Donut cake is the dessert that’s stealing the show at birthdays, brunches, and weddings — and for good reason. It brings together the best of both worlds: the shape and glaze of a classic donut, and the richness and fluffiness of a moist, baked cake. If you’ve ever dreamed of a giant donut you can slice like a cake, you’re not alone — and this guide will show you exactly how to make it happen.
In this all-in-one article, we’ll explore how to make donut cakes from scratch, what ingredients and tools you’ll need, and whether baking or frying delivers the best result. We’ll also cover creative topping ideas, decorating tips, and even how to store leftovers like a pro. Whether you’re making a donut cake for a party or a cozy weekend treat, you’ll find everything you need right here.
Table of Contents
What Is a Donut Cake?
– Origins of Donut Cake: From Trend to Treat
The donut cake trend has quickly turned into a dessert staple, especially on party tables and dessert buffets. With its oversized donut shape and cake-like texture, it offers a playful and delicious alternative to traditional cakes or donuts. Originally popularized by social media bakers, donut cakes have gone viral thanks to their visual appeal and customizable flavor profiles.
You can keep it simple with a classic vanilla glaze or go bold with flavors like chocolate espresso or lemon zest. Whatever your choice, this cake-donut hybrid is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Discover great ideas like our Banana Donuts, perfect for flavor inspiration when customizing your donut cake.
Print
Donut Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
A fun, oversized donut-shaped cake that’s moist, rich, and perfect for parties, brunches, and weddings. Customize with glazes, toppings, and creative flavors for an unforgettable dessert centerpiece.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) or oil
- 1 cup buttermilk or milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg, ¼ cup cocoa powder, ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream, food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325–350°F (160–175°C). Generously grease and flour a donut-shaped or bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar for 3–5 minutes until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract or other flavor extracts.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and optional spices or cocoa powder.
- Alternately mix in dry ingredients and buttermilk (or milk/yogurt), starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Fold in any mix-ins like chocolate chips, fruit, or nuts if using.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, filling about two-thirds full. Smooth top.
- Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 10–15 minutes, then invert onto wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare glaze of choice (vanilla, chocolate, maple, lemon). Drizzle or pour over cooled cake.
- Add toppings like sprinkles, crushed cookies, fruit, or mini donuts while glaze is tacky.
Notes
For best texture, use room temperature ingredients and avoid overmixing the batter. Customize with flavors like pumpkin spice or red velvet for themed events.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
– How Donut Cake Differs From Regular Cakes and Donuts
While it resembles an oversized donut, a donut cake is usually baked in a large ring mold and served in slices like a classic cake. Unlike fried donuts, which are often airy inside, donut cakes have a richer, denser crumb — much like a pound cake or bundt cake. They’re often glazed or frosted like donuts but served in cake portions, making them easier for parties or special events.
Let’s break it down in this comparison table:
| Feature | Donut Cake | Regular Cake | Traditional Donut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shape | Ring (donut-like) | Round, sheet, tiered | Small ring or filled |
| Texture | Moist, dense | Fluffy or dense | Light, airy |
| Method | Baked | Baked | Fried |
| Toppings | Glaze, sprinkles | Frosting, fondant | Glaze, powdered sugar |
Check out our Buttermilk Donuts for a closer look at classic donut flavors that work well in cake form.
Want to add a fruity twist? Don’t miss our Blueberry Donuts, a fun way to bring berry flavor into your next donut cake.
Ingredients
– Essential Ingredients for Classic and Gourmet Versions
To make a delicious and visually stunning donut cake, your ingredients should combine the richness of cake batter with the nostalgic flavor of donuts. Whether you’re going classic or gourmet, the base ingredients stay largely the same — it’s the flavorings, fillings, and toppings that change the game.
