3 Easy Mini Donut Maker Recipes for National Donut Day

Baking with small appliances is a fantastic way to introduce new flavors and textures without the commitment of a large batch. These machines are perfect for creative experimentation, allowing you to whip up a dozen specialty donuts faster than a trip to the local bakery. Whether you’re using the dedicated Babycakes Donut Maker, utilizing the donut insert plates of the Babycakes Multi-Treat Maker, or enjoying the iconic shape of the Mickey Mouse Waffle & Donut Maker, we have a recipe that will bring a smile to your face. The secret is in the batter consistency. It needs to be light enough to bake up fluffy yet thick enough to hold its shape. A simple adjustment to a classic cake batter is all it takes to transform your home kitchen into a mini-donut production line.

Here are three inventive recipes to celebrate National Donut Day, designed specifically for your countertop companions.

Strawberry Cheesecake Dream Mini Donuts (For the Babycakes Donut Maker)

These baked donuts capture the decadent flavor of a strawberry cheesecake in a delightful, bite-sized form, perfect for the classic Babycakes Donut Maker. This recipe delivers a tender, moist crumb, providing the ideal canvas for a rich, tangy cream cheese glaze that truly elevates the experience. Baking these treats at home means you control the quality and freshness, resulting in a superior dessert that rivals any bakery offering. The addition of fruit preserves not only colors the batter beautifully but also infuses every bite with a bright, authentic strawberry flavor. These are an absolute must-try for any fan of the classic dessert, easily achievable with minimal effort. This mini version is also excellent for parties or as a simple afternoon treat, keeping your kitchen clean and your guests happy.

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼  teaspoon salt
• ½  cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 large egg
• ¼  cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup strawberry jam or preserves
• Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened), 1-2 tablespoons milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat your Babycakes Donut Maker. Lightly spray the molds with non-stick cooking spray, even if it is a non-stick surface.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla extract, and strawberry jam until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough donuts.
5. Transfer the batter to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with a corner snipped off for easy filling.
6. Pipe the batter into the donut molds, filling each cavity about 3/4 full.
7. Close the lid and bake for 3 to 5 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into a donut comes out clean.
8. While the donuts cool on a wire rack, prepare the glaze by whisking the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar, then adding milk one tablespoon at a time until a smooth, drizzly consistency is achieved.
9. Dip the tops of the warm donuts in the glaze and let them set before serving. You can garnish with a small strawberry slice for an extra touch.

Tip for Perfect Mini Donut Baking: For the Babycakes Donut Maker, use a zip-top bag with the corner cut off as an effortless, disposable piping tool. It allows for precise filling, preventing messy overflows and ensuring your donuts have that perfect, uniform ring shape, which is essential for uniform baking.

 

Maple Bacon Crunch Mini Donuts (For the Babycakes Multi-Treat Maker Donut Insert)

This savory-sweet creation uses the dedicated donut insert plate of the Babycakes Multi-Treat Maker to produce a textured, slightly larger mini donut. The buttermilk base ensures a tender interior, while the brown sugar and cinnamon add warmth and depth to the flavor profile, perfectly complementing the salty crunch of the bacon. This recipe truly transforms your gourmet kitchen experience by allowing you to create a sophisticated flavor combination usually reserved for specialty donut shops. Incorporating the bacon directly into the batter guarantees that savory note is present in every bite. This is a wonderfully creative way to utilize your Multi-Treat Maker and show off its versatility beyond basic treats.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup crispy crumbled bacon pieces
• Glaze/Topping: 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, extra bacon crumbles for topping

Instructions:

1. Set up your Babycakes Multi-Treat Maker with the donut plates only and preheat. Lightly coat the molds with non-stick spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the egg, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Do not overmix. Fold in the crumbled bacon last.
5. Carefully spoon the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about 2/3 full. The batter will be slightly thicker than the previous recipe, so spooning or using a small cookie scoop works best.
6. Close the lid and bake for 5 to 7 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
7. Remove and cool on a wire rack.
8. Whisk together the powdered sugar and maple syrup for the glaze. Add a few drops of water if necessary to achieve a thin drizzle consistency.
9. Drizzle the glaze over the donuts and immediately sprinkle with the extra crispy bacon crumbles before the glaze sets, creating a delightful crunch.

Tip for Perfect Mini Donut Baking: When using the donut insert for the Babycakes Multi-Treat Maker, resist the urge to overfill, as this can cause the batter to seep out the sides. Using a regular spoon or a small cookie scoop to portion the slightly thicker batter will help maintain the perfect shape and avoid spillage onto the waffle or other cavities.

