For Mother’s Day this year, my daughter bought me this Bella Cucina mini donut maker.
I’m not sure if it’s because she wanted donuts or because it has her name on it, but either way, it was sweet of her. I finally pulled it out of the box and tried it out. It works well and very fast (as in don’t walk away from the machine fast). I’m excited to try some different recipes, for but today we went with the “Basic Donut” recipe. Here’s what we used…
Basic Donut Recipe from Bella Cucina Artful Food
1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 tbsp baking powder***
1 egg
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
4 tbsp cooking oil
***In the photo you see baking soda. Trader Joe’s, I love you with a passion, but I’m not terribly thrilled that you put your baking soda in a container that is almost always used for baking powder. Thankfully, I caught it before mixing up the batter, but not before taking the photo.
Stir dry ingredients together. Add egg, vanilla and milk and beat 1 minute with an electric mixer or vigorously by hand. Add oil and continue to beat 1 minute.
The instruction manual suggests oiling the donut maker before using and also spraying with cooking spray. In other words, oil this sucker up good.
In theory, I would carefully spoon the donut batter into each area of the donut maker, to create perfect mini donuts. In reality this thing works quickly, so in reality it was more like blob some batter in and shut it quick.
It only takes a minute or two and your donuts are done, and you sort of pop them out with a fork.
I was a little sad that the middles didn’t have perfect little holes in them, so I found a paint brush that I use for brushing oil on things worked perfectly for poking the centers out of the donuts.
At this point you can do a few things – first, eat them. By far the easiest option, and the most instant gratification possible. I decided to top mine with chocolate. There are so many options for this, glazes, frosting – anything really. I decided to go with the Wilton Melts, because I was planning on making some of these into donut pops. The Wilton Melts set up nicely, which would make them a good choice if you need to transport your donuts. Melt your chocolate according to package directions, then simply dip each donut into the chocolate and cover with sprinkles.
Let them set up and you are good to go! These remind me of the chocolate covered Hostess Donettes which I would eat for lunch way too often in high school.
Mmmmm…. good stuff. 
I’m not sure how long they will stay fresh, but consider that a really good excuse for consuming a large number of them.
Oh my, this is something I really want now! So adorable.
All I can say is YUMMY! I have a donut maker from years past and I going to give these adorable donuts a try…
Wowowo , how cute and adorable they look , amazing pics
I was given this as a gift about a year ago and haven’t really liked it but yours look so cute! I guess I too was overwhelmed by how fast it worked and I felt like it was a hot mess! You are givng me motivation to try it again! I like your chocolate frosting with chocolate jimmys pic the best
This looks SO much fun and the donuts are gorgeous! lovely and delicious!
Mary
How many cm/inches are these?
What a fantastic present! The mini-donuts look so cute and I can’t wait to see what else you do with them
too dang cute!!!
Adorable! I can’t wait to have a donut pan…I think it would be soooo much fun. These all looks uber adorable! Like something I wish I could make right now!
theyre so cute!!!! and now all i want is a donut!
Congratulations on Top 9! These look so yummy.
I hate the Trader Joe’s baking soda can too!!!! Made that mistake before (but, unlike you, I didn’t catch it until after the waffles were made). Yuck!
I want a little donut making machine!!! I have never made my own donuts because I thought they had to fry in oil. In fact, I even avoid eating them regularly, despite the fact that I really do like them. I love this machine. Your doughnuts look delicious.
WOW KrispieKreme’s got nothin’ on these!!!!!! They look incredible, so gorgeous and delicious…I wish i had one of those little cuties in my hands right now!
What a lovely Mother’s Day present…if I had somewhere to store one, I’d totally buy myself one of these mini donut-making machines. Adorable!
This doughnut machine looks amazing!! The doughnuts are perfectly browned and perfectly shaped, and I LOVE the ones with chocolate frosting and sprinkles, they make me feel nostalgic…
Congrats on foodbuzz top 9 today!
I love donuts !! and baking vs frying is always a great alternative.
Thx for sharing
Those mini donuts are adorable
Love all of the different sprinkles, I love sprinkles… Congrats on top 9!