Basic Donut Cake Ingredients:
- All-purpose flour – For structure and a balanced crumb
- Granulated sugar – Sweetness and tender texture
- Baking powder/soda – Leavening agents for a good rise
- Salt – Flavor enhancer
- Eggs – For moisture, richness, and structure
- Butter or oil – Butter gives richness; oil keeps the cake moist
- Milk or buttermilk – Adds softness; buttermilk gives a slight tang
- Vanilla extract – Essential for that classic donut aroma
Optional Add-ins for Gourmet Twists:
- Cinnamon or nutmeg – Warm spice flavors found in old-fashioned donuts
- Cocoa powder – For chocolate donut cakes
- Maple or almond extract – For unique flavor profiles
- Greek yogurt or sour cream – Adds moisture and tenderness
- Food coloring – Great for themed donut cakes
Looking for flavor variety? Don’t miss our Vanilla Cake with Raspberry Filling for a sweet, fruity variation that pairs well with a donut glaze.
– Tools and Bakeware for Donut Cake Success
A well-made donut cake isn’t just about the batter — your tools can make or break the final presentation. Here’s what you’ll need for foolproof results every time:
Key Tools for Baking Donut Cake:
- Donut cake pan or bundt pan – Creates the signature ring shape
- Stand mixer or hand mixer – Ensures smooth, lump-free batter
- Mixing bowls (varied sizes) – For wet and dry ingredients
- Rubber spatula – Scrapes every bit of batter for no waste
- Cooling rack – Essential for setting the glaze properly
- Pastry brush or spoon – For glazing evenly
- Parchment paper – Helps prevent sticking and simplifies cleanup
Extra Tools for Advanced Donut Cakes:
- Squeeze bottle – For precision glaze application
- Cake turntable – If you plan to frost and decorate like a pro
- Offset spatula – Smooth frosting like a bakery expert
- Silicone donut molds (mini) – Great for making mini donut cakes as party favors
For a fun twist, explore our Labubu Ice Cream Cake—packed with creative toppings and made using unconventional molds.
Using the right equipment ensures your cake bakes evenly, releases easily, and presents beautifully. Even the finest batter can fail if you’re not using the right bakeware.
Step-by-Step
– Donut Cake Batter Basics: Texture, Flavor, and Balance
A successful donut cake starts with a balanced batter — not too dense like a pound cake, but sturdier than a sponge. You want that tender, donut-style crumb with just enough lift to rise beautifully in a ring mold.
Here’s how to build the perfect donut cake batter:
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
This is where the air gets incorporated. Beat room-temperature butter and sugar until light and fluffy — about 3–5 minutes. This helps your cake rise evenly.
Step 2: Add the Eggs One at a Time
Mix each egg thoroughly before adding the next. This prevents curdling and helps achieve a smooth, consistent texture.
Step 3: Add Flavor Extracts
A splash of vanilla extract is classic, but almond or maple can elevate your flavor. For chocolate versions, add cocoa powder during this stage.
Step 4: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients
Mix the dry (flour, baking powder/soda, salt) and wet (milk, buttermilk, or yogurt) ingredients in parts, starting and ending with the dry mix. Don’t over-mix, or you’ll lose tenderness.
Step 5: Optional Mix-ins
Fold in crushed cookies, chopped nuts, fruit bits, or chocolate chips to add texture and excitement.
Looking for rich frosting ideas to pair with your batter? Don’t miss our Chocolate Whipped Cream that complements any donut cake recipe.
– Shaping and Baking the Donut Cake Right
The baking process is what gives your donut cake its iconic look and firm-yet-moist texture. Using the right mold and technique ensures your cake doesn’t stick, overbake, or lose its shape.
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Generously grease a donut-shaped cake pan or bundt pan. Dust lightly with flour or use baking spray with flour included.
Step 2: Fill the Pan Properly
Fill the pan about two-thirds full to give the batter room to rise as it bakes. Use a spoon or spatula to even out the top — lumpy tops bake unevenly.
Step 3: Bake It at the Right Temp
Bake at 325°F to 350°F (160–175°C) depending on your oven. Most donut cakes take 35–45 minutes. Test the center with a toothpick—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Step 4: Cool Before Glazing
Let the cake rest in the pan for 10–15 minutes. Then carefully invert onto a wire rack and cool completely before decorating. Warm cake + glaze = a runny mess.
