Name: Fruity Pebbles Donuts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup Fruity Pebbles Cereal; 3/4 cup Buttermilk; 1 2/3 cup All-purpose Flour; 3/4 teaspoon Baking Powder; 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda; 1/2 stick Salted Butter, melted (4 tablespoons); 1/2 cup White Granulated Sugar; 1 Large Egg; 2 tablespoons Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream; 2 tablespoons Canola or Vegetable Oil; 1/2 tablespoon Vanilla Extract; 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar; 3 tablespoons Milk; 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract; 1 teaspoon Strawberry Extract; 3 drops Pink Gel Food Dye; 1 cup Fruity Pebbles Cereal (for topping)

Print Recipe· 4.3 from 6 reviews

If you have a soft spot for colorful, nostalgic treats that bring a burst of fun to your taste buds, you’ll adore this Fruity Pebbles Donuts Recipe. These donuts combine the playful crunch and vibrant hues of Fruity Pebbles cereal with a tender, fluffy donut base, making every bite a joyful experience. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a lively snack, these donuts effortlessly blend classic flavors with a whimsical twist, creating a delightful treat that’s as charming to look at as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled halfway with a thick, pale yellow batter mixed with colorful bits of red, green, blue, and orange. A metal whisk is partially inserted into the batter on the right side, showing the motion of mixing. Around the bowl are scattered small pieces of colorful cereal. The background is plain with the same white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each playing a crucial role in delivering the perfect taste, texture, and colorful appeal of this recipe. From the tangy buttermilk that keeps the donuts tender to the vibrant Fruity Pebbles that add signature crunch and color, every component works harmoniously.

1 Cup Fruity Pebbles Cereal: Provides that signature fruity crunch and burst of color inside the donuts.
3/4 Cup Buttermilk: Adds moisture and a gentle tang that tenderizes the dough beautifully.
1 2/3 Cup All-purpose Flour: The base of the batter that gives structure to your donuts.
3/4 Teaspoon Baking Powder: Helps your donuts rise and become light and airy.
1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda: Works with the buttermilk to give a nice lift and contribute to flavor balance.
1/2 Stick Salted Butter (melted, 4 tablespoons): Adds richness and deep buttery flavor to the batter.
1/2 Cup White Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the donuts just right without overpowering the fruity notes.
1 Large Egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to a tender crumb.
2 Tablespoons Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Adds moistness and a slight tang, elevating the texture.
2 Tablespoons Canola or Vegetable Oil: Keeps the donuts moist and soft.
1/2 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor with sweet, warm undertones.
1 1/2 Cups Powdered Sugar: For the smooth, sweet glaze that coats the donuts.
3 Tablespoons Milk: Thins the glaze to a perfect dipping consistency.
1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the glaze’s flavor.
1 Teaspoon Strawberry Extract: Gives the glaze a lovely fruity flair that pairs wonderfully with the cereal.
3 Drops Pink Gel Food Dye: Brightens the glaze with playful color matching the fun inside.
1 Cup Fruity Pebbles Cereal (for topping): Crushed and sprinkled on top for extra crunch and visual punch.

How to Make Fruity Pebbles Donuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Greasing your donut pan well is important to ensure your donuts will come out cleanly without sticking, preserving their perfect shape and texture.

Step 2: Soak the Cereal

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of Fruity Pebbles with the buttermilk. Stir gently to coat the cereal and let it sit for a bit. This softens the cereal slightly, infusing the buttermilk with fruity notes and setting the stage for tender donuts with delightful bursts of flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda in a separate bowl. These dry ingredients will provide the dough’s structure and the essential lift that makes the donuts light and fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Lightly beat the egg, then add it along with the oil, vanilla extract, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), and melted butter to the cereal-and-buttermilk mixture. Stir these together well to create a rich, smooth base for your donuts.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully until fully combined. This slow incorporation prevents overmixing, keeping the donuts tender rather than tough.

Step 6: Fill Your Donut Pan

Transfer the batter to your prepared donut pan, filling each cavity about three-quarters full. You can use a piping bag with a Wilton 2A tip for neatness, but a spoon works perfectly fine too. Aim for even portions to ensure uniform baking.

Step 7: Bake Your Donuts

Bake for about 10 minutes or until the tops spring back lightly when touched. The aroma at this point will have you excited to taste these delightful donuts!

Step 8: Cool Before Glazing

Keep the donuts in the pan and set them aside away from the heat for 15-20 minutes to cool. This prevents breakage and ensures the glaze will stick properly rather than melting off.

Step 9: Prepare the Glaze

While your donuts cool, mix powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, strawberry extract, and pink gel food dye until smooth and evenly colored. This glaze is the perfect sweet topping with a fruity twist that complements the cereal inside the donuts.

Step 10: Glaze and Top

Remove the donuts from the pan gently, dip the tops into the glaze, then transfer the donuts to parchment paper or a clean surface with the glaze side up. Immediately sprinkle the crushed Fruity Pebbles diagonally across each donut for crunch and color contrast.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Serve these eye-catching, flavor-packed donuts fresh for the ultimate experience. Each bite is a delightful combo of fluffy donut, sweet glaze, and crispy fruity cereal magic.

How to Serve Fruity Pebbles Donuts Recipe

A single donut with colorful sprinkles is sitting in a shallow layer of smooth pink glaze inside a white bowl. The donut has a light gold color with small bits of red, blue, and green specks evenly spread throughout its surface. In the background on a white marbled surface, there is another donut with pink icing and bright multicolored sprinkles, slightly blurred. The scene is bright and clean, with soft natural light highlighting the textures of the donut and glaze. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special presentation, consider topping your glazed donuts with edible glitter or a few mini marshmallows to echo the playful feel of the cereal topping. Fresh berries can also add a nice fruity contrast.

Side Dishes

These donuts pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. For brunch, accompany them with fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfaits to balance sweetness with freshness and creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange these vibrant donuts on a colorful platter or a cake stand to showcase their fun appeal. Stack them in towers or serve individually in bright cupcake liners for parties or festive occasions. They also make fantastic grab-and-go treats for school lunches or picnics.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Fruity Pebbles donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them airtight preserves their softness while preventing the glaze from drying out.

Freezing

If you’d like to save some for later, wrap each donut tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well frozen for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature to keep their texture intact.

Reheating

To enjoy the donuts warm, pop them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in an oven preheated to 300°F for about 5 minutes. Be careful not to overheat, or the glaze may melt away.

FAQs

Can I substitute the Fruity Pebbles cereal with a different cereal?

Absolutely! While Fruity Pebbles provide signature color and flavor, you can experiment with similar cereals like Trix or Fruity Cheerios for a fun twist. Just keep in mind the taste and texture may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make these donuts gluten-free?

Yes, by replacing the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Regular milk can work, but to mimic the tanginess and tenderizing effects of buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

What if I don’t have a donut pan? Can I bake these differently?

You can bake this batter in muffin tins for donut holes or small cakes, but the shape will be different. Adjust baking time accordingly and keep an eye on texture.

How soon should I eat these donuts for best flavor?

These donuts are best enjoyed fresh the same day they’re made. The fruity cereal inside and on top tastes most vibrant and crunchy right after preparation.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so cheerful about the Fruity Pebbles Donuts Recipe that makes it a standout in any kitchen. With every colorful bite packed with sweetness, crunch, and a hint of nostalgia, this recipe is a guaranteed mood booster. Whether you’re making it for a weekend treat or a special occasion, give it a try — the smiles around your table will tell you just how worth it it is!