Start Your Day Right with Easy Chocolate Cake Mix Donuts!
Kickstart your mornings with a touch of indulgence! These incredibly easy Chocolate Cake Mix Donuts are a delightful treat, generously topped with a silky smooth chocolate glaze and a fun assortment of creative toppings. Whether you crave the cozy notes of S’mores, the tropical crunch of Almond Joy, or the simple joy of colorful sprinkles, you’re about to discover your new favorite breakfast (or dessert!) sensation. Get ready to bake happiness!
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This recipe post is proudly sponsored by Almond Breeze.

Why These Chocolate Cake Mix Donuts Will Become Your Go-To Treat
Chocolate for breakfast? Absolutely! Especially when it comes in the form of these delightfully easy Chocolate Cake Mix Donuts, boasting the most irresistible chocolate glaze you’ll ever taste. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy baking processes; these donuts are designed for convenience without compromising on flavor. We’re not just talking about simple chocolate donuts here – we’re diving into a world of incredible toppings, from classic chocolate jimmies and vibrant sprinkles to gourmet S’mores and decadent Almond Joy creations. Every bite is an adventure!
As a busy parent, I understand the struggle of wanting to whip up something special for breakfast but lacking the precious time traditional recipes demand. My kids literally go nuts when homemade donuts are on the menu, but making standard raised, yeast-based donuts can be quite a time-consuming affair. That’s where these brilliant cake mix donuts step in as an absolute lifesaver and a true timesaver. They’re the perfect solution for those mornings when a sweet tooth strikes early, or when you simply want to spread a little extra joy without spending hours in the kitchen. Simple, quick, and utterly delicious – what more could you ask for?

Effortless Baking, Endless Flavor Possibilities
While today’s focus is on decadent chocolate donuts and their delightful variations, the beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can effortlessly substitute the chocolate cake mix for any other flavor – think vibrant strawberry, cozy carrot cake, or classic vanilla – to create a completely different donut experience. The best part? These donuts are baked, not fried! This means less mess, less guilt, and a lighter texture that’s still incredibly satisfying. All you need is a standard donut pan, and you’ll have a fresh batch of warm, soft donuts ready in just about 10 minutes. It’s a truly hassle-free way to enjoy homemade donuts.
To truly elevate these cake mix wonders, I rely on my absolute favorite chocolate glaze recipe. If you’re going to indulge in chocolate for breakfast (or as a fabulous dessert!), why hold back? This glaze is the epitome of rich decadence – silky smooth, intensely chocolatey, and perfect for generously dipping each warm donut. It provides the ideal sweet canvas for all your creative topping experiments, ensuring every donut is a masterpiece of flavor and texture.

Amplify the Chocolate Flavor with Almond Breeze
When it comes to enhancing the deep, luxurious flavor of chocolate in these donuts, a secret ingredient makes all the difference: Almond Breeze Chocolate almondmilk. Incorporating this rich, dairy-free alternative into both the donut batter and the glaze intensifies the chocolate notes, creating an even more indulgent experience. Almond Breeze Chocolate almondmilk is readily available in both refrigerated and shelf-stable versions, making it incredibly convenient to always have on hand in your pantry for whenever a donut craving strikes!
While the chocolate almondmilk adds an incredible depth of flavor, feel free to use unsweetened chocolate almondmilk if you prefer a less sweet profile, allowing the cocoa to shine even brighter. And don’t forget the versatility – if you’re venturing into other cake mix flavors like strawberry, carrot cake, or vanilla donuts, simply swap in Almond Breeze Vanilla almondmilk for a complementary and equally delicious result. Almond Breeze truly helps achieve that moist texture and fantastic flavor in every bite.

