Pink Frosted Cake Mix Donuts Recipe in a Donut Pan

This Pink Frosted Cake Mix Donuts Recipe in a Donut Pan is so simple to make and you probably already have the ingredients in your pantry. Plus, absolutely no deep frying is required! Such an easy way to make donuts.

They have a lovely cupcake-like texture and look super cute with a bright pink frosting glaze and rainbow sprinkles. Skip the local bakery run, grab a box of cake mix and let’s get baking!

Why I love This Pink Frosted Cake Mix Donuts Recipe in a Donut Pan

• You simply can't go wrong with pink homemade baked donuts!

• These baked donuts are on the light and airy side of the donut family.

• They’re really a cross between a muffin and a cupcake which makes them even more delicious1

• There’s something so fun about homemade donuts, especially when they are pink.

• These pink frosted homemade cake donuts are simple to make and taste incredible.

• They come out picture-perfect too so you, your friends, and your family will be drooling in no time.

• The vibrant pink frosting on the vanilla cake donuts is whimsical and charming. Perfect for a party!

• You can experiment with different shades of pink or even play with the type of sprinkles, making each batch unique and original.

• The combination of soft fluffy donuts and creamy frosting simply can't be beat. Perfect for any donut lover.

• Great way to bring a little bit of the donut shop right at home.

• First time making donuts? It's such a simple recipe. Much easier than yeast donuts. Sure to be one of your new favorite recipes!

What you need

Ingredient notes

Cake Mix - You'll need a box of yellow cake mix (15.25 oz) or choose your favorite flavor, if you prefer.

Cream - For best results, I prefer heavy whipping cream for this recipe (not regular milk)

Vegetable oil - Choose your preferred vegetable oil. I used avocado oil which turned out great.

Powdered Sugar - I prefer the kind you buy in a big plastic bag because you don't have to sift it.

Butter - Get unsalted butter and make it's softened before starting the recipe.

Cream - You'll need heavy whipping cream for the frosting glaze too.

Pink food coloring, if desired

Sprinkles - Choose your favorite sprinkles. We used rainbow sprinkles.

How to make Pink Frosted Cake Mix Donuts

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray doughnut baking pans with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large bowl whisk together cake mix, egg, water, cream, and vegetable oil until smooth. Pour donut batter into a large resealable bag or pastry bag.
3. Cut a small corner of the bag and pipe the doughnut batter into the baking pan filling each doughnut two thirds full.
4. Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the edges just start to look golden brown. Let doughnuts cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then remove from doughnut pan.
5. Allow warm donuts to cool completely before glazing them. To prepare the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, butter, and cream until smooth in a large mixing bowl. Color with a few drops of pink food coloring. Stir to combine. Dip doughnuts into the glaze and place on cooling rack, then decorate with sprinkles. Let the glazed donuts set before serving.
6. Doughnuts are best when they are fresh but you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving. Scroll down for full recipe.

Expert tips

Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality vanilla extract for a rich and authentic flavor. Also opt for a good-quality cake mix to ensure a moist and tender texture in the donuts.

Donut Pan Preparation: Properly grease your donut pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Mixing the Batter: Do not overmix the batter; stop as soon as the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to dense donuts.

Piping the Batter: Use a piping bag or a Ziploc bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the batter into the donut pan. This allows for more precise and even distribution of the batter.

Baking Time and Temperature: Monitor the baking time closely. Overbaking can result in dry donuts. Start checking for doneness a couple of minutes before the recommended time. Preheat your oven to the correct temperature to ensure even baking.

Cooling Process: Allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps prevent breakage and ensures they hold their shape.

Pink Glaze: Make sure the donuts are completely cooled before dipping them in the pink glaze. This helps the glaze set properly. Add food coloring gradually to achieve the desired shade of pink. You can use natural food coloring if preferred.

Customization: Feel free to customize your donuts with additional toppings such as sprinkles, edible glitter, or crushed nuts for extra texture and flavor. Substitute , chocolate glaze, chocolate ganache or chocolate icing instead of pink frosting, if desired.

Storage: Store the donuts in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. If you need to store them for a longer period, consider freezing them.

Experimentation: Don't be afraid to experiment with the recipe. You can try different flavor variations, such as adding a hint of almond extract to the batter or incorporating citrus zest for a unique twist

Frequently asked questions

Can I use any cake mix for these donuts? Yes, you can use any vanilla-flavored cake mix for this recipe. Ensure it is a high-quality mix for the best flavor and texture.

How do I prevent my delicious donuts from sticking to the pan? Properly grease the donut pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter. Using a silicone donut pan can also make it easier to remove the donuts.

Can I make this baked donut recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can make the donuts ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days or freeze them for longer storage.

How do I make donut holes? Bake the batter in a mini muffin pan instead of the donut pan. Easy peasy.

How do I achieve the perfect pink color for the glaze? Add the pink food coloring gradually until you achieve the desired color. You can use gel or liquid food coloring, and natural options like beet juice for a healthier alternative.

How can I make the donuts healthier?Consider using a healthier cake mix alternative. You can also reduce the sugar content, and opt for a natural food coloring or omit it altogether.

Can I make these donuts egg-free? Yes, you can try using egg substitutes like applesauce, mashed bananas, or commercial egg replacers. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture of the donuts.

What's the best way to store leftover donuts? Store the donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for short-term storage. For longer storage, freeze them in a zip-top bag, separated by parchment paper.

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