The beauty of these 2-Ingredient Cake Donuts lies in their simplicity and versatility. With just a box of cake mix and applesauce, you can whip up a batch of perfectly moist, fluffy donuts in no time no eggs, no oil, no fuss. They’re ideal for those moments when you crave a sweet treat but don’t want to pull out every ingredient from the pantry. Whether you go with classic vanilla, rich chocolate, or something fruity, these donuts come out soft, light, and absolutely delicious every time. And the glaze? It’s just powdered sugar and a splash of milk but it transforms the donuts into bakery-style delights with a glossy finish. You can keep it classic or get creative with flavors like maple, lemon, or chocolate. These baked donuts are also a hit with kids and make a fun kitchen project for families. Plus, since they’re baked instead of fried, they feel a little lighter though just as satisfying. Great for breakfast, snack time, brunch parties, or dessert platters!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
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1 cup unsweetened applesauce
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1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
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1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix and applesauce until smooth.
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Spray a donut pan with non-stick spray and fill each cavity about 3/4 full.
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Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until donuts spring back when lightly touched.
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Allow to cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan.
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In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth to create glaze.
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Dip the top of each donut into the glaze and place on a wire rack to set.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 14 minutes | Total Time: 19 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 12 donuts
The Beauty of Simplicity: 2-Ingredient Cake Donuts with 1-Ingredient Glaze
In a world of complicated recipes, overflowing ingredient lists, and time-consuming techniques, the 2-Ingredient Cake Donuts with a 1-Ingredient Glaze shine like a beacon of simplicity and efficiency. This delightfully easy recipe is a gift to home bakers who want something delicious and aesthetically pleasing without the hassle. These donuts are fluffy, flavorful, and incredibly quick to make, making them perfect for both beginners and seasoned bakers looking for a fast treat. Whether you’re preparing a surprise breakfast, a last-minute snack for kids, or just need a sweet fix with minimal effort, this recipe delivers every time.
Why These Donuts Are a Game-Changer
The standout feature of this recipe is, of course, its minimalist ingredient list. Just two core items cake mix and applesauce form the base of these baked donuts, while a simple glaze of powdered sugar and milk adds the finishing touch. The result is a soft, moist, bakery-style donut without the deep fryer, eggs, or oil.
This simplicity makes the recipe incredibly accessible. No need to worry about having buttermilk, yeast, or even butter on hand. You won’t be left scrambling for obscure baking ingredients. Instead, you can turn pantry staples into a crowd-pleasing treat in under 30 minutes.
A Healthier Alternative to Traditional Donuts
Another key advantage of these donuts is that they’re baked, not fried. Traditional donuts are deep-fried, which significantly increases the fat and calorie content. By baking these donuts, you retain their classic donut shape and texture but skip the oily heaviness. Substituting applesauce for oil also reduces the overall fat content while keeping the donuts moist.
This makes them an excellent option for those looking for a lighter alternative to conventional donuts. While they’re still a sweet treat, these baked versions are more balanced, especially when enjoyed in moderation.
Versatility: A Donut for Every Taste
One of the biggest draws of this recipe is how customizable it is. The type of cake mix you choose determines the overall flavor. A vanilla mix will yield a classic donut base, while chocolate, red velvet, or even lemon cake mix can bring a fun twist. There are even seasonal varieties like pumpkin spice or gingerbread that work beautifully during the holidays.
The glaze is equally versatile. While the standard is a simple powdered sugar and milk combination, it can be dressed up in countless ways. Add a splash of vanilla or almond extract, a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a drop of food coloring to match your theme. You can also dip the donuts in chocolate ganache, coat them with sprinkles, or drizzle them with caramel or fruit syrups for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Perfect for Busy Lifestyles
Let’s face it most of us don’t have hours to spend baking. The time-saving nature of this recipe is one of its biggest assets. With a prep time of under 10 minutes and a baking time of just over 12 minutes, you can have fresh, warm donuts ready in less than 25 minutes total. Clean-up is minimal, too, since the batter requires just one bowl and no mixer.
This makes the recipe ideal for busy parents, college students, or anyone juggling multiple responsibilities who still wants to enjoy homemade baked goods. It’s also great for those unexpected moments when guests drop by and you need a quick treat to serve.
Kid-Friendly and Family Approved
Kids love donuts. And parents love recipes that are easy to involve their children in. This recipe checks both boxes. The short ingredient list and simple mixing process make it a great kitchen activity for little hands. Kids can help mix the batter, fill the donut molds, and dip the finished donuts in glaze or sprinkles.
Moreover, these donuts are a hit with people of all ages. They’re sweet but not overly sugary, fluffy but still moist, and customizable to suit any taste. Serve them at breakfast, pack them for lunch, or bring them to school events they’ll disappear in no time.
No Special Equipment Required
Another plus is that this recipe doesn’t demand professional baking equipment. All you need is a donut pan, a mixing bowl, and a spoon. Donut pans are affordable and widely available online and in most kitchenware stores. If you don’t have one, the batter can also be used in muffin tins, mini Bundt pans, or even as cupcake bases with slight adjustments in baking time.
This accessibility lowers the barrier for people who may not have a fully stocked kitchen, allowing everyone to enjoy a home-baked treat without needing a culinary degree or a high-end setup.
Budget-Friendly Baking
In addition to saving time, this recipe is also gentle on your wallet. Cake mix and applesauce are both inexpensive and readily available in most grocery stores. The glaze uses powdered sugar and milk two items most households already have on hand. In comparison to store-bought donuts or expensive bakery treats, this DIY version is far more economical, especially when feeding a crowd.
For events like birthdays, brunches, office parties, or bake sales, you can easily double or triple the batch without a significant increase in cost. This makes them a go-to solution for affordable entertaining.
Great for Special Diets and Modifications
This recipe is inherently flexible for different dietary needs. Want it egg-free? It already is. Need a dairy-free glaze? Just use almond, oat, or soy milk instead of regular milk. Looking for a lower-sugar option? Choose a sugar-free cake mix and make a glaze with a powdered sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
The base recipe is also vegetarian, and you can easily tweak it to make it vegan. Just ensure your cake mix doesn’t contain dairy or other animal-derived ingredients. With the growing interest in plant-based diets, this kind of flexible recipe is incredibly valuable.
When and Where to Serve These Donuts
These donuts are versatile in both flavor and function. Serve them at breakfast with coffee or tea, bring them to a potluck, wrap them in cellophane for holiday gifts, or display them at a baby shower brunch table. They’re just as suitable for casual weekday snacks as they are for more formal occasions.
They also photograph beautifully, which is a bonus if you love sharing your creations on Instagram or Pinterest. A simple drizzle of glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar, paired with a rustic wooden board or a colorful napkin, can make these humble donuts look like they came straight from an upscale bakery.
Conclusion:
The 2-Ingredient Cake Donuts with a 1-Ingredient Glaze aren’t just a novelty they’re a genuinely useful recipe to have in your culinary arsenal. They represent the best of modern home cooking: minimal effort, maximum payoff. With their soft texture, customizable flavors, and stress-free process, these donuts are ideal for any skill level and virtually any occasion.
Whether you’re an experienced baker looking to simplify, a beginner testing the waters, or a busy parent who wants to whip up a treat without the mess, this recipe is the answer. Try it once, and you’ll quickly see why these donuts have become a favorite in kitchens everywhere.