wisely: Replace cake mix with gluten-free or low-sugar alternatives for dietary needs.
  • Perfect Filling Technique: Use a piping bag or zip-lock bag with a corner cut off for neater, more even donut wells.
  • Prevent Sticking: Ensure thorough greasing of the donut pan or use non-stick baking spray for easy removal.
  • Decorate Creatively: Experiment with different toppings like cream cheese glaze, chocolate drizzle, or crushed nuts for added flavor and texture.

How To Store 2-Ingredient Baked Cake Donuts

  • Store cooled donuts in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 3 days. Place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Wrap individual donuts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Transfer frozen donuts to the refrigerator overnight. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore soft texture.
  • Warm donuts at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. Wrap loosely in aluminum foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

Baked Cake Donuts Complements

  • Pair Spicy Chai Latte: The warm, aromatic spices of chai perfectly complement the sweet, soft texture of these easy donuts.
  • Brew Dark Roast Coffee: Rich, bold coffee cuts through the sweetness and enhances the donut's subtle fruit or pumpkin undertones.
  • Create Vanilla Bean Milkshake: Creamy, smooth milkshake provides a luxurious contrast to the light, fluffy donut texture.
  • Match Caramel Apple Cider: Seasonal cider echoes the potential fruit flavors in the donut, creating a harmonious taste experience.

Flavor Combos for Cake Donuts

  • Gluten-Free Delight: Replace regular cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and use mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce for moisture.
  • Vegan Version: Swap cake mix with a vegan cake mix, use plant-based egg replacer, and select a dairy-free mix-in like mashed pumpkin.
  • Protein-Packed Option: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the cake mix for extra nutrition and a protein boost.
  • Low-Sugar Alternative: Choose a sugar-free cake mix and use Greek yogurt as a mix-in for added protein and reduced sugar content.

FAQs

  • Can I use any cake mix flavor for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any cake mix flavor you prefer. Popular choices include vanilla, chocolate, yellow, or spice cake mix for variety.

  • Do I need special equipment to make these donuts?

A donut pan is recommended, but you can use a muffin tin as an alternative if you don’t have a specific donut pan.

  • How do I know when the donuts are fully baked?

The donuts are done when they spring back when lightly touched and appear golden around the edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

  • Can I make these donuts gluten-free or dairy-free?

Choose a gluten-free cake mix and use appropriate mix-ins like dairy-free applesauce or mashed banana to accommodate dietary restrictions.

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2-Ingredient Baked Cake Donuts Recipe

2-Ingredient Baked Cake Donuts Recipe


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4.5 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Irresistible Two-Ingredient Baked Cake Donuts bring simplicity and deliciousness together in one effortless recipe. Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make these donuts a perfect sweet treat for anyone craving a homemade bakery-style indulgence you can whip up in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box cake mix (any flavor)
  • 2 cups mashed banana or 2 cups cinnamon applesauce or 15 ounces (425 grams) pure pumpkin

Optional Toppings:

  • Frosting (any flavor)
  • Sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350°F and thoroughly coat a donut pan with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Pour the cake mix into a spacious mixing bowl and incorporate your selected moisture ingredient, stirring until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency without lumps.
  3. Carefully transfer the batter into each donut cavity, ensuring each well is filled approximately three-quarters full to allow proper rising during baking.
  4. Place the prepared pan into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, monitoring for a golden exterior and checking doneness by gently pressing the surface – it should quickly bounce back when lightly touched.
  5. Remove the pan from the oven and allow the donuts to rest inside for 5 minutes, which helps them set and prevents breaking when removing.
  6. Delicately extract the donuts from the pan and position them on a wire cooling rack, permitting them to reach room temperature.
  7. Once completely cooled, enhance the donuts with optional decorative elements like smooth frosting or colorful sprinkles to add visual appeal and extra flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Swap mix-ins freely to create unique flavor combinations like chocolate cake mix with peanut butter or white cake mix with matcha powder.
  • For gluten-free options, select a certified gluten-free cake mix and ensure your mix-in ingredient is also gluten-free.
  • Prevent sticking by generously greasing the donut pan with cooking spray or brushing with melted butter, creating smooth release and perfect donut shapes.
  • Enhance texture by gently folding mix-ins to maintain air pockets, resulting in lighter, more tender donuts with delicate crumb structure.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 4 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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