Pancake Donuts

The magic of these pancake donuts lies in their perfect blend of breakfast comfort and whimsical presentation. Soft, golden, and deliciously airy, they’re easy to make and endlessly customizable. With mix-ins like blueberries for a burst of freshness or chocolate chips for indulgence, you can tailor each batch to suit your morning mood.

Beyond their taste, their donut shape makes them irresistibly fun especially for kids. They’re ideal for busy mornings when you need something quick but still crave homemade goodness. Whether paired with fruit for a balanced meal or enjoyed as a weekend treat with maple syrup, these pancake donuts are bound to become a family favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups “just add water” pancake mix

• Milk (substitute for the water called for in the mix instructions)

• Optional mix-ins: blueberries, diced strawberries, chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles

• Cooking spray or butter for greasing the donut tray

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the pancake mix according to the package instructions, replacing the water with milk for a richer flavor.

3. Grease a donut baking tray with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.

4. Fold in any desired mix-ins, such as berries, chocolate chips, or nuts.

5. Fill each donut mold about ¾ full with batter.

6. Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown and spring back when touched.

7. Let cool slightly before serving, and enjoy plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes

Kcal: ~160 kcal per donut | Servings: 12 donuts

Pancake Donuts: The Perfect Blend of Comfort and Fun

When it comes to breakfast and brunch, there are two beloved classics that often steal the show: pancakes and donuts. Pancakes bring that warm, fluffy comfort that feels like a weekend morning in every bite, while donuts offer playful shapes and endless topping possibilities. But what happens when you bring these two breakfast icons together? You get pancake donuts the ultimate combination of cozy flavor and eye-catching presentation.

These delightful rings of goodness take the familiar flavor of pancakes and bake them into a fun, portable donut shape. They’re perfect for busy mornings, lazy weekend brunches, or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? They’re made with a simple pancake mix, which means minimal prep, no fussy equipment, and consistent results every single time.

Why Pancake Donuts Are a Game-Changer

The genius of pancake donuts lies in their simplicity. Instead of standing at the stove flipping pancakes one by one, you can bake a whole tray of these in just minutes. This means less mess, less time, and more moments to enjoy your morning.

Because the recipe uses pancake mix as a base, you can focus your creativity on flavor variations, fillings, and toppings. Think of them as a blank canvas for your breakfast imagination whether you want to keep them classic with a light drizzle of maple syrup, dress them up with a dusting of powdered sugar, or go bold with chocolate glaze and sprinkles.

And unlike fried donuts, pancake donuts are baked, which makes them a lighter, less oily alternative. This also means they’re a great choice for parents looking to serve something special to kids without overloading on sugar or grease.

Endless Flavor Possibilities

Pancake donuts aren’t just a one-flavor wonder. You can tailor them to your taste or the season:

• Fruit-filled: Fold in blueberries, diced strawberries, or raspberries for a fresh burst in every bite.

• Chocolate lovers’ dream: Add chocolate chips to the batter or drizzle melted chocolate on top once baked.

• Nutty crunch: Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added texture.

• Spice it up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg in the batter can add warmth, especially in fall.

• Dessert-style: Top with a simple glaze and sprinkles for a treat that doubles as dessert.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even create a “pancake donut bar” for brunch guests. Bake a batch of plain donuts and set out bowls of toppings powdered sugar, syrups, fruit compotes, whipped cream, and chopped nuts  so everyone can customize their own.

A Breakfast Kids Love

If you’ve ever tried convincing kids to sit down for a plate of pancakes on a weekday, you know the struggle. But serve those same pancakes in a donut shape and suddenly, breakfast becomes exciting.

Kids love the fun, handheld size of pancake donuts. They’re easy to grab, dip, and eat without utensils  perfect for small hands and busy mornings. You can even pack them into lunchboxes for a mid-morning snack at school.

Parents love that these donuts can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for a couple of days, or even frozen for longer storage. Just pop them in the microwave or toaster oven for a quick reheat.

Brunch-Ready Presentation

One of the biggest perks of pancake donuts is how effortlessly they elevate your brunch table. Imagine a platter of golden, fluffy donuts alongside bowls of fresh fruit, syrup, and coffee. They look impressive without any elaborate decoration but you can go the extra mile with toppings for that “wow” factor.

If you’re hosting, consider serving them in a tiered stand like you would with pastries or cupcakes. The donut shape naturally stacks well and looks picture-perfect for social media snaps.

And speaking of photos, pancake donuts photograph beautifully. Whether it’s a maple syrup drizzle catching the light or a sprinkle of powdered sugar dusted just before serving, they’re as Instagram-worthy as they are delicious.

Healthier Than Traditional Donuts

While they’re still a sweet breakfast option, pancake donuts have some built-in advantages over traditional fried donuts. Because they’re baked, they’re significantly lower in oil and fat. The use of pancake mix means you can choose a whole-grain or high-protein variety for added nutrition, and you can easily control the sweetness level by adjusting toppings.

If you want to make them even healthier, swap out some of the milk for Greek yogurt to add protein and richness, or fold in fresh fruit for natural sweetness. You can also use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.

Quick and Convenient

For many people, weekday mornings don’t leave much time for creativity in the kitchen. That’s where pancake donuts shine. They’re ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish, meaning you can have a warm, homemade breakfast without waking up early.

They’re also a great recipe for beginner bakers. You don’t need special skills just a donut pan, pancake mix, and your favorite mix-ins. The process is so straightforward that even kids can help, making it a fun weekend family activity.

Tips for Perfect Pancake Donuts

If you want bakery-level results every time, keep these tips in mind:

1. Don’t overfill the molds — Filling them about ¾ full ensures they bake evenly without spilling over.

2. Mix-ins should be small — Large fruit pieces or big chocolate chunks can cause uneven baking. Dice ingredients for even distribution.

3. Grease the pan well — Even nonstick pans benefit from a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

4. Check early — Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness at the 8-minute mark. They should spring back lightly when touched.

5. Cool slightly before removing — This helps them hold their shape and prevents tearing.

Serving Ideas

While pancake donuts are delicious on their own, the right pairings can make them even better:

• Classic breakfast plate: Serve with scrambled eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.

• Sweet dessert twist: Top with ice cream and chocolate sauce for an after-dinner treat.

• Seasonal flair: Pair with apple cider in the fall or fresh berries in the summer.

• Mini sandwich: Slice a donut in half and fill with peanut butter, cream cheese, or Nutella for a fun snack.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

Pancake donuts are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but they store surprisingly well:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days, reheating gently before serving.

• Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen in a low oven.

This make-ahead potential makes them a great choice for meal prep  just bake a big batch on Sunday and enjoy throughout the week.

Conclusion:

Pancake donuts are the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes: easy, quick, customizable, and crowd-pleasing. They bring the cozy, nostalgic flavor of pancakes together with the playful charm of donuts, creating a breakfast (or snack) that appeals to all ages. Whether you keep them simple for weekday mornings or dress them up for a weekend brunch, these baked delights are a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Their versatility means there’s always a new flavor to try, a fresh topping to experiment with, or a creative presentation to explore. And perhaps best of all, they’re a reminder that breakfast doesn’t have to be complicated to feel special. A little creativity and a donut pan can transform something as familiar as pancake mix into a treat that makes every morning just a little brighter.