These delicious mini chocolate covered cake mix donuts are baked instead of fried, making them a much healthier option for a sweet treat. Donuts made with cake mix are not only incredibly easy but moist and delicious every time. This mini chocolate cake mix donut recipe is easily customizable with different toppings and one you keep for years to come!
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I used to be intimidated by attempting homemade donuts, but now it's my favorite dessert to make at home for my family. Making these baked chocolate glazed donuts from cake mix is incredibly easy and comes together in under 30 minutes. The best part is you do not need a large pot of oil, and no frying is required. In fact, all you need is a handful of ingredients, an oven, and a mini donut pan.
These individually portioned bite-sized donuts are the perfect dessert for snacking or entertaining. As you can see by these Mini Oreo Cheesecake Bites and Mini Raspberry Swirl Cheesecakes, I am a big fan of easy make-ahead and mini desserts.
Why This Recipe Works
- Cake mix baked donuts come together in under 30 minutes.
- They use only a handful of ingredients readily available.
- Baked Oreo donuts are perfect for entertaining or just as an afternoon snack.
- Baking donuts in the oven means no need for frying in oil.
- Donuts made with cake mix require less time, less measuring, and no baking powder or baking soda.
- They are customizable with different flavor combinations and toppings.
- Chocolate mint donuts freeze great, making them a perfect make-ahead dessert!
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake Mix - One box of chocolate cake mix is all it takes to make these easy mini chocolate covered donuts. You can substitute any flavor of boxed cake mix preferred.
Egg - The egg should be large and be at room temperature. Use the same amount of eggs as the directions instruct on the boxed cake mix.
Vegetable Oil - Vegetable oil or canola oil will work. Likewise, any neutral oil that the recipe on the boxed cake mix calls for should be used.
Water - The cake mix package directions should determine the amount of water used.
Powdered Sugar - Powdered sugar, also called confectioners sugar, is used in the chocolate glaze for the mini donuts.
Cocoa Powder - The best kind of cocoa powder is unsweetened dutch processed cocoa powder. Make sure to use a good brand when baking, as you can taste a difference.
Milk - The chocolate glaze uses whole milk for a smooth and luxurious texture. Alternatively, dairy-free milk is a suitable substitute; however, the consistency of the chocolate glaze may be thinner.
Vanilla Extract - Make sure to use a brand that states "pure" vanilla extract. Some brands use imitation flavors and do not have any natural vanilla. Here is my favorite brand of vanilla.
Mint Oreo Cookies - Substitute Mint Oreo cookies for any flavor or brand of crushed cookie you prefer.
Equipment Needed
How To Make Baked Cake Mix Donuts
- First, preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a mini donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with the egg, oil, and water according to the package directions.
- Next, fill each mini donut pan slot about ½ to ⅔ of the way full with the cake mix batter. Make sure not to overfill the pan with batter.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted. Next, remove from the oven and let the mini donuts cool in the pan for ten minutes. Then, remove the donuts from the donut pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Next, place whole Oreo cookies in a large ziplock bag.
- Crush the Oreo cookies with a rolling pin, and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered and cocoa powder until well combined.
- Slowly pour in the milk and vanilla extract and continue mixing until smooth.
- Once the donuts are completely cooled, gently dip one side into the glaze and place on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet or wire rack.
- Finally, sprinkle the crushed Oreo pieces on top of the wet chocolate glazed donuts and allow the glaze to set.
Substitutions & Variations
Topping Variations
- Crushed Golden Oreos or Regular Oreos
- Crushed Nutter Butter Cookies
- Pieces of crushed candy bars (Butterfinger, Heath Bars, or Andes Mints)
- Sprinkles
- Crushed candy canes
Cake Mix Donut Variations
- Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips when mixing the cake mix batter for four layers of chocolate, creating the ultimate chocolate cake mix donuts.
- Use melted chocolate wafers for chocolate dipped donuts.
- Use a different boxed cake mix flavor, such as funfetti cake mix donuts dipped in white chocolate.
Tips for Chocolate Covered Cake Mix Donuts
- To fill the mini donut pan with the cake mix batter, use a pastry or piping bag fitted with a 1A piping tip. Alternatively, fill a ziploc bag with the batter and snip the bottom corner with scissors. Smooth the batter with a butter knife to create an even layer before baking.
- When dipping these easy mini donuts in the chocolate glaze, work quickly to add the topping. Once the chocolate coating dries, the crushed mint Oreos or topping of choice will no longer stick.
- Ensure the donut pan is greased before baking these easy cake mix donuts. As a result, this will prevent sticking when it's time to be removed.
- Allow the baked mini donuts to cool while still in the pan for a few minutes before attempting to remove them. Cooling will allow them time to set, so they do not crumble or break when removed from the pan.
FAQ's
Yes, this recipe will work with regular-sized donuts as well in a regular-sized donut pan. Due to the increased size, the bake time will increase for a few minutes. Once done, a toothpick will come out clean when inserted into the middle.
You can freeze these mini cake mix donuts! To do so, let them cool completely after baking and transfer them to an airtight container or Ziploc bag. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When ready to eat, let them come to room temperature on the counter. The donuts should only be glazed and topped when ready to eat. Do not glaze before freezing.
You can make these cake mix donuts using a mini muffin pan. As a result, they may not be in the same shape as a traditional donut, but they will still taste amazing!
More Related Recipes
Easy Mini Oreo Cheesecake Bites
Mini Chocolate Cake Mix Donuts with Mint Oreos
Equipment
Ingredients
Cake Mix Doughnut Batter
- 1 Box Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix
- 1 Large Egg see cake mix instructions
- ¼ Cup Vegetable Oil see cake mix instructions
- 1 Cup Water see cake mix instructions
Chocolate Doughnut Glaze
- 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 5 Tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 5 Tablespoon Whole Milk
- 2 Teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- 10 Whole Mint Oreo Cookies or other preferred crushed topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a mini donut pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix with the egg, oil, and water according to the package directions.
- Fill each mini donut pan slot about ½ to ⅔ of the way full with the cake mix batter. Make sure not to overfill the pan with batter.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted.
- Remove from the oven and let the mini donuts cool in the pan for ten minutes. Then remove the donuts from the donut pans and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Place whole Oreo cookies in a large ziplock bag, crush with a rolling pin, and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered and cocoa powder until well combined.
- Slowly pour in the milk and vanilla extract and continue mixing until smooth.
- Once the donuts are completely cooled, gently dip one side into the glaze and place on a parchment paper-lined cookie sheet or wire rack.
- Sprinkle the crushed oreo pieces on top of the wet chocolate glazed donuts and allow the glaze to set.
Michelle says
Love how easy these are! And so festive for St Patrick's Day!
MJ says
Everyone loved these! So perfect for fun family weekend mornings.
Alina says
Chocolate and mint is a perfect combination for St. Patrick's Day! Delicious.
Suja md says
Absolutely delicious; thank you for this fantastic recipe! Very straightforward and easy to make. The dish came out perfectly. I will make it again!!
Kathy says
These turned out great! They were so quick and easy to make and the kiddos even got involved which was super fun for them. We used regular Oreos and they were so delicious!