 

Enchanted Chocolate Mickey Bites (For the Mickey Mouse Waffle & Donut Maker)

These playful, dark chocolate donuts baked in the iconic Mickey Mouse shape are a hit with all ages and are surprisingly rich and moist. The deep, fudgy flavor comes from incorporating both cocoa powder and a dark-colored sugar, giving them an almost brownie-like consistency when baked. The novelty shape from this fun kitchen appliance makes them perfect for themed parties or a delightful treat to surprise the family. The smooth white chocolate drizzle provides a lovely contrast to the dark chocolate, enhancing the visual appeal and adding an extra layer of sweetness. These treats are easy enough for beginner bakers but impressive enough for special occasions, making the Mickey Mouse appliance a valuable addition to your home baking collection.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Topping: Red candy melts or white chocolate + red food coloring, small chocolate candies for ears, white nonpareils for polka dots

Instructions:

1. Preheat your Mickey Mouse Waffle & Donut Maker with the donut plate insert. Lightly spray the molds.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just smooth. The chocolate batter can be a bit thin, so piping is the easiest way to manage it.
5. Spoon the batter into a piping bag or a zip-top bag.
6. Pipe the batter into the molds, filling each about ⅔ full, paying attention to filling both the main circle and the ear shapes to ensure a perfect character outline.
7. Close the lid and bake for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the donuts are firm and spring back when lightly touched.
8. Cool the chocolate Mickey donut bites on a wire rack.

Once completely cooled:

1. Prepare the Glaze: Melt red candy melts (or colored white chocolate) per package instructions.

2. Dip: Dip the bottom of each donut into the red glaze, letting the excess drip off.

3. Decorate: Immediately sprinkle with white nonpareils for the polka dots or mini M&Ms for the bottons before the glaze hardens.

4. Set: Allow the donuts to set completely before serving.

Tip for Perfect Mini Donut Baking: When using a novelty maker like the Mickey Mouse Waffle & Donut Maker, ensure the batter is piped completely into the "ear" sections first before filling the larger center. This guarantees a perfectly shaped, detailed donut that truly captures the iconic character’s silhouette.

Celebrating National Donut Day in your own kitchen with these innovative mini donut maker recipes is a simple, satisfying way to honor a classic American treat. Whether you’re whipping up a batch of creamy Strawberry Cheesecake Dreams in your Babycakes Donut Maker, enjoying the savory-sweet perfection of Maple Bacon Crunch from your Multi-Treat Maker’s donut insert, or creating fun Chocolate Mickey Bites, your compact appliance is the key to effortless baking. These recipes offer variety, flavor, and the fun of homemade goodness, transforming your daily routine into a sweet celebration. Embrace the ease and versatility of these compact devices and make this National Donut Day the sweetest one yet! So, grab your batter, preheat your appliance, and get ready to enjoy the freshest, most delightful donuts you’ve ever tasted!

Ready to Roll Your Dough?

Are you inspired to get baking? Click here to download a free, printable shopping list for all three recipes and start planning your perfect National Donut Day celebration in your gourmet kitchen today!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are mini donuts made in these appliances healthier than traditional fried donuts?

A: Generally, yes, mini donuts made in the Babycakes or Mickey Mouse appliances are baked, not fried, which significantly reduces the fat and calorie content from absorbed oil. While they still contain sugar and flour, this baking method makes them a lighter and often preferred alternative for those watching their diet without sacrificing a sweet treat, offering a great option for the health-conscious home kitchen.

Q: Can I use a regular pancake or cake mix in a mini donut maker?

A: You can certainly use pre-made mixes, but for the best results, it is recommended to adjust the mix with a little extra fat (like a tablespoon of melted butter or oil) and possibly an extra egg to achieve a slightly thicker, richer batter. This minor adjustment ensures the batter bakes up with a moist, dense texture that is characteristic of a good baked donut rather than a dry cake, improving the quality of your finished product.

Q: How long do these mini baked donuts stay fresh, and what is the best way to store them?

A: Mini baked donuts are best enjoyed the day they are made for maximum freshness and flavor. If you need to store them, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your donuts have a cream cheese or dairy-based glaze, it is best to store them in the refrigerator, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Q: What is the best way to clean my Babycakes or Mickey Mouse Donut Maker after use?

A: Always unplug the appliance and allow it to cool completely before cleaning. Use a damp cloth or sponge to gently wipe down the non-stick cooking plates. For any stubborn baked-on bits, you can use a small, non-abrasive plastic spatula or toothpick, and avoid harsh chemicals or steel wool to protect the non-stick surface of your valuable kitchen appliance and ensure its longevity.