Make it with Pancake Mix! Crispy Old-Fashioned Donuts

🍩 Make it with Pancake Mix! Crispy Old-Fashioned Donuts

— Recreating the taste of “Mister Donut.” A sinful, rewarding treat —

Starting a new school or fiscal year can be exhausting, and stress can build up before you even realize it. On days like these, forget about the diet for a moment and wrap yourself in the sweet aroma of a “reward snack.”

Today, I’m sharing a recipe for Old-Fashioned donuts that perfectly recreates the iconic taste of “Mister Donut.” Using Japanese pancake mix (Hotcake Mix) makes it incredibly easy and foolproof. With every bite, you’ll hear that satisfying “crunch.” Dip them in plenty of chocolate and enjoy a moment of pure bliss!

Choosing the Right Mix

In Japan, pancake mix is commonly sold as “Hotcake Mix” (HM). For this recipe, I used Morinaga Pancake Mix. It has the perfect balance of sweetness and aroma. You can find this brand at almost any supermarket or drugstore in Japan.

I also tested the same recipe with a budget-friendly pancake mix from Gyomu Super. The measurements work perfectly, though the flavor and scent are a bit more subtle compared to Morinaga. If you use a budget brand, I recommend adding a touch of sugar and a few drops of vanilla essence.

Characteristics of Japanese Pancake Mix (HM)

Designed for Sweets: It comes pre-mixed with sugar and vanilla flavoring. When making pancakes, it is formulated to rise thickly, creating a fluffy and moist texture.
The “Magic Powder”: It’s an all-in-one blend of flour, sugar, baking powder, fats, and powdered skim milk. This “all-in-one” convenience ensures a great taste every time with minimal extra ingredients.

🛒 Old-Fashioned Donuts Ingredients (Easy-to-make portion)

Pancake Mix (HM): 150g (Morinaga brand highly recommended!)
Unsalted Butter: 15g
Sugar: 10g
Egg: 1 (beaten)
Frying Oil: As needed
Coating Chocolate: 40g (Dark chocolate pairs best)

📝Old-Fashioned Donuts Instructions

Finish: Drain the oil thoroughly and let the donuts cool slightly. Melt some chocolate and spread it over one side with a spoon to finish!
Melt the Butter: Place the butter in a heat-resistant container and microwave at 600W for about 20 seconds until completely melted.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the pancake mix and sugar. Stir lightly to incorporate.
Form the Dough (Crucial Step!): Add the beaten egg and melted butter to the bowl. Use a spatula to mix using a “cutting motion.” 💡 Tip: Do not overmix or knead the dough! Overworking it develops gluten, which will ruin the signature crispy texture. Mix gently just until the flouriness disappears.
Rest the Dough: Gather the dough into a single mass and wrap it in plastic wrap. Shape it into a square and let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. Note: If the dough feels too sticky, add about 2 tablespoons of pancake mix or flour to adjust the consistency.
Roll Out the Dough: Place a sheet of parchment paper on your work surface and lightly dust it with flour. Place the dough on top, then cover it with a second sheet of parchment paper. Roll the dough out with a rolling pin over the paper. 💡 Tip: This method minimizes the need for extra flour, prevents the dough from sticking to the pin, and helps achieve an even thickness!
Cut Out the Shapes: Roll the dough to a thickness of 1–1.5 cm. Use a round mold (approx. 7 cm in diameter) to cut out the donuts. 🍩 Tip: As shown in the photo, a plastic bottle cap works perfectly to cut out the center hole! You can roll the leftover center pieces into small balls to make donut holes.
Fry: Fry the donuts in oil preheated to a low temperature of 160°C (320°F) for 3 to 4 minutes per side. ⚠️ Caution: The dough burns very easily at high temperatures! The secret to success is to fry them slowly at a temperature that might feel “a bit too low,” allowing them to puff up gradually.

💡 Pro-Tips for Success

When doubling the recipe: Using 2 eggs can make the dough too soft. If this happens, add an extra 30–50g of pancake mix or flour to adjust the firmness.
Temperature matters: If the dough gets warm, it becomes difficult to shape. If it softens too much, pop it back in the fridge to chill.
No-Mess Rolling: If the dough feels a bit tacky, using the parchment paper method is a lifesaver. It keeps your rolling pin clean and makes the process much smoother.

📊 Old-Fashioned Donuts Nutritional Info (Estimated)

Item	Value
Energy	1429 kcal
Protein	18.7g
Fat	84.9g
Carbohydrates	150.5g
Salt Equivalent	2.3g

(Calculated with an 8% oil absorption rate. Best enjoyed when shared!)

＼ More Easy Recipes using Japanese Pancake Mix! ／

If you enjoyed these donuts, you’ll love these quick and delicious treats too!

🥞 The Golden Ratio: Fluffy “Cafe-Style” Pancakes [How to Make Fluffy Japanese Hotcakes with Pancake Mix] Learn the secret to making thick, professional-looking pancakes using standard Japanese pancake mix.

🥐 Crunchy & Moist: Scones (Made with HM) [How to Bake Perfect “Wolf’s Mouth” Scones Using Pancake Mix] Perfect for breakfast or tea time. This super-fast recipe is as easy as “mix and bake!”

📖Related Link: Read the Japanese version of this article here! []

naokoan

Hi, I’m Naoko! I am a licensed Registered Dietitian in Japan, currently working in a hospital setting. My daily mission is to provide nutritious, healing meals to patients, ensuring that every dish supports their health and brings a smile to their face. My recipes are more than just cooking guides—they are built on scientific nutritional balance and clinical experience. Why I provide ingredients in grams (g): You might notice that all my recipes use precise gram measurements. This is because, as a dietitian, I believe that accuracy is the key to true health management. Whether you are tracking calories, managing salt intake, or simply want to recreate the exact flavor of a professional hospital kitchen, these measurements ensure your success and well-being. My Specialty: I specialize in high-pressure cooking and oven recipes that save time without sacrificing nutrition. My goal is to introduce the world to “Real Japanese Home Cooking”—dishes that are simple, budget-friendly, and body-friendly. I’m thrilled to share the wisdom of Japanese nutrition with you. Let’s cook our way to a healthier life!