Looking to take it further? Our White Chocolate Mousse makes a fantastic filling for layered donut cakes.
Quick Baking Tips for Donut Cake:
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Use room-temp ingredients | Helps batter mix smoothly |
| Don’t over-mix | Prevents a rubbery cake |
| Preheat the oven | Ensures even baking |
| Check for doneness early | Prevents dry texture |
This part of the process makes all the difference between a mediocre cake and a jaw-dropping donut cake centerpiece.
Frostings and Glazes
– Choosing the Right Glaze: Chocolate, Vanilla, or Maple?
No donut cake is complete without a glossy, flavorful glaze to give it that classic donut shop finish. The glaze is the first thing your guests see — and the last thing they’ll taste. So getting it right matters. Depending on your flavor base, the glaze can be sweet and simple or complex and indulgent.
Classic Glaze Options :
| Glaze Flavor | Best For | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Vanilla Glaze | Birthday & party cakes | Powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract |
| Chocolate Glaze | Chocolate or espresso cakes | Cocoa powder, powdered sugar, milk, butter |
| Maple Glaze | Fall or nut-flavored cakes | Maple syrup, butter, powdered sugar |
| Lemon Glaze | Light, fruity donut cakes | Fresh lemon juice, zest, powdered sugar |
Each of these glazes can be adjusted for consistency. For a thick, donut-style topping, use less milk. For a thinner, drizzle-style glaze, add more liquid.
To ensure a smooth finish, always apply glaze to a completely cooled donut cake on a wire rack — with a baking sheet below to catch drips.
Don’t miss our Chocolate Marshmallow Ice Cream recipe if you’re craving that rich, sticky-sweet combo in your glaze ideas.
– Creative Toppings: From Sprinkles to Fresh Fruit
Once your donut cake is glazed, it’s time to dress it up. Toppings bring personality and color — turning your dessert from “yum” to “WOW.” Whether you’re going for a nostalgic vibe or a modern twist, there’s no wrong way to finish a donut cake.
Popular Topping Ideas:
- Sprinkles: Classic rainbow, chocolate jimmies, or pastel blends for seasonal themes
- Crushed candy or cookies: Oreos, toffee bits, or M&Ms for texture and flavor
- Fresh fruit: Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries — especially great with lemon or vanilla bases
- Chopped nuts: Pecans, almonds, or pistachios for crunch and contrast
- Mini donuts: Yes, mini cake donuts on top of a donut cake — because why not?
Pro Tip: Add toppings right after glazing while it’s still slightly tacky, so everything sticks perfectly.
If you want to take the visual up a notch, try swirling two glazes (like vanilla and strawberry) for a marbled look, or piping frosting details using a star tip for a bakery-style finish.
Check out our Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies for topping ideas like cookie crumbles that go great on chocolate donut cakes.
Variations of Donut Cake You’ll Love
One of the best parts about making a donut cake is the endless ways you can flavor it, size it, or style it. From mini donut cakes for parties to oversized ones perfect for slicing, there’s a version for every occasion. Let’s explore the most irresistible variations you’ll want to try next.
– Mini Donut Cakes vs Giant Donut Cake
Sometimes size really does matter — especially when it comes to dessert. Whether you’re hosting a birthday bash or just need something cute for brunch, choosing the right size donut cake makes a big difference.
Mini Donut Cakes
These bite-sized treats are baked in silicone donut molds or muffin tins, then stacked or displayed individually. They’re ideal for:
- Party favors
- Dessert bars
- Kid-friendly treats
- DIY toppings stations
Mini donut cakes are also a great way to test multiple flavors at once — try chocolate, lemon, and cinnamon sugar all in the same batch.
Giant Donut Cake
This is the showstopper — a single, oversized cake that looks like a huge donut. It’s made in a large ring mold or bundt pan and can be glazed, frosted, or layered.
