Step-by-Step: How to Make Perfect Pancake Donuts Every Time

Pancake donuts have taken the breakfast scene by storm, offering a delightful twist on the classic pancake you know and love. Imagine the soft, fluffy texture of pancakes combined with the fun, handheld shape of donuts — it’s a match made in breakfast heaven. These treats are perfect for anyone who loves the comfort of pancakes but craves a bit of novelty or convenience. Whether you’re hosting a brunch with friends, looking for a fun weekend breakfast project with the kids, or just want to switch things up from the usual morning routine, pancake donuts deliver a deliciously unique option that’s both simple and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Pancake Donuts

There are plenty of reasons why pancake donuts should earn a permanent spot on your breakfast table, and once you try them, you’ll quickly understand why they’re becoming so popular. For starters, the combination of the pillowy softness of pancakes and the playful donut shape creates an irresistible texture and appearance that’s fun for all ages. They’re perfect for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or even a sweet afternoon snack.

One reason people fall in love with pancake donuts is their versatility. Unlike traditional pancakes, which are limited to stacking on a plate, pancake donuts can be easily customized in countless ways. You can dust them with powdered sugar, roll them in cinnamon sugar, glaze them with a simple icing, or top them with fruit compotes and nuts. The possibilities are endless and allow you to tailor the flavor and presentation to match any occasion or craving.

What You’ll Need

To make pancake donuts at home, you only need a few pantry staples and a donut pan or mold. These ingredients are budget-friendly and likely already in your kitchen, making this an easy, no-fuss recipe to whip up any time.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour – sifted for light, fluffy texture
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar – adds a touch of sweetness
• 1 teaspoon baking powder – helps the donuts rise
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – for extra fluffiness
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – enhances flavor
• 3/4 cup buttermilk – makes the batter rich and tender (or substitute with milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
• 1 large egg – binds the ingredients
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted) – for moisture and flavor
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds warmth and depth

Tools:

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon
• Donut pan or silicone mold
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Pastry bag or zip-top bag (for easy pouring)

These ingredients create a classic pancake flavor with just the right consistency to hold the donut shape. If you want to make them dairy-free, you can substitute plant-based milk and use vegan butter or coconut oil. No special skills are needed—just mix, pour, and cook!

How to Make Pancake Donuts

Once you have your ingredients ready, the fun part begins. Making pancake donuts is as easy as mixing a simple batter and cooking it in a donut mold. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat your griddle or oven
   • If using a griddle with donut molds, heat it to medium.
   • If baking, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your donut pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients
   • In a bowl, whisk together:
     • 1 cup all-purpose flour
     • 2 tbsp sugar
     • 1 tsp baking powder
     • 1/2 tsp baking soda
     • 1/4 tsp salt
3. Combine wet ingredients
   • In another bowl, whisk:
     • 3/4 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
     • 1 large egg
     • 2 tbsp melted butter
     • 1 tsp vanilla extract
4. Combine and stir
   • Pour wet ingredients into dry. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Fill the donut pan
   • Pour batter into a zip-top or piping bag. Pipe into each donut cavity, filling about 2/3 full.
6. Cook or bake
   • If using a griddle, cook until bubbles form and edges are set, then gently flip in the mold.
   • If baking, bake for 10–12 minutes or until golden and springy.
7. Cool and serve
   • Let the donuts cool slightly before removing. Serve plain, or top with your favorite glaze, syrup, or powdered sugar.

You Must Know

Before making pancake donuts, keep a few must-know tips in mind. First, don’t overmix the batter — it should be slightly lumpy to keep the donuts soft and fluffy. Use a non-stick or silicone donut pan for easy release, and fill each mold only 2/3 full to maintain the classic donut shape.

Make sure to preheat your oven or griddle to avoid uneven cooking. If you’re baking, 350°F is ideal. For stovetop molds, keep the heat at medium. Also, let your batter rest 5–10 minutes before cooking for a tender texture.

Finally, always measure ingredients accurately and let donuts cool slightly before adding toppings. These small steps make a big difference.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Cooking pancake donuts just right is key. Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes, or cook on a medium-heat griddle using donut molds. For griddle cooking, cover with a lid to help cook the centers evenly. Flip gently when the bottoms are golden.

To check doneness, touch the top—it should spring back. Or insert a toothpick—it should come out clean. Let the donuts cool before glazing or adding toppings like powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or a simple vanilla glaze.

Avoid high heat, which can burn the outside before the inside cooks. With even heat and a bit of patience, you’ll get golden, fluffy pancake donuts every time.

Add Your Touch Pancake Donuts

One of the best things about pancake donuts is how customizable they are. You can start with the basic recipe, then add your own twist to make them extra special. Mix in mini chocolate chips, blueberries, diced apples, or sprinkles for a fun and flavorful boost.

Want a little spice? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice to the batter. For a richer flavor, swap vanilla extract with almond or maple extract.

Toppings are where you can get really creative — drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or fruit glaze, or dip the tops in melted chocolate and finish with crushed nuts or coconut. Let the kids decorate their own with colorful frosting or fun shapes — it turns breakfast into an activity.

Whether you’re keeping it classic or going all out, pancake donuts can easily match your taste and mood.

Storing & Reheating

Made too many? No problem. Pancake donuts store well and are easy to reheat. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container and keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months. Just wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe bag.

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To reheat, microwave for 10–15 seconds for a soft texture or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid overheating, which can dry them out. For frozen donuts, thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave directly for 20–30 seconds.

A quick reheat brings back that fresh-from-the-pan taste — making pancake donuts a perfect make-ahead breakfast or snack.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Pancake Donuts

Want perfect pancake donuts every time? Here are my go-to chef tips:

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• Use a piping bag or zip-top bag to fill your molds cleanly and evenly. Less mess, better shape.
• Grease the pan or mold well — even if it’s non-stick — to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
• Don’t rush the cooking. Medium heat or 350°F gives you golden outsides and fluffy insides.
• Let them cool before adding toppings like glaze or powdered sugar, or they’ll melt off.
• Rest the batter for 5–10 minutes before cooking to help it rise better and give the donuts a tender texture.
• Want more fiber? Swap up to 1/2 of the flour for whole wheat flour without losing softness.

Little changes like these can make a big difference, especially if you’re making them for a crowd or kids!

FAQ for Pancake Donuts

Can I make these without a donut pan?
Yes! Use silicone molds or pipe the batter into circles on a griddle using metal ring molds.

Are pancake donuts healthier than regular donuts?
Absolutely! These are cooked, not fried, and made with simple ingredients — no deep-frying, less oil, and easy to adapt with healthier swaps.

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Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes. Use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk and replace butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.

Can I freeze pancake donuts?
Definitely. Let them cool completely, wrap, and freeze. Just microwave or oven-reheat when ready to enjoy.

What toppings go best with them?
Classic choices are powdered sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon sugar, or a light glaze. Fresh fruit or yogurt on the side also works great.

Conclusion

Pancake donuts are the ultimate blend of fun, flavor, and convenience — perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick snack. They’re easy to make with everyday ingredients, and their donut shape makes them both kid-friendly and brunch-table ready. Whether you bake them in the oven or cook them on the stovetop, they come out fluffy, golden, and delicious every time.

What makes pancake donuts even more special is how customizable they are. You can keep them simple or dress them up with mix-ins and toppings to match any mood or occasion. Plus, they store and reheat beautifully, so you can prep ahead and enjoy them throughout the week.

Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook looking for something new, this recipe is sure to become a go-to. It’s quick, flexible, and guaranteed to impress anyone you serve it to — no frying, no mess, just pure pancake joy in every bite.

So go ahead, grab your donut pan and give these pancake donuts a try. Once you make them, you’ll want to keep a batch on hand at all times. Happy cooking!