Endless Topping Possibilities for Your Homemade Donuts
The fun doesn’t stop with baking and glazing; toppings are an absolute essential when crafting homemade donuts! This is where you can truly unleash your creativity and personalize each donut to perfection. I absolutely adore experimenting with new combinations, and I’m thrilled to share some of my favorite ideas to inspire your donut-decorating adventures.
- S’mores Chocolate Donuts: Transform your chocolate donut into a campfire classic! After glazing, generously sprinkle with graham cracker crumbles (make sure they’re not too fine – you want some texture!), mini marshmallows, and a scattering of mini chocolate chips. A quick toast with a kitchen torch can lightly brown the marshmallows for an authentic S’mores experience.
- Almond Joy Donuts: For a tropical escape, adorn your chocolate glazed donuts with beautifully toasted coconut flakes, thinly sliced almonds, and a delicate shower of mini chocolate chips. The combination of chewy coconut, crunchy almonds, and rich chocolate is simply divine.
- Triple Threat Chocolate Donuts: For the ultimate chocolate lover, keep it simple but impactful. A rich chocolate donut base, smothered in silky chocolate glaze, and finished with a generous coating of classic chocolate jimmies. It’s a chocolate explosion in every bite!
- Candy Land Chocolate Donuts: Let your inner child rejoice! Any of your favorite candies can be chopped into small pieces and used as a topping. Think crunchy Snickers, buttery Heath bars, or crisp Butterfingers. For a vibrant splash of color and a satisfying crunch, we often use the tiny M&M’s found in the baking aisle.
- Sprinkled with Love: You can never go wrong with sprinkles! While any variety will add a festive touch, my boys are particularly fond of the playful confetti sprinkles (the flat circular ones) and brightly colored jimmies. They add a burst of color and a delightful crunch that makes every donut feel like a celebration.
Each batch yields approximately 18 delicious donuts, so keep that in mind if you plan on creating a diverse array of flavors and toppings. The wonderful thing about these treats is that they’re essentially cake baked in a donut shape, which means the versatility extends even further! If you find yourself with extra batter, you can easily bake it into cupcakes for a treat the next day. The luscious chocolate glaze is equally fantastic drizzled over cupcakes, adding that same irresistible finish.
Beyond chocolate, my boys are huge fans of strawberry cake mix donuts. Paired with this refreshing easy lemon glaze, they are an absolutely mouth-watering combination that offers a bright, tangy contrast to the sweet donut. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cake mix flavors and glazes!
Expert Tips for Donut Perfection

- Embrace the Sweetness: Remember, these donuts are made from cake mix, so they are inherently sweet! They make a wonderful, indulgent addition to any brunch spread, but they are equally fantastic served as a delightful dessert, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Invest in a Quality Donut Pan: For the best results and effortless removal, use a high-quality nonstick donut pan. Always spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray, even if it claims to be nonstick. This ensures your donuts slide out cleanly and maintain their perfect shape every time.
- Cooling is Crucial: Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to glazing! It’s absolutely essential to let the donuts cool completely on a wire rack before attempting to dip them. If they are still warm, they will be too delicate and likely crumble or absorb the glaze unevenly, leading to a messy and less appealing finish.
- Gentle Dipping Technique: When dipping your cooled donuts into the glaze, be gentle. Hold the donut by its sides and carefully dip the top into the glaze. A quick, smooth motion works best. Don’t rush, take your time, and you’ll achieve a beautifully coated donut without any problems.
- Unleash Your Topping Creativity: This is arguably the most fun part of the entire process! Don’t hold back – go crazy with the toppings! Provide a variety of options and let everyone customize their own donut. I love watching my boys and husband eagerly pick out their desired toppings, turning each donut into a new, exciting adventure.
Watch How to Make These Delicious Cake Mix Donuts!
For a visual guide to making these easy and delectable donuts, check out this helpful video:
Print Recipe | Pin Recipe
Cake Mix Donuts with Chocolate Glaze
Course: Breakfast | Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 18 donuts | Author: Trish – Mom On Timeout
Ingredients
Cake Mix Donuts
- 15.25 oz boxed cake mix (chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla)
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil OR applesauce
- 1 cup chocolate Almond Breeze almondmilk
Chocolate Glaze
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp chocolate Almond Breeze almondmilk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Various sprinkles and toppings (for decoration)
Instructions
Cake Mix Donuts
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a donut pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Combine cake mix, egg, vegetable oil (or applesauce), and almondmilk in a large bowl. Whisk together just until smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the cake batter to a large plastic bag (a Ziploc bag works well). Using scissors, snip off one corner of the bag to create a piping opening.
- Pipe the cake batter into the prepared donut pan until each well is about half full. It’s important not to overfill to ensure properly shaped donuts.
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the donuts cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely before proceeding to the glazing step.
Chocolate Glaze
- Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder into a medium bowl. Sifting helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth glaze.
- Slowly add the almondmilk and vanilla extract to the sifted dry ingredients. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- If the glaze is too thick, add additional almondmilk a drop or two at a time until the desired consistency is achieved. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar, a teaspoon at a time, until it thickens sufficiently.
- Dip the completely cooled donuts into the chocolate glaze, coating the top surface. Immediately top with your desired sprinkles and/or other toppings.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade donuts immediately! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Explore More Delicious Breakfast Recipes!
Looking for more amazing ways to start your day or impress at brunch? Here are a few other beloved breakfast recipes from Mom On Timeout:
Triple Berry French Toast Casserole: A sweet and fruity casserole perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.
Deep Dish Ham and Asparagus Quiche: A savory and satisfying quiche that’s ideal for brunch or a light lunch.
Overnight Blackberry Yeast Waffles: Prepare the batter the night before for these incredibly light and fluffy waffles.

For all our delightful breakfast recipes, visit HERE.
Craving something for dinner? Find all our dinner recipes HERE.
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Have a wonderful and delicious day!
Disclosure: This recipe post is sponsored by Almond Breeze. Your support of the brands that make Mom On Timeout possible is greatly appreciated!