There’s nothing quite like waking up to the smell of something warm and comforting baking in the oven. The first time I made pancake donuts, it was on a chilly Sunday morning when I wanted pancakes but felt a little playful. I looked at my old donut pan and thought, why not mix the two? That little experiment turned into one of my favorite breakfast rituals.

From that day on, my kitchen has smelled like weekend joy — buttery, slightly sweet, and just the right kind of cozy. These treats combine the best of both worlds: the fluffiness of pancakes and the charm of donuts. The result? Soft, round bites of comfort that feel like a hug you can eat. 🥰

What I love most is that this pancake donut recipe is ridiculously simple. No special skills, no fancy ingredients — just pantry staples and a little love. It’s perfect for when you want something special but don’t have the energy for complicated baking.

So, grab your mixing bowl, warm up your oven, and let me walk you through how to make these irresistible donut pancakes that will make every morning feel a little brighter.

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Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Pancake Donuts

They’re Fast and Foolproof

I’m not exaggerating when I say these come together in under half an hour. On mornings when I’m half-asleep and craving something homemade, this pancake donut recipe saves the day. Ten minutes of prep, twenty minutes of baking, and breakfast is ready — no flipping, no splattering oil, no stress.

A Hit with Everyone

Kids go crazy for them (mine love decorating their own). Adults sneak seconds. Even my neighbor, who “doesn’t do breakfast,” asked for the recipe after just one bite. The donut shape turns an ordinary breakfast into something joyful — and let’s be honest, we all need a little fun with our morning coffee. ☕

Healthier Than Regular Donuts

Because these pancake donuts are baked, not fried, you get that same indulgent flavor without all the grease. You can even tweak them to fit your style — less sugar, more fruit, dairy-free milk — they’re forgiving and flexible. A treat that feels good to eat.

Limitless Ways to Customize

Add chocolate chips, drizzle with maple glaze, or top with berries — these little rounds are basically a blank canvas. Each time you bake them, you can reinvent the flavor. You’ll never get bored.

Gather Your Goodies: What You’ll Need

Here’s your short and sweet shopping list. You probably already have most of these in your pantry!

The Essentials

1 ½ cups pancake mix – your favorite brand works fine.
1 large egg – for binding and richness.
¾ cup milk – dairy or plant-based, both do the job.
4 tbsp melted unsalted butter – for that golden, soft texture.
2 tbsp maple syrup – gives a gentle sweetness.
1 tbsp vanilla extract – adds warmth and aroma.
3 tsp baking powder – to make them extra fluffy.
Toppings of choice – sprinkles, chocolate chips, fruits, or nuts.

For the Simple Maple Glaze (optional but heavenly)

¾ cup powdered sugar
2 tsp milk
½ tsp vanilla extract

Mix these until silky smooth. If it’s too thick, add a few more drops of milk.

Quick Facts:

Yields about 8 donuts
Prep time: 10 min
Bake time: 20 min
Calories: roughly 180 per piece (before toppings)

👉 Tip from my kitchen: melt your butter first and let it cool slightly before mixing — it keeps your batter lump-free and glossy.

How I Make These Fluffy Little Beauties

1. Preheat the Oven

Turn on your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your donut pan well. I use a bit of melted butter brushed inside each ring — it gives the edges a slight crisp.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together egg, milk, melted butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth. This is where your kitchen starts to smell delicious.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the pancake mix and baking powder. Don’t skip this — baking powder is what makes your pancake donuts rise and stay light.

4. Bring It Together

Pour the dry mix into the wet ingredients gradually. Stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix — that’s the secret to keeping them tender.

5. Fill the Pan

Spoon or pipe the batter into your donut pan, filling each ring about three-quarters full. I once overfilled mine, and they baked into adorable little mushroom shapes — cute but messy!

6. Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for about 10–12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops spring back when touched lightly.

7. Cool and Decorate

Let them cool for 5 minutes before removing. Dip in glaze, dust with sugar, or drizzle with chocolate. This is the fun part — let your creativity run wild.

Little aside: I sometimes set out bowls of toppings and let everyone decorate their own. It turns breakfast into a mini party! 🎉

Avoid These Common Pancake Donut Pitfalls

Even the easiest recipes have a few sneaky traps. Here are the most common ones — and how to dodge them like a pro.

Overmixing the batter: You’ll lose that soft, fluffy texture. Mix gently, just until you stop seeing streaks of dry mix.
Forgetting to grease the pan: I did this once and spent 15 minutes scraping out half-donuts. Don’t make my mistake — grease every cavity.
Rushing the cooling step: They need a moment to firm up. Hot pancake donuts are fragile, so let them rest before you glaze.

