Kitty Cat Doughnuts

Soft, moist, and dipped in candy melts, these Kitty Cat Doughnuts are decorated with fondant and almonds. A fun bake that will have everyone purring with happiness.

I first came across these Kitty Cat Doughnuts while planning my 5-year-old’s kitten-themed birthday party. They looked so adorable, and I couldn’t resist trying to make them at home.

I must admit, I had never been fond of doughnuts before. The ones I had tried from shops were always far too sweet and a little stale, so baking them myself had never crossed my mind. In fact, I didn’t even own a doughnut pan until I ordered one especially for this recipe.

When it finally arrived, I baked a batch and was thrilled with the result! They turned out soft and moist, and even when frozen ahead of the party, they kept their texture once thawed. Almonds became ears, candy melts made the coating, and fondant gave them their playful faces. My girls were over the moon, and the guests couldn’t resist them either!

How to Make Kitty Cat Doughnuts

Step 1: Mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: In a jug, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, oil, and milk until combined.

Step 3: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.

Step 4: If your tin is not non-stick, grease the holes with butter and coat them with a little flour. Spoon or pipe the batter into each hole (a measuring jug works well) until just over 3/4 full.

Step 5: Bake in a pre-heated oven at 160°C – 325°F for 9 minutes.

Step 6: As soon as possible (but without getting burnt!), ease the doughnuts out of the pan with your fingers. Don’t wait too long, because the cooler they get, the more likely they are to stick to the pan.

Step 7: Set the doughnuts aside to cool completely.

Step 8: Melt your candy melts into 2 deep, small dishes. Follow the instructions on the melts to do so.

Step 9: Dip the almond into the candy melts, and press it into the doughnuts to form the ears. Let the melts harden.

Step 10: Once the almonds are secure, dip the doughnuts into the candy melt, then turn them back over and let them sit on baking paper until the coating is dry. Make sure your bowl is deep enough to dip the doughnuts with the almonds sticking out.

Step 11: Once completely dry, use the other coloured candy melt (with a piping bag) to draw the faces. I also used pink fondant for the ears and noses.

Extra Help from the Kitchen

Don’t Overmix the Batter – Once the wet and dry ingredients are combined, stir only until smooth. Overmixing can make the doughnuts dense instead of soft.

Tap the Pan Before Baking – After filling the tin, tap it gently on the counter to release air bubbles and help the doughnuts bake more evenly.

Check Bake Time with a Toothpick – Ovens vary, so check at 9 minutes with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they’re ready; if not, bake for another minute.

Variations and Twists

Make Spooky Halloween Cats – Use black or dark candy melts and pipe little fangs or spooky eyes for a festive twist.

Try Nut-Free Ears – Swap almonds with small fondant triangles or wafer paper for a nut-free version.

Add Chocolate Flavour – Mix a little cocoa powder into the batter for chocolate doughnuts before decorating.

Dress Them for the Season – Add Santa hats for Christmas, pastel colours for Easter, or hearts for Valentine’s Day.

Storage and Shelf Life

Undecorated doughnuts can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Once decorated with candy melts and fondant, they’re best enjoyed within 2 days, as the coating may soften.

For longer storage, freeze plain baked doughnuts for up to 2 weeks. Wrap them individually in cling film, then thaw at room temperature before dipping and decorating.

Serving Suggestions

Kitty Cat Doughnuts are perfect for children’s birthdays, kitten-themed parties, or as a fun activity with the kids during school holidays.

They also make a sweet kitten birthday party dessert, and when decorated with darker candy melts, they become playful Halloween doughnuts too.

5 from 1 vote

Print

Kitty Cat Doughnuts

Soft, moist, and dipped in candy melts, these Kitty Cat Doughnuts are decorated with fondant and almonds. A fun bake that will have everyone purring with happiness.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 9 minutes

Total Time: 29 minutes

Servings: 10

Author: Manuela Zangara

Ingredients

• 150 g – 5 oz. flour
• 110 g – 4 oz. caster sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 120 ml – ½ cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tsp vegetable oil
• 20 almonds
• Candy Melts – Vanilla and Peanut Butter – ½ bag each
• Pink fondant

Instructions

1. Mix together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl.
2. In a jug, whisk together the eggs, vanilla, oil, and milk until combined.
3. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry mixture.
   
4. If your tin is not non-stick, grease the holes with butter and coat them with a little flour. Spoon or pipe the batter into each hole (a measuring jug works well) until just over 3/4 full.
5. Bake in a pre-heated oven at 160°C – 325°F for 9 minutes.

6. As soon as possible (but without getting burnt!), ease the doughnuts out of the pan with your fingers. Don’t wait too long, because the cooler they get, the more likely they are to stick to the pan.

   
7. Set the doughnuts aside to cool completely.
8. Melt your candy melts into 2 deep, small dishes. Follow the instructions on the melts to do so.
9. Dip the almond into the candy melts, and press it into the doughnuts to form the ears. Let the melts harden.
10. Once the almonds are secure, dip the doughnuts into the candy melt, then turn them back over and let them sit on baking paper until the coating is dry. Make sure your bowl is deep enough to dip the doughnuts with the almonds sticking out.

11. Once completely dry, use the other coloured candy melt (with a piping bag) to draw the faces. I also used pink fondant for the ears and noses.