Giant Donut Cake

Giant Donut Cake is a playful and delicious dessert that resembles an oversized version of the classic donut. Made using a simple cake batter and decorated with colorful glaze and sprinkles, this cake is perfect for birthdays, parties, or any occasion where you want to impress with both taste and appearance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun and Festive: Its donut shape and vibrant glaze make it visually striking and fun to serve.

• Simple to Prepare: Uses standard cake ingredients and a bundt pan for the iconic donut look.

• Customizable: Change up the flavors, glazes, and decorations to suit your style or event theme.

• Great for Celebrations: A creative alternative to traditional birthday cakes or cupcakes.

• No Special Tools Needed: A bundt pan gives it the perfect donut shape without needing a specialty mold.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• For the Cake:

  • All-purpose flour

  • Baking powder

  • Salt

  • Unsalted butter, softened

  • Granulated sugar

  • Eggs

  • Vanilla extract

  • Milk

• For the Glaze:

  • Confectioners’ sugar

  • Milk

  • Vanilla extract

  • Food coloring (optional, for a classic donut look)

• For Decoration:

  • Sprinkles (rainbow, chocolate, or themed to your liking)

Directions

1. Prepare the Cake
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly.
   In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
   In a separate large bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
   Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
   Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, mixing until just combined.
   Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.

2. Bake the Cake
   Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
   Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Make the Glaze
   In a bowl, combine confectioners’ sugar with milk and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
   Add food coloring if desired to mimic a traditional frosted donut.

4. Decorate the Cake
   Once the cake is completely cool, place it on a serving plate.
   Pour the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip naturally down the sides.
   Immediately top with sprinkles while the glaze is still wet.

5. Set and Serve
   Allow the glaze to set for about 15–20 minutes.
   Slice and serve your giant donut masterpiece.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes

• Baking Time: 40–45 minutes

• Cooling and Decorating Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Chocolate Version: Add cocoa powder to the batter and use a chocolate glaze.

• Filled Donut Cake: Slice the cake in half horizontally and fill with jam, whipped cream, or custard.

• Themed Glaze: Customize the glaze color and sprinkles to match holidays or events (e.g., red and green for Christmas, pastels for Easter).

• Mini Donuts: Use mini bundt pans to create individual-sized donut cakes.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Refrigeration: If the glaze contains dairy, it’s best to refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before serving.

• Freezing: The unglazed cake can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw and decorate before serving.

• Reheating: Not necessary. This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature.

FAQs

What type of pan should I use?

A standard bundt pan works perfectly to create the donut shape. A savarin mold can also be used.

Can I use a boxed cake mix?

Yes, a boxed vanilla or chocolate cake mix works well. Follow package directions and use a bundt pan.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking?

Grease and flour the bundt pan thoroughly, making sure to get into all the grooves.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, bake the cake a day ahead and glaze it just before serving to keep the glaze fresh and vibrant.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Check other ingredients for gluten as well.

How thick should the glaze be?

The glaze should be thick enough to coat the cake but still run slightly down the sides for that donut look.

Can I make a chocolate glaze?

Absolutely. Mix melted chocolate with heavy cream and a bit of butter for a glossy chocolate glaze.

What can I use instead of food coloring?

Leave the glaze white or use natural alternatives like beet juice or matcha powder for color.

Is this cake good for kids’ parties?

Yes, the donut theme and colorful appearance make it a fun choice for children’s celebrations.

Can I add mix-ins to the cake?

Yes, mini chocolate chips or rainbow sprinkles in the batter add fun texture and color.

Conclusion

The Giant Donut Cake is a delightful twist on traditional cake, combining playful presentation with rich flavor. Whether you’re hosting a party, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving a creative dessert, this cake delivers both style and substance. Customize it with your favorite colors, glazes, and toppings for a memorable treat everyone will love.