Easy Pancake Donuts (Made with Pancake Mix!) are the perfect fusion of two beloved breakfast staples. Imagine fluffy pancakes, but in a cute, ring-shaped form that you can hold in your hands. These delightful little donuts have a slightly crispy exterior while maintaining a soft, airy inside that’s perfect for dunking in syrup or glaze. When I first whipped up a batch of these easy pancake donuts, they quickly became a family favorite, and for good reason—they satisfy sweet cravings effortlessly without requiring hours in the kitchen.

If you’re someone who loves to experiment with fun flavors, this recipe will not disappoint. With endless mix-in options—think chocolate chips, blueberries, or vibrant sprinkles—there’s no limit to how creative you can get. Easy to make, budget-friendly, and a definite crowd-pleaser, these pancake donuts are sure to bring smiles all around. Get ready to treat yourself to a delightful breakfast or snack that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Easy Pancake Donuts (Made with Pancake Mix!)
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Easy Pancake Donuts (Made with Pancake Mix!)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip up a batch in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy mornings.
Irresistible Flavor: The delightful combination of fluffy pancake dough and your favorite sweet mix-ins.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These fun, colorful donuts are a hit with kids and adults alike.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack—any time is donut time!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make them gluten-free or dairy-free with simple substitutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 box Pancake Mix (Just Add Water): This is the star of the show! A versatile pancake mix that requires no eggs or milk, making your prep a breeze. Choose a brand that you trust and love for the best flavor!
Mix-Ins (Chocolate Chips, Blueberries, Sprinkles, Strawberries, etc.): Choose your favorites to customize your donut flavors. Fresh fruit like strawberries adds freshness, while chocolate chips bring unparalleled sweetness. Get creative—a mix of chocolate and sprinkles can make some festive donuts.

How to Make Easy Pancake Donuts (Made with Pancake Mix!)

Preheat the Air Fryer or Oven: If you’re using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C). If using an oven, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a nice, golden crust as they bake.
Prepare the Pancake Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, follow the instructions on the pancake mix box, adding water and mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep your donuts fluffy.
Add Flavorful Mix-Ins: Gently fold in your chosen mix-ins, such as ½ cup chocolate chips or ½ cup fresh blueberries, into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed for fun bursts of flavor.
Shape the Donuts: Using a donut pan, lightly grease each well. Spoon the batter into each well, filling them about two-thirds full. If you don’t have a donut pan, you can use a piping bag to create each donut shape on parchment paper.
Bake the Donuts: For the air fryer, cook for about 8-10 minutes until the donuts are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If using an oven, bake for 12-15 minutes for the same results.
Cool and Decorate: Once baked, allow the donuts to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. After that, remove them and let them cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, feel free to glaze, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or dip in chocolate for extra sweetness!

Storing & Reheating

Place any leftover pancake donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week, but ensure that they are cooled completely before sealing them in. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh, fluffy texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid over-mixing the batter to keep donuts tender and fluffy. A few lumps are perfectly fine.
Use room temperature water to mix with the pancake batter for smoother consistency.
For that extra special touch, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the donuts.
If you’re using fresh fruits, make sure to chop them small for even baking and distribution throughout the donuts.

There’s nothing quite like the joy of creating something delicious in your own kitchen, especially when it’s as easy as these delightful pancake donuts. They’re ideal for a cozy weekend breakfast or a fun treat for kids. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors and toppings—each batch can be a new flavor adventure. Happy cooking, and most importantly, enjoy every bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make these pancakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the pancake mix with your favorite gluten-free pancake mix. The same delicious texture can be achieved without compromising on flavor.

What if I don’t have a donut pan?

Don’t worry! You can also use a muffin tin or simply shape the batter into rings on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as they may need a few minutes less or more depending on the shape.

How can I make these donuts dairy-free?

Just look for a dairy-free pancake mix or substitute with almond or oat milk in the pancake batter. These swaps work seamlessly without sacrificing that fluffy texture.

Can I make these pancake donuts ahead of time?

Certainly! You can prepare the batter the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a gentle stir before using it to ensure everything is well mixed. Enjoy the convenience of whipping up warm donuts in the morning!

More Breakfast Recipes

Recipe Card

Easy Pancake Donuts (Made with Pancake Mix!)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Danae
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 donuts 1x
Category: Breakfast
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Easy Pancake Donuts (Made with Pancake Mix!) are a delicious twist on your breakfast favorites. With simple ingredients like pancake mix and your choice of mix-ins, these baked donuts are perfect for a quick snack or a fun breakfast that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

1 box Pancake Mix (Just Add Water)
1 cup Mix-In's (Chocolate Chips, Blueberries, Sprinkles, Strawberries, etc.)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a donut pan with non-stick spray.
Prepare the pancake mix according to the instructions on the box.
Spoon the batter into each mold of the donut pan and sprinkle your desired mix-ins on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Repeat the steps until you have made the desired number of pancake donuts.

Notes

For a fun twist, try different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits.
These donuts are best served warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Store leftover donuts in an airtight container for up to 2 days.