Funfetti Baked Donuts: A Wholesome & Delicious Weight Watchers Friendly Treat
As the new school year kicks off, many families are settling back into routines, and for some, that means finding delightful yet sensible after-school snacks. This year, with my daughter starting grade 8, I wanted to create something truly special and fun to greet her after her first day back. And what says “fun” more than a burst of colorful sprinkles? These Funfetti Cake Donuts are not only incredibly decadent and yummy but also surprisingly light, making them the perfect guilt-free indulgence for any occasion, especially when you’re looking for a healthier alternative.
This recipe is a cherished gem from my “Drizzle Me Sweet App,” an application available in the App Store packed with 100 Weight Watchers-friendly sweet treat recipes. I’ve tweaked the original recipe slightly for my blog, ensuring it remains just as delicious and easy to prepare. Whether you enjoy them plain for a lighter touch or add a simple icing for a bit of extra sweetness, these donuts are a winner. Each donut boasts a mere 95 calories and clocks in at just 3 SmartPoints on all Weight Watchers programs (blue, purple, and green), making them an ideal choice for anyone mindful of their intake.
Baked donuts offer a fantastic alternative to their fried counterparts, delivering all the flavor and texture without the added oil and calories. They’re quick to make, requiring minimal prep and cook time, which is perfect for busy weeknights or a spontaneous baking session. The vibrant sprinkles mixed into the batter and potentially on top create a visually appealing treat that kids and adults alike will adore. It’s a simple way to bring a little extra joy and color into your day!
Funfetti Cake Donuts Recipe
A delightful and easy recipe for baked donuts, packed with sprinkles and perfect for a healthier snack option.
By: Drizzle
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 14 minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Summary: Each donut is 3 Personal Points / SmartPoints on all Weight Watchers programs (blue, purple & green).
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 Tbsp white cake mix (or funfetti cake mix for an extra sprinkle boost)
- 1 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp egg whites (liquid egg whites from a carton are convenient)
- 1/3 cup milk (1% milk was used in this recipe)
- 2 Tbsp rainbow sprinkles
- Icing (optional, for decorative finish and added sweetness)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 6-hole donut pan with cooking spray to ensure the donuts release easily.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, white cake mix (or funfetti cake mix), sugar, and baking powder. Whisk them together thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
*Chef’s Note: Keeping a box of cake mix in your pantry is a great tip! It has a long shelf life when sealed in an airtight bag after opening. You can use small quantities for various donut recipes or even add a pinch to your morning pancakes or waffles for a subtle, fun flavor. - Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture: milk, vanilla extract, and egg whites. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tougher donut texture.
- Gently fold in the rainbow sprinkles. This step ensures that the sprinkles are evenly distributed throughout the batter and helps prevent their colors from bleeding excessively during mixing.
- Carefully spoon the batter into each well of your prepared donut pan, filling them approximately two-thirds full. This allows room for the donuts to rise without overflowing.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12-14 minutes, or until the donuts are golden brown, and a light touch makes them spring back.
- Remove the pan from the oven and allow the donuts to cool in the pan for a few minutes. This resting period helps them set before you transfer them.
- Carefully invert the pan or use a small offset spatula to remove the donuts and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve these delightful treats as is, or if you prefer an extra touch of sweetness, add a light drizzle of icing. (Keep in mind that adding 1 teaspoon of icing typically adds an extra SmartPoint).
- Enjoy your delicious, homemade Funfetti Cake Donuts!
Nutritional Information (per donut, without icing)
- Calories: 95
- Fat: 1.7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 16.8g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 2.3g
Additional Recipe Details
Course: Baking, Snack, Dessert
Why opt for baked donuts over their fried counterparts? The primary reason is that baking significantly reduces the amount of added fat and calories, making them a much healthier and lighter option for a regular treat. You get to enjoy the wonderfully soft, cake-like texture and sweet flavor without the guilt associated with deep-frying. Moreover, baking is often a simpler and less messy process than frying, making homemade donuts an accessible and enjoyable project for even the most novice bakers. It’s a smart way to indulge your sweet tooth while staying aligned with your health and wellness goals.
Tips for Achieving Perfect Baked Funfetti Donuts Every Time
- Invest in a Quality Donut Pan: A non-stick donut pan is truly a game-changer for this recipe. It ensures your donuts bake evenly and release effortlessly without sticking or breaking. If you don’t have one, a muffin tin can be a temporary substitute, but remember your treats will be muffin-shaped rather than classic donuts.
- Avoid Overmixing the Batter: This is a crucial step for light and fluffy donuts. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can lead to dense, tough, and chewy donuts instead of the desired tender cake texture. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they are combined, with no streaks of dry flour remaining.
- Ensure Even Filling: For uniformly shaped and sized donuts, consider using a piping bag or a sturdy Ziploc bag with one corner snipped off. This allows for precise and neat distribution of the batter into each cavity of the donut pan, ensuring all donuts bake consistently.
- Proper Cooling is Key: After baking, let the donuts cool in the pan for a few minutes (typically 5-10 minutes) before attempting to transfer them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up slightly, preventing them from crumbling or breaking apart when handled.
- Choose High-Quality Sprinkles: The type of rainbow sprinkles you use can impact the final look. Good quality sprinkles tend to hold their vibrant colors better during the baking process, preventing them from bleeding into the batter and maintaining that cheerful funfetti appearance.
Customizing Your Funfetti Donut Experience
These Funfetti Cake Donuts are wonderfully versatile, offering plenty of room for customization to match your personal taste or the occasion. While they are delightful plain, adding a little extra flair can make them even more special:
- Icing and Glaze Variations:
- Classic Vanilla Glaze: For a simple yet elegant finish, whisk powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or water until you achieve a smooth, pourable consistency. A dash of vanilla or almond extract can enhance the flavor.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: If you’re looking for a richer, tangier topping, mix softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and a tiny splash of milk. This creates a decadent, yet still relatively light, frosting.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt a handful of your favorite chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white) with a touch of coconut oil. Drizzle over the cooled donuts for an instant chocolatey upgrade.
- Double Down on Sprinkles: For an extra festive look and texture, add a generous amount of additional sprinkles on top of any icing or glaze while it’s still wet. This ensures they adhere beautifully.
- Experiment with Extracts: Don’t be afraid to try different flavor extracts in the donut batter or your icing. Lemon, almond, or even a hint of mint extract can introduce exciting new flavor profiles to your funfetti creations.
The true charm of these donuts lies in their delightful simplicity and the undeniable joy they evoke. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, marking a school milestone, or simply brightening up an ordinary Tuesday, a batch of these sprinkle-laden treats is guaranteed to bring smiles all around. They offer a fantastic and satisfying way to indulge a sweet craving without compromising your healthy eating aspirations, proving that delicious and wholesome can go hand-in-hand.
Explore More with the Drizzle Me Sweet App
For those who have fallen in love with these Funfetti Cake Donuts and are continually seeking delicious, health-conscious dessert options, my Drizzle Me Sweet App is an absolute must-have companion. Available for download in the App Store, it features an extensive collection of 100 sweet treat recipes, all meticulously designed to be Weight Watchers friendly. From delectable cakes and chewy cookies to fluffy muffins and much more, the app empowers you to enjoy your favorite desserts without compromising your wellness goals. Each recipe is detailed with precise SmartPoints values, making it incredibly easy to track your intake and maintain a balanced, enjoyable diet.
Join the Sweet & Healthy Community!
Have you tried this irresistible recipe? We would absolutely love to see your culinary creations! Please share your photos and mention @drizzlemeskinny or tag us using the hashtag #drizzlemeskinny on Instagram. Your wonderful feedback and beautifully baked treats inspire us all to continue discovering and enjoying delicious food in a healthy, sustainable way. Happy baking, and we can’t wait to see what you create!