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Baked Doughnuts from a Cake Mix

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I LOVE this time of year! One of the best parts about Fall (to me) is baking. It’s something that everyone loves, whether it’s doing the actual baking, or just reaping the benefits. I’ve been trying to find ways to make baking with the boys fun now that they’re getting older and have mastered the standard “follow the box” directions. We’ve been finding ways to get creative (while still making the recipes completely easy and achievable). These Caramel Apple doughnuts are baked using the (limited time) Pillsbury™ Moist Supreme® Caramel Apple Flavored Premium Cake Mix. And the glaze? All you need is Pillsbury™ Creamy Supreme® Caramel Apple Flavored Frosting!

Baked donuts from a cake mix

We are all about fun fall flavored favorites. Pillsbury has some really fun limited time mixes that are perfect for baking with the family this time of year. Pumpkin and Halloween specific mixes and this Caramel Apple which turned out to be the boys’ favorite. Especially in a hand held version like a doughnut (or is it donut?)!

Baked donuts from a cake mix

Not really as messy to make as real caramel apples, but still has that mess factor fun, these donuts are easy enough for the family to get together and spend time in the kitchen. I think we’re adding this as one of our favorite traditions.

Like I said these doughnuts are simple to make! You’ll just need a box of Pillsbury Caramel Apple cake mix, 1 cup (you can use a little less but don’t use more, you don’t want your dough too thin), 1/4 cup of canola (or other favorite) oil, 1 large egg, Pillsbury Caramel Apple frosting and whatever toppings you like!

Baked donuts from a cake mix

We used chopped walnuts, sprinkles, candy eyeballs and chopped apple pieces.

Preheat the oven to 350F. Then, whisk together the mix, water, oil and egg until well incorporated. How on earth is he bigger than me?! I’m definitely cherishing these holiday traditions and being able to teach them new things while I can.

Baked donuts from a cake mix

Once it’s mixed, place the dough in a gallon sized plastic bag and cut the corner. Pipe the dough into a doughnut pan sprayed with non-stick spray.

Baked donuts from a cake mix

I think the ones about 2/3 full made the best shaped doughnuts. If you fill them too full the dough will start to fill in the hole.

Bake for 12 minutes or until they aren’t jiggly and feel somewhat firm to the touch. The dough will be darker on the bottom so you don’t want to cook too long.

Baked donuts from a cake mix

Let sit for a few minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Baked donuts from a cake mix

The dough makes about 12-13 doughnuts so if you only have one doughnut pan you can put the next batch in now. To make the “glaze” take the Pillsbury Caramel Apple frosting and warm it up until it’s a nice thin texture for dipping. You can do this on the stove over low/medium heat or in the microwave at 10 second intervals.

Baked donuts from a cake mix

Once your glaze is thin enough and the doughnuts are completely cool, dip them in and set out to cool and harden.

Baked donuts from a cake mix

While they’re still sticky, top with your favorite toppings. This is always the boys’ favorite part!

Baked donuts from a cake mix Baked donuts from a cake mix

One of their surprising favorites was the chopped apples. To keep them from browning I’ve tried several methods. The best by FAR is to chop them up and let soak in 2 cups of water with 1 tsp of salt for about 10 minutes or so. Take them out, rinse them off and you’ll have beautiful apples for quite a while without a salty taste!

Baked donuts from a cake mix

Once the toppings are on you can enjoy or let sit out so the glaze can solidify a bit more.

Baked donuts from a cake mix Baked donuts from a cake mix

So how do they taste? SO good. They are sort of a dense cakey texture and the yummy flavors of fall really come through! Pretty close to a standard cake donut but I love being able to add in some fall flavor favorites!

Baked donuts from a cake mixBaked donuts from a cake mix

We may need to try the other Pillsbury flavors on our next Target run. You can save 10% on Pillsbury baking mix by using take advantage of this offer right now and if you’re shopping between 10/27 and 10/30 you can take advantage of this offer. We found the Caramel Apple mix in the seasonal section we love browsing so much at our Target.

Baked doughnuts from a cake mix

Look at all those fun flavors! Here’s a printable recipe if you like to work that way.

Caramel Apple Baked Doughnuts
Author: 
Recipe type: Breakfast or Dessert
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 13
 
A fun, easy doughnut recipe using a boxed cake mix!
Ingredients
  • 1 box Pillsbury™ Moist Supreme® Caramel Apple Flavored Premium Cake Mix
  • 1 scant cup water
  • ¼ cup favorite oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 container Pillsbury™ Creamy Supreme® Caramel Apple Flavored Frosting
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F
  2. Mix together cake mix, water, oil and egg.
  3. Place into gallon freezer bag, cut off corner and squeeze into greased doughnut pan about ⅔ full.
  4. Bake for 12 minutes or until dough is no longer jiggle and/or very lightly golden.
  5. Allow to cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  6. For the glaze, heat the frosting until the consistency desired on the stovetop over medium/low heat or in the microwave for 10 second intervals.
  7. Dip cooled doughnuts in warmed glaze and top with your favorite toppings
  8. Enjoy!

What’s your favorite fall treat to make with the kids?! I think we’re going to try out the pumpkin next!

Baked donuts from a cake mix

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Allison Waken is a wife, mom of boys and Phoenix, AZ native. She has been creating inspiring content for All for the Boys since 2011. Allison loves travel, movies and spending as much time as possible with her family while she can!

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