Perfect for:
- Birthdays
- Baby showers
- Graduation parties
- Donut-lovers’ weddings
Looking for a donut cake with visual impact? Don’t miss our Labubu Ice Cream Cake for creative presentation inspiration.
– Flavored Donut Cakes: Pumpkin Spice, Lemon Zest, More
Beyond size, flavor is where your donut cake can really shine. Whether you’re leaning seasonal, fruity, or decadent, the batter and glaze are both blank canvases.
Trending Donut Cake Flavors:
- Pumpkin Spice: Made with pumpkin puree, cinnamon, cloves — topped with maple glaze.
- Lemon Zest: Light and tangy, often finished with a citrus glaze and fresh berries.
- Red Velvet: Rich, slightly tangy, often paired with cream cheese glaze.
- Cinnamon Sugar: Brushed with butter and rolled in cinnamon-sugar instead of traditional glaze.
- Chocolate Fudge: Deep cocoa flavor, topped with chocolate ganache or sprinkles.
- Vanilla Funfetti: Classic birthday vibes with rainbow sprinkles inside and out.
Feeling festive? Incorporate crushed peppermint, orange zest, or even matcha powder for a modern twist.
Don’t miss our Blueberry Dump Cake for berry-based cake flavor ideas that pair well with a simple glaze.
These donut cake variations are more than just delicious — they’re also fun to make, easy to customize, and guaranteed to please any crowd. Whether you’re keeping it classic or going bold with flavor, the key is balance: not too sweet, not too dense, and just enough wow factor to make it unforgettable.
Are Donut Cakes Baked or Fried? Explained
One of the most common questions about donut cake is whether it’s baked like a traditional cake or fried like a classic donut. The answer depends on the recipe, but in most home kitchens, donut cakes are baked — and here’s why.
– The Science Behind Cake Donuts
To understand how donut cakes are made, it helps to look at cake donuts first. Cake donuts differ from yeast donuts in that they’re leavened with baking powder or soda, making them denser and eliminating the need for proofing. They’re denser, more crumbly, and — you guessed it — closer in texture to cake.
Traditionally, cake donuts are fried in hot oil. Scaling up to cake size makes frying messy, inconsistent, and far less practical. That’s why most donut cakes are baked in a donut-shaped pan or bundt mold.
So while the flavor of a donut cake may echo your favorite fried treat, the method usually doesn’t involve oil at all.
Check out our Tres Leches Cake to learn how baked cakes can absorb moisture and flavor just like fried treats.
– Pros and Cons of Frying vs Baking a Donut Cake
If you’re tempted to deep fry your donut cake (yes, it’s possible — though rare), it’s good to weigh the differences. Here’s how baking and frying compare for donut-style cakes:
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Baking | Easier, cleaner, better for large cakes | Texture slightly less “donut-like” |
| Frying | Crispy exterior, authentic donut texture | Messy, harder to control, risk of sogginess |
Why Baking Wins for Donut Cakes:
- Easier for home bakers
- Allows for creative flavors and fillings
- Bakes evenly in ring pans
- Healthier and less greasy
- Safer and cleaner than frying a large item
If you’re after a slightly crisp outer layer, try brushing the cake with butter and baking for a few extra minutes, or briefly toasting slices before serving.
Looking for more cake-based treats with interesting textures? Don’t miss our Chocolate Raspberry Cake — it has rich layers and fruit flavor in every bite.
DDecorating and Presenting Your Donut-Inspired Cake
After baking and glazing, it’s time to make your dessert look just as good as it tastes. The way you style and present this ring-shaped treat can turn a simple bake into a show-stopping centerpiece. Whether you’re planning a party or just love baking beautiful creations, decorating is where the magic happens.
– Styling Tips for Instagram-Worthy Desserts
First impressions count — especially on social media. Elevating the look of your cake doesn’t require professional training, just a few thoughtful details.
