I wanted to make a bunch of donuts for Valentine's Day in my Babycakes Donut Maker, but I didn't want to make a million batches of batter to do it. I read a few forum posts where bakers had claimed that cake mix worked perfectly for this. Since none of those links were very comprehensive, I wanted to share how I did it in case somebody stumbles across this post. And yes: it works just great!
I used four cakes mixes to do this. I got just over 100 donuts.
I used four cakes mixes to do this. I got just over 100 donuts.
I prepared the cake mixes according to their package directions, changing nothing.
One of the mixes I used was Duncan Hines Pink Velvet. (How perfect for Valentine's Day?) As you can see in the picture above, the dry mix had no hint of pink whatsoever! Don't worry though, as soon as it's wet it'll turn pink. I was a little disappointed in this particular recipe though, the batter was super thick and the cake was more coral or peach than pink. I don't recommend it for this project. All the other mixes worked just fine.
One of the mixes I used was Duncan Hines Pink Velvet. (How perfect for Valentine's Day?) As you can see in the picture above, the dry mix had no hint of pink whatsoever! Don't worry though, as soon as it's wet it'll turn pink. I was a little disappointed in this particular recipe though, the batter was super thick and the cake was more coral or peach than pink. I don't recommend it for this project. All the other mixes worked just fine.
Once the batter is prepared, there's a couple ways you can actually get it into the pan. You could spoon it, or use a piping bag.
I found the easiest way was to put the batter into a large freezer bag, cut a small hole (make sure it's small; too large is hard to control and messy) and "pipe" it into the pan.
I found the easiest way was to put the batter into a large freezer bag, cut a small hole (make sure it's small; too large is hard to control and messy) and "pipe" it into the pan.
Pipe the batter into the pan, filling it up to the brim. Once you close the lid, the batter fills out. The donuts will look great as long as there's not too much batter (to squeeze out) or too little (won't rise.)
Bake the donuts for 2 - 2.5 minutes. This will depend on the batter, but start at 2 minutes and work from there.
Bake the donuts for 2 - 2.5 minutes. This will depend on the batter, but start at 2 minutes and work from there.
For whatever reason, some of the Pink Velvet donuts "exploded" while baking. This didn't happen with the other batters, so I don't know why it did with the Pink Velvet. Just a little side note!