How to Make Baked Cake Donuts Without a Donut Pan
Three creative methods
You can bake donuts without a donut pan. If you crave donuts but don’t want to buy a donut pan it is good to know that, while donut pans are great, they’re not essential for creating delicious baked cake donuts at home.
In this guide, we’ll teach you three innovative methods using common kitchen items you already own.
Why Choose Baked Cake Donuts?
Let’s understand why baked cake donuts are worth making:
Baked donuts are healthier than fried donuts because they are not covered in oil heated to a high temperature.
Baked donuts make less mess and need less cleanup because your utensils are not oily after use.
Baked donuts give more consistent results for beginners because the dough is not exposed to different oil temperatures as the oil cools down.
You have no hot oil safety concerns. Hot oil is dangerous because of its high temperature and the risk of suffering burns due to spilling or splashing. this is especially important for beginner bakers such as children.
Method 1: The Muffin Tin Technique
This method creates donut-shaped treats using standard muffin tins and aluminum foil.
What You’ll Need
- A regular muffin tin
- Aluminum foil
- Cooking spray
- Your favorite cake donut batter
Steps:
- Create foil “cores” by wrapping aluminum foil around your finger to make 2-inch tall cylinders
- Place one foil cylinder in the center of each muffin cup
- Spray both the tin and foil with cooking spray
- Pour batter around the foil cores, filling about 2/3 full
- Bake according to your recipe’s instructions
Method 2: The Piped Circle Approach
This technique uses a piping bag to create ring-shaped donuts on a regular baking sheet.
What You’ll Need:
- – Large piping bag
- – Round piping tip (or zip-top bag with corner cut)
- – Parchment-lined baking sheet
- – Slightly thicker donut batter
Steps:
- Transfer batter to piping bag
- Pipe 3-inch circles onto parchment paper, leaving space between each
- Connect ends carefully
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes
Method 3: The Cookie Cutter Method
This approach creates traditional donut shapes using nested cookie cutters.
What You’ll Need:
- Two round cookie cutters (one larger, one smaller)
- Parchment-lined baking sheet
- Rolling pin
- Slightly firmer donut batter (add 2-3 tbsp extra flour to your recipe)
Steps:
- Spread batter 1/2 inch thick on parchment paper
- Use larger cutter for outer circle
- Use smaller cutter for center hole
- Transfer carefully to baking sheet
- Bake as directed in your recipe
Tips for Success
Batter Consistency:
Adjust your batter’s thickness based on your chosen method. Piping requires thicker batter, while the muffin tin technique works with standard consistency.
Temperature Matters:
Room temperature ingredients blend better and create fluffier donuts.
Don’t Overfill:
Leave room for rising to maintain the donut shape.
Cooling Strategy:
Cool for 5 minutes in the pan/sheet, then transfer to a wire rack.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Misshapen Donuts
If using the piping method, chill the batter for 15 minutes to help it hold shape better.
Sticking Problems:
Double-check your greasing/lining and let cool properly before removing.
Uneven Baking:
Rotate your pan halfway through baking time.
Final Thoughts On How To Bake Cake Donuts
Baking cake donuts without a donut pan is easy, so don’t let it stop you from making delicious cake donuts at home.
Each of these methods has its advantages, and with practice, you’ll find your preferred technique. Remember, homemade donuts are about the joy of baking – perfect shapes are secondary to great taste!
Ready to start baking? Your kitchen already has everything you need. Choose your method and enjoy fresh, homemade donuts without any special equipment.