Yummy array of donuts… Love the chocolate dripping donuts covered with sprinkles…
Mmm! These look so good! It doesn’t help I’ve been craving donuts lately! I am adding this mini donut maker to my birthday list. Thanks!
Yum yum — happy national donut day! I found your photo on foodgawker and featured your donuts on my site in honor of the holiday (with a link to the recipe). I hope that is okay. If not, let me know! xo
Thanks so much for this posting. I have had the donut maker for awhile and haven’t used it. I got it out today because it is National Donut Day so I thought I would make some. When I opened the box there were was no recipe or instruction book. So off to the internet I go in search of a recipe. Can’t wait to make them.
Simply delicious! The donut maker machine will be my next purchase. Thanks for sharing.
I need a low or zero cholesterol recipe for this machine. my daughter is 9 and has very high cholesterol(it is genetic) mine is extremely high as well. I’ve been trying to find recipes that are fun and tasty for her. She is also on an organic diet. Can you help? I haven’t been able to find many child friendly low cholesterol recipes.
yummmmm… gotta try this today. i don’t have the donut maker, but the pictures are so mouthwatering that i just have to have it. NOW. thanks for sharing.
oh my goodness, a cake pop maker AND a mini donut maker?!?!? I’m jealous, they look great! I would eat donuts everyday!
Who doesn’t like donuts?? It’s always a treat when a tasty box gets brought into the office, but it is not ideal for my cholesterol. I love that these aren’t fried. I might have to convince my coworkers to buy one of these and make them instead! This recipe looks so tasty.
I have tried making doughnuts once, and the amount of smoke in my apartment was unbelievable. They tasted delicious, but it was the biggest mess I have ever made. I feel the need to go out and buy one of these doughnut makers immediately.
Those look really good, sadly i can’t seem to make them look as good as yours…
I have this donut maker but lost the recipe booklet. I’ve looked online and can’t find the cherry chip cake mix recipe. Would you please email it to me. It’s my families favorite. If you havent tried them you should!
delicious looking donuts
I just bought one of these and I am soooo excited to make my kids donuts that aren’t fried and I can make whole wheat!!!! Thanx for the recipe!
I would like a recipe book I got this as a gift and it didn’t come with a book and my mom has no recipt to return so I can’t use ot and would love to. E mail or send to 131 river Rd. Leland,IA 50453
Nichole, sorry I’m just a customer who owns the machine. You might want to try contacting Bella Cucina.
How can I get receipe’s for the machine. My girls got it as a gift with not instruction
book or receipes. I have called the company and six weeks later I still haven’t gotten anything. Would any one please share a receipe and timing.
My girls want to make apple cider donuts. pumkin , and of course Choclate.
I tried a cake mix and it does cook it. But it tastes like a cup cake.
Please can some one help. My girls are 4 and 7. I wish we had never gotten the stupid thing. Thanks in advance for any help.
Gail
Hi Gail – unfortunately I’ve never found this company to be very responsive, and I really hate to say that, but that’s been my experience.
Have you tried posting on their Facebook page asking for recipes if anyone has them? While not the company who made your machine, Babycakes also has a donut maker as well. They are AMAZING and here is the link to their product manual with recipes: http://thebabycakesshop.com/tips-and-recipes/category/recipes/donut-maker/ In the three blue tabs on the right side of the page, select “Instruction Manual”. They also have a few recipes on their website for donuts, and I LOVE and use these recipes (vs the Bella Cucina). http://thebabycakesshop.com/tips-and-recipes/category/recipes/donut-maker/ Hope that helps a bit!
This was a perfect recipe. I added cinnamon and used a piping bag to put them into the machine and perfect little holes and much less mess than using a spoon. Your site is beautiful. thanks for the recipe
Beautiful donuts but I found the recipe to be eggy and very soft like a cupcake instead of denser like a cake donut. If you research sunbeam donut maker you can find recipes. I hope my next try can be as pretty as yours though!
