These orange donuts are easily made with a box of cake mix and donuts will never be the same! They will be the hit at any breakfast or party.
I’ve used a Brentwood mini donut maker for this recipe. I’ve got to tell you that this donut maker is so fun! I can have piles of little bite-sized treats in no time. Using a prepared cake mix makes it even easier.
- Are donuts better baked or fried?
- How do you keep donuts moist?
- Why do donuts have holes?
- Brentwood Mini Donut Maker
- How to make tinted sugar
- Recipe
Ingredients
Don’t you love a recipe that doesn’t require you to drag out the mixer? This is one of those recipes. You can easily whisk together the batter ingredients.
For this round of donuts, I used orange cake mix. You don’t need to stop there, though. This Duncan Hines cake mix brand has lemon and strawberry mixes as well. (Note that I believe they’ve rebranded and the box looks different.)
I may need to try ALL the mixes!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Of course, donuts are fantastic no matter what. But, they’re going to be more healthy if they’re baked. That added grease from the frying can add up!
Once they’ve completely settled and the topping has dried, be sure to place them in an airtight container or bag. Even if you get them from a bakery, it’s best to take them out of the box and put them in your own container.
Why Do Donuts Have Holes?
Fried donuts cook very quickly. Due to the high temperatures, the donut became overcooked around the outside, but undercooked on the inside. To avoid that, you cut out the middle.
That is the tale of the mysterious donut hole. Go tell your friends and feed them lots of donuts!
Brentwood Mini Donut Maker
Because this donut maker is for mini size donuts, it’s difficult to get the batter into the cavities without making a mess.
You can use a pastry bag or ziploc bag. I like to use a squeeze bottle. It makes an interesting looking pattern, though. ha!
Try out this Brentwood Mini Donut Maker (aff link). It’s the one we use and is perfect for little bite-sized breakfast treats.
How to Make Tinted Sugar
My preference is to make the tinted sugar the day before. I like to make sure that the sugar has been completely saturated.
Place the sugar into a ziploc bag. Add a few drops of food color or paste.
When you close the bag, try to get as much air out as possible. Start squishing and rolling the bag in your hands. Add more food coloring, as necessary, to reach the color you desire.
Pour the sugar onto a baking sheet and spread around evenly. Allow to sit out in the air to dry overnight. You can place it in a cool oven to keep it out of the way.
If you have tinted sugar remaining, store in an airtight container.
More Recipe Treats
If you like this recipe, take a look at these others that I’m sure you’ll love.
Recipe
Orange Donuts Cake Mix Recipe
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For more information, be sure to check the recipe details in the attached 24Bite® post.
Equipment
- Brentwood Mini Donut Maker, or
- Mini Donut Tin, or
- Regular Size Donut Tin
Ingredients
Donuts
- 1 box Cake Mix, used Duncan Hines Orange Supreme
- 1 large Egg, lightly beaten with fork
- ¼ cup Vegetable Oil
- 1 cup Water
- Baking Spray with Flour
Topping
- ¼ cup Butter
- ¼ cup Sugar
- 1 or 2 teaspoons Orange Peel, dried granules, optional
- 6 or 7 drops Food Coloring, optional
Instructions
Donuts
- If using Brentwood Donut Maker, plug in to preheat. If using mini donut tins, preheat oven to 350℉.
- In a medium to large mixing bowl, whisk together cake mix, egg, oil and water until well mixed.
- Place in a pastry bag, ziploc bag or squeeze bottle. If using ziploc bag, cut a hole in one corner to release. Don't try to use a spoon. Making mini donuts requires more precision.
- Lightly spray donut maker or tin with baking spray with flour. I tried cooking spray, but it didn't work for this recipe. There was still sticking.
- If using donut maker, fill each cavity to the top. If using tins, fill each cavity to ⅔ full.
- If using the donut maker, it will take about 90 seconds to 2 minutes to cook. If using the oven, it will take about 5-6 minutes. Bake until the donuts bounce back or a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool completely before finishing.
Topping
- Melt the butter. You can easily use the microwave. It will only take about 30 seconds or less.
- Place the sugar in a small separate bowl. If desired, stir in orange peel. See notes if you want to tint the sugar with food coloring. I like to do this the day before to make sure that the food coloring has saturated before use.
Finishing
- Dip donut into melted butter then dip into flavored (and tinted) sugar.
- Place on a rack to dry. Store in airtight container or bag.
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Notes
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. All amounts are estimates and 24Bite® takes no responsibility for actual figures since calculations vary by packaging and supplier. Please calculate the amounts yourself based on package labeling if you have specific dietary requirements. 24Bite®, Kim Guzman or Christian Guzman shall not be liable for adverse reactions or any other outcome resulting from the use of recipes or recommendations on this website or actions you take as a result.
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