If you love the fluffy sweetness of donuts and the rich texture of cake, then donut cake is your new favorite dessert. These creative treats combine the best of both worlds—moist cake layers shaped like donuts, baked in fun molds, or decorated to look like classic glazed rings. Whether you’re baking for a birthday, brunch, or just because, these donut cake recipes are simple, delicious, and sure to impress.
Key Takeaways
- Donut cakes merge two beloved desserts: They offer the soft, cake-like crumb of a traditional cake with the playful shape and flavor of donuts.
- Perfect for themed parties: Their fun, circular design makes them ideal for birthdays, baby showers, or breakfast-themed celebrations.
- Easy to customize: Add sprinkles, chocolate glaze, fruit fillings, or flavored frostings to match any taste or occasion.
- Great for beginners: Most donut cake recipes use simple ingredients and straightforward techniques—no advanced baking skills required.
- Can be made ahead: These cakes store well and often taste even better the next day, making them perfect for meal prep or gifting.
- Use donut pans or creative molds: You can bake donut cakes in specialty pans, Bundt pans, or even repurpose muffin tins for mini versions.
- Kid-friendly and fun: Let children help with decorating—sprinkles, colored icing, and candy toppings make baking a joyful activity.
📑 Table of Contents
What Is a Donut Cake?
If you’ve never heard of a donut cake, you’re in for a sweet surprise. A donut cake is exactly what it sounds like—a cake that looks and tastes like a giant donut. It’s not just a regular cake with donut-shaped decorations; it’s baked to mimic the soft, tender crumb of a classic cake donut, often with a hole in the center and a glossy glaze on top. Think of it as the lovechild of a fluffy vanilla cake and a cinnamon-sugar donut—only bigger, bolder, and perfect for sharing.
These cakes are incredibly versatile. You can make them in a single large ring shape, bake them as mini donut cakes in a muffin tin, or even stack layers to create a towering donut-inspired cake. The best part? They’re not complicated. With a few simple ingredients and the right pan, you can whip up a show-stopping dessert that looks fancy but tastes like comfort in every bite.
Why Donut Cakes Are Gaining Popularity
Donut cakes are more than just a fun twist—they’re a hit at parties, brunches, and family gatherings. Their whimsical shape instantly grabs attention, and their familiar flavor profile makes them a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re a great way to get creative in the kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, donut cakes offer a low-pressure way to experiment with flavors, colors, and decorations.
Another reason for their rise? Social media. A beautifully glazed donut cake covered in rainbow sprinkles or drizzled with chocolate is Instagram gold. People love sharing photos of their homemade creations, and donut cakes are photogenic by nature. But beyond the aesthetics, they deliver on taste—moist, sweet, and satisfying.
Essential Tools for Baking Donut Cakes
Before you start mixing batter, make sure you have the right tools. The most important item is a donut pan. These come in two main types: non-stick metal pans and silicone molds. Metal pans heat evenly and give a crispier edge, while silicone is flexible and easy to clean—great for beginners.
Donut Pans vs. Alternative Baking Methods
If you don’t have a donut pan, don’t worry. You can still make a donut cake using a Bundt pan—just fill it about two-thirds full to avoid overflow. Alternatively, use a muffin tin to bake mini donut cakes. These bite-sized versions are perfect for parties or portion control. For a truly creative approach, some bakers use a round cake pan and cut out the center after baking to form the classic donut shape.
Other helpful tools include a stand mixer or hand mixer, a silicone spatula, a piping bag for glaze, and a cooling rack. A kitchen scale can also help ensure accurate measurements, especially if you’re scaling up or down a recipe.
Classic Vanilla Donut Cake Recipe
Let’s dive into a simple, foolproof recipe for a classic vanilla donut cake. This version uses pantry staples and bakes up light, fluffy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a donut pan or Bundt pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the sugar and butter until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in the vanilla.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mix. Mix until just combined—don’t overmix. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan, filling each cavity about two-thirds full.
Bake for 20–25 minutes (for a Bundt) or 12–15 minutes (for mini donut cakes), or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Glazing and Decorating
For a classic glaze, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Drizzle over the cooled cake. Add sprinkles, crushed nuts, or colored sugar for extra flair. For a chocolate twist, melt ½ cup chocolate chips with 1 tablespoon butter and drizzle over the top.
Chocolate Donut Cake with Espresso Glaze
Craving something rich and indulgent? This chocolate donut cake delivers deep cocoa flavor with a hint of coffee to enhance the chocolate. The espresso glaze adds a grown-up touch that pairs perfectly with a morning coffee or afternoon treat.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your donut or Bundt pan. Whisk dry ingredients in one bowl. In another, whisk oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, and coffee. Combine wet and dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
Pour into the pan and bake for 22–28 minutes (Bundt) or 14–16 minutes (mini). Cool completely before glazing.
Espresso Glaze
Mix 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder. Whisk until smooth and drizzle over the cake. Let set before serving.
Funfetti Donut Cake for Celebrations
Nothing says celebration like a funfetti donut cake. Packed with rainbow sprinkles and topped with a creamy vanilla glaze, this cake is a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or just adding a pop of joy to your day.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk
- ½ cup rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
Follow the same mixing method as the vanilla cake, folding in the sprinkles at the very end to prevent bleeding. Bake as directed. For the glaze, use the vanilla glaze recipe and add a few extra sprinkles on top while the glaze is still wet.
Tips for Perfect Donut Cakes Every Time
Even simple recipes can go wrong if you skip a few key steps. Here are some pro tips to ensure your donut cakes turn out moist, fluffy, and delicious.
Don’t Overmix the Batter
Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined—lumps are okay.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Cold eggs and butter don’t blend well. Let them sit out for 30 minutes before baking for a smoother batter.
Grease Your Pan Well
Even non-stick pans need a light coating of butter or non-stick spray. For extra insurance, dust with flour.
Let the Cake Cool Before Glazing
Hot cake will melt the glaze. Wait until it’s completely cool—or at least room temperature—before adding toppings.
Store Properly
Keep donut cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. They also freeze well—wrap tightly and thaw before serving.
Creative Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the basics, the sky’s the limit. Try a lemon donut cake with a tangy lemon glaze, or a cinnamon sugar version with a brown sugar swirl. Add fresh berries, chocolate chips, or even a layer of Nutella for extra decadence.
You can also make a donut cake “tower” by stacking mini donut cakes with frosting between layers. Or go seasonal—pumpkin spice in fall, peppermint glaze in winter, or strawberry filling in spring.
Conclusion
Donut cakes are more than just a fun dessert—they’re a celebration of creativity, flavor, and joy. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these recipes are easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. With the right tools and a little imagination, you can turn a simple cake into a show-stopping centerpiece that brings smiles to everyone’s face. So grab your donut pan, preheat the oven, and get baking—your taste buds will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a donut cake and a regular cake?
A donut cake is baked in the shape of a donut, often with a hole in the center, and has a texture similar to cake donuts—soft, moist, and slightly denser than a traditional layer cake. It’s typically glazed like a donut, giving it a sweet, shiny finish.
Can I make donut cakes without a donut pan?
Yes! You can use a Bundt pan, muffin tin, or even a round cake pan and cut out the center after baking. These alternatives work great and still give you that classic donut look.
How do I prevent my donut cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease the pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray, and consider dusting it with flour. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing to avoid breakage.
Can I freeze donut cakes?
Absolutely. Wrap cooled cakes tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing or serving.
What’s the best way to store a glazed donut cake?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If the glaze is very thin, refrigerate to prevent it from becoming too runny.
Can I make donut cakes gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure all other ingredients, like baking powder and sprinkles, are certified gluten-free.