I bet using a piping bag would be great. I had a squirt bottle from a candy pop kit (looks like a ketchup/mustard bottle) and that also works really well. We have a wheat grinder so we made these with freshly ground white wheat and also used natural sugar … topping with natural sugar (sucanat) in a coffee grinder to get it powdery mixed with pumpkin pie spice. Yummy!
I love this very type of donuts. it’s very very sweet and nice.
When we went to Atlanta to see my youngest daughter we went to
The Buckhead Macy’s to get a Bella Donut Maker and my husband
Wanted me to get one for his granddaughter back home the next day
My oldest daughter wanted one ,which will be a Christmas gift!
So I made the batter cleaned,oiled,pre-heated, and sprayed!
I used a 1 and 1/2 ounce scoop (not all the way full) and I filled my
Maker up QUICK it does cook very fast! The scoop prevents a
Mess!(I also use that scoop for Hushpuppies…Perfect every time)!
Beforehand you can make glazes using con.sugar, milk,vanilla,
Zest from fruits,coconut,etc…Frostings and Sprinkles of sorts!
I made 24 mini donuts in less than 7 minutes!Easy to clean!
Yes there are recipes to use other than what came with the book!
Just use your imagination and have FUN!!!
I hear you with the Trader Joe packaging of the baking soda. I unfortunately did not catch myself before making my first donut batch and thought they had totally screwed up the recipe as the donuts were not good. So glad you caught yourself. I hope TJ changes that soon.
Thank you so much for sharing the recipe and the fun ideas. I just got my machine about an hour ago, but since it wasn’t boxed, no instructions or recipes.
I thought it would be fun to do with my grand-daughter. Of course, since it is so fast, gram will have to do the pouring or spooning and she can help mix, decorate and eat
Thank you again
Judy
Hi, Thanks for sharing your great pictures. I used my doughnut maker for the first time this morning. The donuts were delicious, but the bottoms of them browned and tops barely browned – some not at all. Is there something I’m doing wrong? I followed the directions for the green light, so don’t think that was it.
Thanks for any help!
Donuts makers on sale at walmart till the end of the week for 14.95. dec 13/11
Thanks for the recipe information. Will try it today..I just came across your site..really well done! Good job!
I bought this donut machine last night as a gift for Christmas. Here it is Christmas Eve, 5p.m. and I wanted the ingredients for donuts as part of the present so donuts can me made on Christmas Day! Walmart closes in less than three hours so here I go to do battle with the last of the Christmas shoppers…thank you for your website and suggestions!
I got my nephew a donut maker for Christmas……We used this recipe and they came out awesome….We just dipped the donuts in plain sugar and some in cinnamon and sugar.,,This a great recipe to use.
i got one for x-mas and about to use it……. wow so cool………. love it.
4 christmas i got the red bella mini donut maker and my mom threw away the recipes so im on the internet . and i have been doing so much work trying 2 take care of my plattie 2 girls &1 boy one day they will have babies but im not here 2 talk about my fish im here 2 learn how 2 make donuts and this was very helpful i will be using this recipe many times beacuse my dad loves the basic donuts with glaze .my donut maker is right next to me but im not mad at my mom 4 throwing away my recipes im really thankful that i got anything 4 christmas and this is one of the best
I just got one of these (differen brand maker though) and now I can’t wait to try it. Looks so much easier than the Avon mini muffin pans I got from my store. lol Cooks quicker too. GREAT pictures!
Thanks!
your doughnuts look wonderful i`ve got your recipe and oing to try them but what senting to i put them on
My donuts did not brown on top…Is that nomal? They tasted done but didn’t look very pretty…I didn’t frost them so guess that would hide that fact that they did not look done.HELP
Tried my donut maker for the first time this morning. I was in somewhat of a hurry so i decided to use pancake mix,because i didn’t have time to go on line. After throwing everything together with the pancake,mix they turned out pretty good. It was my first time making them and some were a bit well done.
Thank you for posting this recipe!!! Mu daughter got this for Christmas and I was dreading using it in fear that it would be a mess and clean up would be brutal! Not at all! But, I found your post because I was searching for a recipe that I had the ingredients for (the one in the book called for sour cream or apple sauce). Your recipe was super easy and tasted good. For my chocolate frosting, we just melted chocolate chips, dipped the top of the donut and decorated with sprinkles – kids LOVED them and had a blast making them! Thank you for your step by step…I needed it
i have just tried this recipe realy it is yummy and fun idea my son enjoyed the dippings and sprinkles the doughnuts thanx for sharing
I was rather disappointed. Mine looked wonderful but tasted very eggy.
Someone asked for the Bella Cucina “Cherry Cherry Chop Donut” recipe. I haven’t made it, but here it is per the instruction booklet.
1 box Betty Crocker Cherry Chip Cake Mix
1 egg
2 cups cherry pie filling
That’s all it said. I guess you just combine all 3.
I was just hoping someone could help me find nutrition facts for the recipes that come with this donut maker.
Also I know this original post was a long time ago but if Christi, if you are still using this there is an easy way to get the batter into it AND preserve the donut hole. I use a squeeze bag intended for icing.(actually I use a ziploc bag with a corner cut off but same diff) It is way easier and you can control how much batter and where you want it much better.
WOW these were amazing!! My whole family loved them!!
I bought this for Christmas, had the dogs give it to my sons.
I agree it is super easy to use and the donuts are delicious. Here is the link to download the instruction manual. It has several recipes including the one listed in the blog,
http://www.sensioinc.com/pages/13466.html
The basic recipe makes a more cake like donut. Experimenting, I added 3 TBSP cherry filling to the basic recipe and it made a softer donut. Since it adds more liquid, I would suggest cooking them a little longer than the recommended 2 to 3 minutes.
WE NEED A SOUR CREAM DOUHGNUT RECIPE!!!!! GET ONE!!!!! NOW
Please…… sorry im just really mad that no one has a sour cream mini doughnut recipe.
I really do love this recipe and I love Bella Cucina! This recipe is the best one I have come across and has easy to follow directions. Sorry again
I really enjoy this donut maker. One trick that seems to work well, is to put your batter in a zip lock bag and cut the corner off the bag and squeeze gently to fill the mold. Quick and easy and you get the holes as well.
Has anyone tried the blueberry recipe that comes with this donut maker? I did and it was a disaster! I followed the recipe exactly and it did not work AT ALL! I was really looking forward to this flavor! Any suggestions would be appreciated. I live in Denver so maybe the altitude? The basic recipe worked fine.
Christy, was that a Bella Cucina recipe? I’ve actually only used the Babycakes recipes.
Yes, it’s in the Bella recipe book that came with the mini-donut maker.
I haven’t tried, but have had great luck with the Babycakes recipes. Here are a few great ones… http://thebabycakesshop.com/tips-and-recipes/category/recipes/donut-maker/
love this doughnuts .sooo cute . i have a doughnut maker just lost the recipe. thanks whoever made this
can i keep it off put the batter in shut the lid and then turn it on???????????
is there a recipe for other chocolate frosting that anyone knows
I really liked the one I used in this post – http://www.lovefromtheoven.com/2012/02/04/valentines-day-donuts/ There is a link to the chocolate glaze – it was delish!
ok thanks and can i keep the donut maker off, put the donut batter in, then close the lid and turn it on?
Cody, I’m not sure – I’ve never tried that. I think they probably cook better if it’s preheated, but you could always give it a go and see.
Ok thanks i tried and it worked really good!
one more thing do you have a recipe for chocolate donuts???
here are all the recipes that come with the machine: butterscotch donuts: 3/4 cup of pre sifted flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 (1oz.) package jello instant sugar free fat free butterscotch pudding mix, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, 3 tablespoons water, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, makes 21 mini donuts. cherry cherry chip donuts: 1 box of Betty crocker cherry chip cake mix, 1 egg, 2 cups cherry pie filling. blueberry donuts: 3/4 cup unbleached, pre sifted flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 3 tablespoons smuckers blueberry perserves, 3 tablespoons milk, 3 tablespoons vegetable oil. mocha spresso donuts: 1 egg 1/4 cup cold water, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon dark karo corn syrup, 2 rounded teaspoons espresso powder,, 3/4 cups all purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 packet swiss miss milk chocolate hot chocolate mix, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Pinkie strawberry banana donuts: 1 cup bisquick, 1/2 cup liquid coffemate plain, 1 box strawberry banana sugar free jello, 1 tablespoon cherry pie filling, 1 egg, and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Orange ginger donut: 3/4 cup all purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 2 teaspons fresh grated ginger, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 large egg, 8 tablespoond of thawed frozen orange juice concentrate, 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of orange marmalade.
mini donut glazes and toppings
honey, melted chocolate chips, maple syrup, strawberry preserves, raspberry preserves, peanut butter heated with milk, cherry pie filling, lemon preserves or pie filling, orange marmalade, blue berry preserves, mixed berry preserves, or carmel (MELTED BUTTER +SUGAR).
if you want a really good chocolate donut frosting recipe use this:
Icing Ingredients:
3 tablespoon unsalted butter
6 packed teaspoons cocoa powder
6 tablespoons milk
1 + 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1. Have ready in a small bowl the powdered sugar.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter, cocoa powder and milk. Whisk.
3. Pour this over the powdered sugar and beat with a whisk to combine.
4. Let cool a little, just so it’s not burning hot, and then pour over cooled donuts while the frosting is still warm. Let sit until the frosting sets.
hopefully this will help the people who have lost or did not get a recipe book (i tried the donut frosting recipe it works great!) my daughter just pulled the machine out of my hands and broke my machine so i cant fix it:-( guess i have to get a new one!
Cody, I LOVE the recipe for chocolate donuts on the Babycakes site, it’s my go to chocolate donut recipe… http://thebabycakesshop.com/tips-and-recipes/category/recipes/donut-maker/
Cody – butterscotch donuts??? Sold! I’m a huge butterscotch fan!
Yeah I found that recipe for my mom because she loves butterscotch too and thanks for the recipe.
oh and for Molly and Amanda here is a sour cream donut recipe:
Ingredients:
1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup milk
¼ cup vegetable oil
¼ cup sour cream
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
In separate bowl whisk together remaining ingredients, except glaze or topping. Pour liquid ingredients into dry ingredients. Using a mixer on medium speed, blend until smooth.
Fill each cooking reservoir with about 2 tablespoons of batter.
Bake about 4 to 5 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into donut comes out clean.
Glaze or coat with powdered sugar or cinnamon-sugar, as desired.
hey does anyone know the recipe for the glaze that krispy kreme uses like the glaze that tastes really good and hardens fast i can’t find a good recipe for glaze.
I need a recipe for “basic donuts. I don’t like the one in the Bella Cucina booklet, Thanks
I tried this recipe & even though I forgot the egg, it was so delicious. I used a pastry bag to pipe the dough into the donut maker and they came out perfectly shaped with an open hole in the middle and not a single dough tag. I had just bought a donut mix that was over $10.00 & even with a 30% discount; highway robbery. This was so easy & quick, can’t wait to serve to my grandkids. Thanks!!
I put ingredients in a milk carton and shake it all about. No mess and easy pour.
Awww..amazingly cute..cant wait to try them out
LOve the sprinkles 
LOL 
So do you honestly think these are good doughnuts? Just wondering because I recently made some using this machine and I’ll probably never make them again. I also tried to make doughnut holes using the cake pop machine and they just dont taste like doughnuts. I dont know what those doughnut shops do to make their doughnuts so good but the ones from these machines are horrible!
Katy, I think the way that donut shops make theirs taste so good can be summed up in one word – frying. A baked donut is probably never going to taste quite as delicious as one that has been fried. If you expect them to taste exactly like what you’d get at Dunkin or Krispy Kreme, they probably will be a disappointment. But if you want an option that is a bit healthier, I think baked donuts are awesome. But again, they aren’t fried (and really, what doesn’t taste better fried???) so there will be a fair difference.
Yeah I know….I was just hoping I was making them wrong, but you are right the frying is what makes them taste so good it is hard to enjoy the baked ones!
How many donuts can you make from one batch of the basic donut recipe ?
How many donuts do you get from the above basic recipe?
Thanks for this! My maker jut came today and they turned out awesome!