Quick Homemade Cake Batter Donuts
The art of a baked donuts requires a little testing. I’m happy to take on the role of quality control when it comes to quick homemade cake batter donuts with vanilla glaze. Guilty as I am, a fried donut lover at heart but something about a glazed cake donut gets me every time. I am the person in line that needs one of everything! For these donuts, no line needed. These are tender and full of cake flavor with a thin layer of vanilla glaze just like the donut shops!
If you love funfetti-style treats, try these Sugar Cookies
Why You'll Love This Quick Homemade Cake Batter Donuts
- No frying required — baked and easy
- Soft, fluffy texture with cake flavor
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Fun and colorful with sprinkles
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
For another quick breakfast treat, try these Chocolate Banana Overnight Oats
Key Ingredients You'll Need
For the donuts
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup of milk to 2 tablespoons, whole milk or skim milk
- 1 teaspoon cake batter extract
- 1 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup flour, gluten free, all-purpose, or whole wheat
- Pinch of salt
- Sprinkles of choice, optional
For the glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk, whole milk or skim milk
- 1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
How to Make Quick Homemade Cake Batter Donuts
- For the donuts:
-
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a standard 6 cup donut baking pan, set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, egg, milk, extract, and baking powder together.
- Fold in sugar, flour, salt, and sprinkles if using.
- Add batter to a piping bag, cut off the tip and pipe into your prepared baking pan as you see in the video above.
- Bake 8-9 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and cool on cooling rack for 5 minutes.
- For the glaze:
-
- Add all ingredients into a bowl, whisk well. If too thin, add more sugar, if too thick add more milk.
- Dunk each donut into the glaze and place back on cooling rack to set.
- Serve and enjoy!
- Store left overs in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
I started making these for my Instagram baking challenge collaboration group where we post once a month a themed challenge. This month was donuts for St. Patty’s Day, which actually falls a day before my grandfather’s 90th birthday this year! I combined the two themes and made these quick homemade cake batter donuts with vanilla glaze to celebrate both occasions! We first whisk together the melted butter, milk, salt, egg, McCormick’s Cake Batter Extract and baking powder. Second, we fold in the flour and sprinkles. Third, we pipe! This is my favorite part, it makes it simple to get an even layer of batter in your prepared donut pan. Bake them, immediately remove the cake batter donuts from the pan and allow to cool for 5 minutes. Lastly, we blend milk, vanilla extract and powdered sugar together then dunk each donut into the glaze. Sprinkle with your favorites and enjoy!
For another baked treat, try these Cinnamon Roll Cake.
How to make gluten free cake batter donuts
Simple. Swap out all-purpose flour for Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free 1:1 Baking Flour. This is an easy 1:1 ratio however I have found that by reducing your measurement by 1 tablespoons helps keep the baked good moist and not dry. Gluten free flour sometimes can yield dry baked good or your batter has the tendency to bake a bit quicker. I use this tip for most of my baked goods, especially in this one. For another true gluten free donut recipe, try my iced vanilla donuts, and original from the blog. I actually think it was one of my very first blog posts!
How to make quick homemade cake batter donuts with vanilla glaze recipe video
Baked Donut flavors
If you were to take out the cake batter extract, you would be left with a basic recipe yearning for your flavor creativity! I love a simple vanilla extract and almond extract combination, a coconut lime donut or my favorite, toss them with cinnamon sugar straight out of the oven. This quick homemade cake batter donuts with vanilla glaze is a versatile recipe easy to play around with.
For the best results, I highly recommend using Caraway Home non-toxic bakeware—use code STACIE at checkout for a special discount!
Stacie’s Tricks & Tips
-
Don’t overmix the batter
-
Use a piping bag for clean donut shapes
-
Bake just until set to keep them soft
-
Add glaze while slightly warm
-
Use high-quality sprinkles for best color
For more delicious inspiration and video guides, be sure to follow Sugar Face Bakes on YouTube here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cake batter donuts fried or baked?
Cake batter donuts are typically baked, not fried. This cake batter donuts recipe uses a donut pan and baking powder, making it easier and less messy than frying.
How long do cake batter donuts last?
Cake batter donuts last up to 2 days at room temperature in an airtight container. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 4 days and reheat slightly before serving.
Can I freeze cake batter donuts?
Yes, cake batter donuts freeze well for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly and thaw at room temperature before adding glaze.
Can I make cake batter donuts ahead of time?
Yes, cake batter donuts can be made a day ahead. Store them covered and glaze just before serving for the best texture.
Why are my cake batter donuts dense?
Cake batter donuts turn dense if the batter is overmixed or if too much flour is added. Mix just until combined and measure ingredients carefully.
More Breakfast Recipes
Looking for more easy and comforting meals? Browse all recipes here:
