Funfetti Donuts combine the nostalgic delight of a birthday cake with the whimsical shape of a donut—loaded with rainbow sprinkles in every fluffy bite. These baked, not fried, beauties are topped with a silky vanilla glaze and extra sprinkles on top, making them a joyful treat for any occasion. Easy to whip up in under 30 minutes, they’re perfect for birthdays, classroom parties, or simply brightening your morning. With simple pantry ingredients and lots of fun—these donuts are sure to bring smiles to all ages.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1¾ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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¼ teaspoon baking soda
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2 large eggs
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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⅓ cup milk (whole or low-fat)
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¼ cup melted salted butter (cooled)
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¼ cup canola or vegetable oil
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon almond extract
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¼ cup vanilla Greek yogurt (or plain)
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⅓ cup rainbow jimmies sprinkles (plus more for topping; avoid nonpareils)
Donut Glaze:
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2 cups powdered sugar
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¼ cup milk
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1 tablespoon melted butter (cooled)
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⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350 °F (180 °C). Grease donut pans with butter or nonstick spray.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
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In a large bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until combined. Add milk, melted butter, oil, vanilla, almond extract, and yogurt; mix again.
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Fold dry ingredients into wet just until combined. Stir in sprinkles gently.
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Fill donut pan cavities ~¾ full using a piping bag or zip-top bag for neatness.
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Bake for 10–11 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean; cool 5 minutes then transfer to wire rack.
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For glaze: whisk powdered sugar, milk, butter, and vanilla until smooth. Dip cooled donuts, then add more sprinkles on top. Let glaze set and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 11 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 200 kcal (estimate) | Servings: 12 donuts
Funfetti Donuts
Funfetti Donuts are the ultimate cheerful treat, combining the soft, cake-like texture of baked donuts with the colorful, whimsical charm of rainbow sprinkles. Loved by both kids and adults, these donuts are baked instead of fried, making them lighter yet still indulgent. With a sweet vanilla glaze and a pop of festive color, they are perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply bringing joy to an ordinary morning.
The Background of Funfetti Donuts
The concept of Funfetti treats can be traced back to the 1980s when the Funfetti cake mix was introduced, bringing sprinkles into the batter instead of just on top. This simple but creative twist transformed classic desserts into something more playful and celebratory. Over time, the idea moved beyond cakes—finding its way into cupcakes, cookies, pancakes, and now, donuts. Funfetti Donuts take inspiration from that same nostalgic charm, giving you the joy of cake in a delightful handheld form.
Why Baked Donuts are a Game Changer
Traditional donuts are deep-fried, which gives them a unique texture but also adds extra fat and calories. Baked donuts, on the other hand, are prepared in special donut pans and cooked in the oven. This method reduces the greasiness, keeps the texture light and fluffy, and allows you to enjoy them warm straight from the oven without the heavy aftertaste. For home bakers, baked donuts are also easier to make—no hot oil, no mess, and no special frying equipment.
The Flavor and Texture You’ll Love
These Funfetti Donuts have a tender crumb similar to a moist vanilla cake. The vanilla extract combined with a touch of almond extract creates a rich, aromatic flavor, while Greek yogurt adds both moisture and a slight tang that balances the sweetness. The sprinkles baked into the batter create little bursts of color in every bite, making them visually fun and exciting. Once cooled, the donuts are dipped into a smooth vanilla glaze that adds extra sweetness and a glossy finish, perfect for holding even more sprinkles.
The Nutritional Edge of Homemade Funfetti Donuts
While no donut is exactly a health food, making them at home gives you control over the ingredients. You can use quality butter, fresh eggs, and even opt for low-fat milk or Greek yogurt for added protein. Since these donuts are baked, they generally have less fat than store-bought or fried varieties. Plus, by avoiding preservatives and artificial flavorings, you’re serving a fresher, cleaner treat that’s still just as delicious.
Occasions to Serve Funfetti Donuts
Funfetti Donuts are ideal for:
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Birthday breakfasts (imagine waking up to a plate of colorful donuts!)
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Baby showers or gender-reveal parties (customize sprinkle colors)
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School events and bake sales
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Holiday mornings, with themed sprinkle colors
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Weekend brunch with friends or family
Their vibrant look naturally draws attention, so they also work beautifully as part of a dessert table or buffet spread.
Tips for Making the Perfect Funfetti Donuts
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Choose the right sprinkles – Always use “jimmies” style sprinkles rather than nonpareils, as nonpareils bleed color into the batter.
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Do not overmix the batter – Overmixing can lead to dense, tough donuts. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
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Grease your donut pan well – Even with nonstick pans, a light coat of butter or spray ensures the donuts release cleanly.
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Use a piping bag – This helps you neatly fill the donut cavities without spilling batter.
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Cool before glazing – If the donuts are too warm, the glaze will melt and slide off.
Variations to Try
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Chocolate Funfetti Donuts – Add cocoa powder to the batter for a chocolate twist.
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Lemon Funfetti Donuts – Replace almond extract with lemon extract and add fresh lemon zest for a zesty flavor.
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Vegan Funfetti Donuts – Use almond milk, coconut oil, and an egg replacer for a plant-based version.
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Mini Funfetti Donuts – Use a mini donut pan for bite-sized treats, perfect for parties.
Why This Recipe is the Best
This Funfetti Donut recipe stands out because it balances flavor, texture, and appearance perfectly. The combination of butter and oil keeps the crumb moist without being greasy. The blend of vanilla and almond extracts gives depth to the flavor, while Greek yogurt ensures the donuts stay soft even the next day. The recipe is also beginner-friendly, requiring only basic baking skills and simple tools. With a bake time of just over 10 minutes, you can prepare a fresh, colorful batch in under half an hour.
Funfetti Donuts as a Kid-Friendly Bake
Children love being involved in making Funfetti Donuts. From mixing the colorful sprinkles into the batter to dipping the cooled donuts into the glaze and adding more sprinkles on top, it’s a fun and interactive activity. The vibrant colors and sweet taste make them an instant favorite for kids’ parties. Plus, since these donuts are baked, they’re a slightly lighter alternative to deep-fried treats for little ones.
How to Store and Keep Them Fresh
Funfetti Donuts are best enjoyed the day they’re made, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and allow them to come to room temperature before eating. You can also freeze unglazed donuts for up to 2 months—just thaw and glaze before serving.
Pairing Funfetti Donuts with Drinks
These donuts pair wonderfully with classic breakfast beverages like coffee, cappuccino, or a tall glass of cold milk. For a party, consider serving them with colorful milkshakes, hot chocolate, or fresh fruit smoothies. Their sweetness also makes them a nice complement to a slightly tart drink like lemonade.
Conclusion
Funfetti Donuts are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a celebration in every bite. With their tender cake-like texture, vibrant sprinkles, and glossy vanilla glaze, they bring instant joy to any occasion. The fact that they’re baked, not fried, makes them an easier and lighter option for home bakers, without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re making them for a birthday breakfast, a holiday brunch, or simply to brighten someone’s day, these donuts are sure to leave smiles all around.