Pro Tip: If you’re not sure they’re baked through, do the toothpick test — insert one into the thickest donut. If it comes out clean, they’re perfect.

Fun Twists and Clever Substitutions

The beauty of this pancake donut recipe is that you can adapt it for any mood or diet.

Healthier Flours

Whole wheat mix adds a bit of nuttiness and fiber.
Oat flour or gluten-free pancake mix makes it tummy-friendly without losing texture.

Natural Sweeteners

Use honey or agave instead of maple syrup for a softer sweetness.
A mashed banana can replace part of the butter and sugar — it also keeps them extra moist. 🍌

Flavor Add-Ins

Fold in blueberries or diced apples for fruit bursts.
Try cinnamon and brown sugar for a cozy autumn vibe.
Or go bold with mini chocolate chips and a peanut butter drizzle.

Topping Ideas

Crushed Oreos, coconut flakes, powdered sugar, or even bacon bits — yes, bacon! The mix of salty and sweet is surprisingly addictive.

Small aside: One time I added espresso powder to the glaze — and oh my, morning bliss! ☕

Your Pancake Donut Questions, Answered

You’ve asked, I’ve tested — here are the answers to your top donut pancake curiosities.

1. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can, but I wouldn’t if you have butter on hand. Butter gives that rich flavor and lovely aroma that margarine just can’t match.

2. How healthy are these really?

Healthier than fried donuts for sure! Baking skips all the excess oil, and you can always use low-fat milk or add fruits for natural sweetness.

3. Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap in a gluten-free pancake mix and follow the rest as is. The texture stays just as soft.

4. How should I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze them. Reheat in a toaster oven — they come back soft and warm like freshly baked.

5. I don’t have a donut pan — what now?

No worries! Use a muffin tin and drop a small ball of foil in the center of each cup to mimic the donut hole. It works surprisingly well.

6. Can I make them ahead of time?

Absolutely. Mix your dry ingredients the night before and combine with wet ingredients in the morning. Breakfast in minutes.

7. Can I double or triple the batch?

Yes! This recipe scales easily. Just make sure to bake in batches so the heat stays even.

8. What if I want them savory?

Skip the syrup and vanilla, add cheese, herbs, or even a bit of cooked bacon to the batter. You’ll have the perfect brunch bite.

9. Can I add fruit on top instead of inside?

Totally. Fresh berries, banana slices, or even citrus zest on top can make them look bakery-worthy.

10. Why do mine sometimes turn dry?

You probably overbaked them or used too much flour. Stick to the timing and measurements — and remember, a slightly underbaked donut is better than an overbaked one.

If you ever run into another issue, send me a message or leave a comment — I’ve probably made that mistake too. 😊

Make Breakfast Feel Special Every Day

Here’s a little confession: I used to dread breakfast prep. Now, with pancake donuts, it’s my favorite part of the day. There’s something so satisfying about pulling out a tray of golden, puffy donuts, steam curling up from the pan, and seeing everyone’s face light up.

Cooking, at its heart, isn’t about perfection — it’s about joy. These donuts are proof that simple recipes can create the warmest moments. You’ll laugh when you realize how easy they are to make, and you’ll love how quickly they disappear from the plate.

Experiment with flavors, let your family pick their own toppings, and make it a tradition. Every bite will remind you of why homemade breakfasts are worth it.

Share Your Sweet Creations

If you try this pancake donut recipe, take a photo and share it! I’d love to see your twists — maybe with caramel drizzle or strawberries. Tag your post with something like #PancakeDonutLove so we can all get inspired.

One Last Bite of Advice

To wrap it all up: pancake donuts are a fun, comforting blend of two breakfast classics. They’re easy enough for busy mornings yet charming enough for weekend brunches.

Whether you’re baking for kids, guests, or just yourself, this recipe never fails to deliver. And if you’re like me, you’ll soon find yourself making them “just because.”

So here’s my advice: next time your morning feels dull, preheat that oven, pull out your donut pan, and treat yourself to something homemade. Happiness sometimes smells like vanilla and maple syrup. 💛

Related Recipes to Complement Your Pancake Donuts

My Pancake Recipe – Fluffy & Easy
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Homemade Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
A warm and spiced fall-inspired breakfast treat that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas.

Decadent Banana Cinnamon Rolls
A creative twist on cinnamon rolls combining the richness of banana bread with gooey swirls.

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Pancake Donuts Recipe Card

Recipe by StefanieCourse: BreakfastCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time