These delightful Jelly Doughnut Cupcakes offer the classic flavor of jelly-filled doughnuts in a convenient cupcake form. Moist vanilla cupcakes are filled with sweet strawberry jam and topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 (18.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup water
4 large eggs
⅓ cup vegetable oil
1 cup strawberry jam
¼ cup confectioners’ sugar

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix and pudding mix. Add water, eggs, and vegetable oil; beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.
Fill each muffin cup about ⅔ full with the batter. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 18 to 20 minutes.
Allow cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, use a small knife to cut a cone-shaped piece from the top center of each cupcake. Fill the cavity with about 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam.
Replace the top portion of the cupcake, covering the jam filling. Dust the tops with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

Calories: 180
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 41mg
Sodium: 228mg
Total Carbohydrates: 29g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Total Sugars: 18g
Protein: 2g

A Twist on a Classic Treat

The traditional jelly doughnut is typically deep-fried, filled with fruit preserves, and dusted with sugar. While undeniably delicious, deep frying at home can be messy, time-consuming, and not always the healthiest option. By converting this classic into a baked cupcake, home bakers can enjoy the same sweet satisfaction without the complications of frying.

Cupcakes are easier to prepare in batches, more uniform in size, and generally more versatile when it comes to presentation and customization. They also store better and stay fresher longer than fried doughnuts. By using common pantry ingredients and a simple baking method, this recipe opens the door for even novice bakers to achieve fantastic results.

Perfect for Any Occasion

What makes Jelly Doughnut Cupcakes particularly special is how effortlessly they fit into so many different types of occasions. Their playful and nostalgic appeal makes them a great addition to children’s birthday parties or school bake sales. At the same time, their refined appearance — a clean cupcake with a surprise jam center and a light dusting of powdered sugar — also suits more elegant events like bridal showers, brunches, and holiday buffets.

They are easy to make ahead of time and can be displayed attractively on tiered cupcake stands, dessert platters, or inside decorative boxes for gifting. Their unexpected jelly center creates an element of surprise for first-time tasters, making them more memorable than standard frosted cupcakes.

Kid-Friendly and Family Fun

Kids absolutely love Jelly Doughnut Cupcakes. They’re fun to eat and just as fun to make. Parents and caregivers can involve children in the process by letting them help mix the batter, choose the jam flavors, or gently fill the cupcakes with jelly using a spoon or piping tool.

Because there’s no hot oil involved, baking these cupcakes is also a safer, cleaner way to introduce kids to kitchen basics. It encourages hands-on creativity, especially when experimenting with different jams — from strawberry and raspberry to apricot or blueberry.

These cupcakes are also a great solution for parents looking for school-safe, nut-free treats. By selecting allergy-conscious ingredients and fillings, you can make a dessert that’s both safe and delicious for classroom parties and lunchboxes.

Flavor Variations and Customizations

One of the best aspects of this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs. While strawberry jam is the traditional choice, bakers can explore a wide range of fillings. Raspberry jam offers a tart contrast to the sweet cake, while lemon curd adds a bright, citrusy twist. For a richer dessert, chocolate hazelnut spread or caramel filling can be used instead of fruit.

Beyond the filling, you can also adjust the cake base. Vanilla cake is standard, but yellow cake mix adds a buttery richness, and spice cake introduces warm, comforting notes that pair beautifully with autumn jams like apple butter or cranberry preserves.

Toppings are equally versatile. While a dusting of powdered sugar keeps the look classic and doughnut-like, you could also top them with cinnamon sugar, glaze, or even a dollop of whipped cream and a small jam drizzle for a more polished presentation.

Great for Entertaining and Gifting

Because of their tidy shape and elegant appearance, Jelly Doughnut Cupcakes are excellent for serving at events or packaging as gifts. Wrap them individually in cupcake boxes or cellophane bags tied with ribbon, and you have a thoughtful homemade treat for birthdays, holidays, or thank-you gestures.

For brunches or breakfast events, they pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or mimosas. Their flavor profile is light enough to serve in the morning but sweet enough to satisfy dessert cravings any time of day. You can even prepare mini versions using a mini muffin tin for bite-sized treats that are ideal for tasting menus or party trays.

If you’re catering to a large crowd, the recipe scales easily. You can double or triple the batch without much additional effort, making them a convenient choice for big events.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Jelly Doughnut Cupcakes store very well, making them ideal for preparing in advance. Once filled and dusted, they can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to five days. Just be sure to allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

If you plan to make them ahead, consider waiting to add the powdered sugar until right before serving, as it can absorb moisture over time and lose its fresh appearance. Alternatively, use a fine glaze or frosting if you’re concerned about presentation during long-term storage or transport.

These cupcakes also freeze well. Simply bake and cool them completely, then freeze them without the jelly filling. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the cupcakes at room temperature, fill them with jam, and dust with powdered sugar. This method helps maintain freshness and texture while allowing for flexibility in scheduling.

Health and Dietary Considerations

While Jelly Doughnut Cupcakes are certainly a treat, there are simple ways to make them a bit healthier or more aligned with dietary restrictions. Using sugar-free or low-sugar jam reduces overall sweetness and calorie count. You can also opt for whole wheat flour or gluten-free cake mixes to suit different dietary needs.

For dairy-free versions, use plant-based milk alternatives and check labels on cake mixes and pudding mixes to ensure they are free from milk products. Vegan adaptations are also possible with the use of egg replacers and dairy-free options.

Despite being a dessert, Jelly Doughnut Cupcakes can be made to feel a little less indulgent without sacrificing taste. The key is in using quality ingredients and smart substitutions based on your preferences and nutritional goals.

A Treat That Appeals to All Ages

There’s something timeless about the combination of soft cake, sweet jam, and powdered sugar. It taps into a universal love of comforting, simple pleasures — the kind of food that brings back childhood memories while still appealing to adult palates. Jelly Doughnut Cupcakes offer that experience in every bite, making them a multi-generational favorite.

Whether you’re baking for grandparents, kids, coworkers, or friends, this dessert resonates across age groups and backgrounds. Its humble ingredients and homemade charm create an inviting warmth that everyone appreciates.

No-Fuss Baking for Impressive Results

One of the reasons home bakers return to this recipe again and again is its reliability. With just a few steps and easily sourced ingredients, you get a result that looks and tastes like it took much more effort. The end product is both visually attractive and satisfyingly flavorful — a winning combination for anyone looking to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

If you’re new to baking or want a low-risk project with a big reward, Jelly Doughnut Cupcakes are a perfect choice. They offer the joy of making something from scratch, the fun of experimenting with fillings and toppings, and the satisfaction of sharing something delicious with others.

Conclusion

Jelly Doughnut Cupcakes are more than just a cute hybrid dessert — they’re a testament to how baking can be simple, creative, and joyfully nostalgic. By combining the familiar taste of a jelly doughnut with the structure and ease of a cupcake, this recipe brings the best of both worlds to the table. Ideal for every skill level, customizable to suit any flavor profile, and suitable for almost any event, these cupcakes have earned their place as a modern baking favorite.

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