Donut Cake Recipe

Craving the sweet, tender texture of a classic donut but want something that feeds the whole family? This incredible donut cake recipe combines the best of both worlds – the beloved flavors of your favorite bakery donut in an easy-to-make cake form! Whether you’re planning a birthday party, weekend brunch, or just want to satisfy that donut craving without the frying mess, this recipe is your answer.

This donut cake is incredibly versatile – you can make it as a traditional bundt cake, use a donut pan for individual treats, or even create a show-stopping giant donut cake that’s perfect for special occasions. With simple pantry ingredients and foolproof techniques, you’ll have a moist, flavorful cake that tastes just like your favorite glazed donut. Plus, it’s completely customizable with endless glaze and topping options!

How To Make A Donut Cake?

Making a donut cake is surprisingly simple and requires basic baking skills. The key is creating a tender, slightly dense cake that mimics the texture of a traditional yeast donut while being much easier to prepare. Here’s the complete process:

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (essential for that classic donut flavor!)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Classic Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your chosen pan thoroughly – whether it’s a bundt pan, donut pan, or round cake pans.

2️⃣ Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, and salt. The nutmeg is crucial for authentic donut flavor!

3️⃣ Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

4️⃣ Create the Batter: Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently fold until just combined. Don’t overmix – a few lumps are perfectly fine.

5️⃣ Bake to Perfection: Pour batter into your prepared pan and bake according to pan size (timing details below).

6️⃣ Make the Glaze: While the cake cools, whisk all glaze ingredients until smooth. Adjust consistency with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.

7️⃣ Glaze and Serve: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle with glaze and add your favorite toppings!

Can You Bake Cake Batter In A Donut Pan?

Absolutely! Using a donut pan is one of the best ways to make individual donut cakes. The specialized pan creates that iconic donut shape while ensuring even baking. Here are the key considerations:

• Fill each cavity about 2/3 full to prevent overflow
• Bake for 12-15 minutes at 350°F
• Cool completely before removing from the pan
• Yields approximately 12 standard donuts

The beauty of using a donut pan is that each serving is perfectly portioned, and the shape allows for beautiful glaze coverage. Mini donut pans work too – just reduce baking time to 8-10 minutes.

How To Make A Giant Donut Cake?

Creating a giant donut cake is easier than you might think and makes an impressive centerpiece for parties! Here’s how:

Method 1: Bundt Pan Approach Use a large bundt pan (10-12 cup capacity) and bake for 35-40 minutes. The natural hole in the center creates the perfect donut shape.

Method 2: Two Pan Method

• Bake the batter in a 10-inch round cake pan
• Use a smaller round pan (about 4 inches) placed in the center to create the hole
• Remove the smaller pan after baking and cooling

Method 3: Cut-Out Technique Bake in a large round pan, then use a smaller round cutter to remove the center after cooling.

What Icing Is Best For A Donut Cake?

The classic powdered sugar glaze is traditional and delicious, but there are many fantastic options:

• Classic Glaze: Simple, sweet, and authentic
• Chocolate Glaze: Rich and indulgent
• Maple Glaze: Perfect for fall flavors
• Cream Cheese Frosting: Tangy and rich
• Caramel Glaze: Sweet and buttery

The key is choosing an icing that complements your cake’s flavor and isn’t too thick – you want it to drip naturally like a traditional donut glaze.

Can You Use Cake Mix To Make Donuts?

Yes! Using cake mix is a fantastic shortcut that still delivers delicious results. Here’s how to adapt:

• Use 1 box of yellow or vanilla cake mix
• Replace oil with melted butter for a richer flavor
• Add extra nutmeg (1 teaspoon) for a donut taste
• Reduce the liquid slightly for a proper donut texture
• Follow package directions, but adjust baking time for your pan

This method is perfect for busy bakers who want a homemade taste with minimal effort.

How To Decorate A Donut Cake?

Decorating is where you can get creative! Here are popular options:

Classic Decorations:

• Colorful sprinkles (add while the glaze is wet)
• Chopped nuts (pecans or peanuts work great)
• Coconut flakes
• Mini chocolate chips
• Crushed cookies

Advanced Decorating:

• Multiple glaze colors for marbled effects
• Fresh berries for elegant presentation
• Edible flowers for special occasions
• Themed decorations for holidays

Remember to add decorations while the glaze is still wet so they stick properly!

Can You Make A Donut Cake Without A Donut Pan?

Definitely! You have several options:

• Bundt Pan: Creates a natural donut shape
• Round Cake Pans: Use the cut-out method
• Muffin Tins: Make individual cake “donuts”
• Tube Pan: Similar to a bundt with straight sides

The key is adjusting baking times accordingly and ensuring even heat distribution.

How Long To Bake A Donut Cake?

Baking times vary by pan size and type:

• Donut Pans: 12-15 minutes
• Mini Donut Pans: 8-10 minutes
• Bundt Pan: 35-40 minutes
• Round Cake Pans: 25-30 minutes
• Muffin Tins: 18-22 minutes

Always test with a toothpick – it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

What’s The Best Glaze For A Donut Cake?

The best glaze balances sweetness with the right consistency. Here are winning combinations:

Perfect Glaze Ratios:

• Thin Glaze: 2:1 ratio powdered sugar to liquid
• Medium Glaze: 3:1 ratio (most popular)
• Thick Glaze: 4:1 ratio for coating

Flavor Variations:

• Add cocoa powder for chocolate
• Use maple syrup instead of vanilla
• Include citrus zest for brightness
• Mix in peanut butter for richness

Can You Make A Donut Cake Ahead Of Time?

Yes! This cake is perfect for preparation:

• Bake the cake up to 2 days ahead, store covered at room temperature
• Glaze the day of serving for the best appearance
• Freeze unglaze cake for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight before glazing

How To Serve

Serve your donut cake at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. Cut with a sharp knife, wiping clean between slices to maintain neat presentation. Pair with:

• Hot coffee or cold milk
• Fresh fruit for balance
• Vanilla ice cream for dessert
• Tea for afternoon treats

Can I Freeze This Cake?

Absolutely! This donut cake freezes beautifully:

Freezing Instructions:

• Cool completely before freezing
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil
• Freeze unglazed for up to 3 months
• Thaw overnight at room temperature
• Glaze after thawing for best results

Any Ingredient Swaps?

This recipe is quite flexible:

Successful Substitutions:

• Milk: Use buttermilk for tanginess, or non-dairy alternatives
• Butter: Vegetable oil works, or melted coconut oil
• Sugar: Brown sugar adds molasses flavor
• Flour: All-purpose is best, but cake flour works for a lighter texture
• Nutmeg: Cinnamon can substitute, though nutmeg is more authentic

Dietary Adaptations:

• Gluten-Free: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
• Dairy-Free: Use plant milk and vegan butter
• Lower Sugar: Reduce sugar by 1/4 cup and add extra spices

Nutrition Information

• Approximately 285 calories
• 4g protein
• 52g carbs
• 7g fat

Final Thoughts

This versatile donut cake recipe brings bakery-quality flavor to your home kitchen with minimal effort. Whether you’re making individual donuts or a spectacular giant cake, the combination of tender crumb, perfect sweetness, and endless customization options makes this a recipe you’ll return to again and again. The beauty lies in its simplicity – with basic ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes professionally made while being completely achievable for home bakers of all skill levels!

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