Pancake Donuts

Looking for a fun and easy breakfast idea that feels a little extra special? These Pancake Donuts are the perfect solution! They have all the fluffy goodness of pancakes but are baked in a donut pan for a fun shape that kids absolutely love. Whether you’re making a quick weekday breakfast or a weekend treat, these pancake donuts come together with simple ingredients and can be customized in so many ways.

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Why You’ll Love These Pancake Donuts

There are so many reasons to love this easy breakfast recipe:

• Made with simple pantry ingredients
• Ready in under 20 minutes
• Kid-approved
• Great for meal prep
• Easy to customize with different flavors
• Less messy than traditional donuts
• Perfect for busy mornings

The donut shape makes breakfast feel special, even though you’re simply using pancake batter.

What Are Pancake Donuts?

Pancake donuts are exactly what they sound like—a cross between pancakes and donuts. Instead of cooking pancake batter on a griddle, you bake it in a donut pan. The result is a soft, fluffy breakfast treat that tastes like pancakes but looks like a donut.

Kids love the fun shape, and parents love how easy they are to make.

Ingredients

• 1 package pancake mix (just-add-water variety)
• Milk (used instead of water for extra flavor)
• Optional mix-ins:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Blueberries
  • Diced strawberries
  • Sprinkles
  • Cinnamon
  • Mini chocolate chips

Equipment Needed

To make pancake donuts, you’ll need:

• Donut pan
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or piping bag
• Non-stick cooking spray

A donut pan is one of my favorite kitchen tools because it instantly turns simple recipes into something that feels fun and special.

How to Make Pancake Donuts

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

Mix the pancake mix according to package directions, substituting milk for the water.

Step 3: Add Mix-Ins

Fold in any desired mix-ins like blueberries, chocolate chips, or sprinkles.

Step 4: Fill the Donut Pan

Spray the donut pan with non-stick spray and fill each cavity about ¾ full.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 8–10 minutes or until lightly golden and cooked through.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the pancake donuts to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the pan.

Serve with maple syrup, fresh fruit, yogurt, sausage, or bacon.

Pancake Donut Flavor Ideas

Want to switch things up? Try these fun combinations:

Chocolate Chip Pancake Donuts

Add mini chocolate chips to the batter.

Blueberry Pancake Donuts

Fold fresh blueberries into the batter.

Cinnamon Sugar Pancake Donuts

Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar after baking.

Birthday Cake Pancake Donuts

Mix rainbow sprinkles into the batter.

Banana Pancake Donuts

Add mashed banana and a dash of cinnamon.

Apple Cinnamon Pancake Donuts

Fold in finely diced apples and cinnamon.

How to Make Them Healthier

If you’d like a more nutritious breakfast option, try these simple swaps:

• Use a protein pancake mix.
• Choose whole-grain pancake mix.
• Add chia seeds or flaxseed.
• Mix in mashed banana.
• Serve with Greek yogurt.
• Pair with eggs or sausage for extra protein.

These small changes can help keep little ones fuller longer.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Pancake donuts are perfect for meal prep.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat:

• Microwave for 15–20 seconds
• Warm in the toaster oven
• Enjoy cold for an on-the-go breakfast

You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any pancake mix?

Yes! Any boxed pancake mix should work. Protein pancake mixes and whole-grain mixes are great options too.

Can I freeze pancake donuts?

Absolutely. Store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Do I need a donut pan?

A donut pan creates the classic shape, but you can also use a mini muffin pan if needed.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes. Simply use your favorite dairy-free milk instead of regular milk.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes! They’re perfect for meal prep and easy breakfasts throughout the week.

More Easy Breakfast Recipes You’ll Love

• MINI CINNAMON BANANA MUFFINS
• MINI CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS (HEALTHIER LITTLE BITES COPYCAT)
• HEALTHY ZUCCHINI CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS
• EASY LOW CARB BLUEBERRY YOGURT MUFFINS
• PEANUT BUTTER BANANA BLENDER MUFFINS

Pancake Donuts Recipe

Ingredients:

• Pancake Mix: Just add water kind
• Milk: Substitute milk for the water in the pancake mix instructions
• Optional Mix-Ins: Blueberries, chocolate chips, nuts, sprinkles, etc.

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the pancake mix according to the box, replacing water with milk for a richer flavor.
3. Grease a donut tray to prevent sticking.
4. Pour the batter into the donut tray, filling each mold about 3/4 full.
5. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the donuts are golden brown.
6. Cool slightly before serving.