Ideas to Enhance Your Presentation:
- Use a pedestal stand to create height and draw attention
- Let glaze drip naturally over the edges for that signature look
- Match color themes with sprinkles, edible glitter, or icing
- Add edible flowers or fruit for freshness and pop
- Top it off with mini baked treats or piped frosting swirls
- Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a professional touch
Looking for elegant decorating ideas? Our Heavenly Chocolate Cheesecake Trifle offers great inspiration for layering, color contrast, and plating.
For something bold and playful, consider swirling two glaze colors — like vanilla and raspberry — or even using crushed cookies as edible décor.
– Creative Displays for Birthdays, Weddings, and Parties
Want to really wow your guests? Don’t just decorate — present your creation with flair. The setup can elevate your dessert table and set the tone for your event.
Display Suggestions by Occasion:
| Event | Display Tips |
|---|---|
| Birthday Bash | Add colorful candles, themed toppers, and arrange on a bright party table |
| Wedding Reception | Use white glaze, floral accents, and gold-dusted details |
| Baby Shower | Decorate with soft pastel sprinkles and custom name tags |
| Kids’ Party | Pair with mini donuts and serve on tiered trays with cartoon picks |
| Bridal Shower | Coordinate decorations with tableware and floral arrangements |
Want even more display creativity? Check out our Cupcake Oreos — perfect inspiration for playful, themed toppers and serving ideas.
You can even design a mini dessert bar with multiple flavors and toppings, letting guests pick their favorites. It’s fun, interactive, and makes for amazing photos.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Make-Ahead Tips
You’ve baked, glazed, and styled it — now it’s time to make sure your dessert stays fresh. Knowing how to properly store and preserve your treat helps maintain its flavor and texture, whether you’re serving it the same day or later in the week.
– How to Store It Without Losing Moisture
Storing this cake correctly means you can enjoy every last slice without sacrificing softness or flavor.
Short-Term Storage (1–2 Days):
- Room Temperature: If your dessert doesn’t include fresh fruit or cream-based glazes, it’s fine to leave it out. Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or use a cake dome. Avoid airtight containers, as they trap too much moisture and may cause the topping to get sticky.
- Refrigeration: For versions with perishable toppings or fillings, refrigeration is a safer choice. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to restore its softness.
Pro Tips:
- Cover the cut surface to prevent it from drying out.
- Store away from strong odors — desserts tend to absorb smells from the fridge.
- Avoid stacking items on top of the cake to preserve your decorations.
– Freezing and Reheating Properly
Need to prep ahead of a party? You can freeze your cake — and still serve it looking and tasting fresh.
How to Freeze:
- Cool the cake fully after baking.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
For best results, freeze it before adding glaze or toppings. Thawed icing often becomes runny or uneven.
Thawing Instructions:
- Transfer to the refrigerator 24 hours before needed.
- Let sit at room temperature for 1–2 hours before decorating or slicing.
Reheating Tips:
- Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
- For the whole cake, warm in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil, for 10 minutes.
Check out our Red Velvet Brownies for another great make-ahead dessert that handles freezing well.
FAQs
Are cake donuts fried?
Traditionally, cake donuts are fried in oil, giving them a slightly crunchy exterior and tender interior. However, they can also be baked — especially in home kitchens where frying isn’t practical.
When you scale a cake donut up to make a donut cake, baking is almost always the go-to method. It’s easier, cleaner, and safer, while still delivering that signature donut flavor and texture.
How do you make a donut cake?
To make a donut cake, follow these simple steps:
Prepare a donut-shaped or bundt cake pan.
Make the batter using a recipe similar to cake donuts (with flour, sugar, eggs, butter/oil, milk, and flavorings).
Pour into the greased pan, filling it 2/3 full.
Bake at 325°F–350°F for 35–45 minutes.
Cool completely, then glaze or frost as desired.
Decorate with sprinkles, nuts, or fruit for that donut-style flair.
Want to see a real-life version? Check out our Chocolate Donut Cake — it’s rich, moist, and perfect for any occasion.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting a birthday party, planning a bridal shower, or simply craving something playful and sweet, a donut cake is the ultimate dessert upgrade. From choosing the right batter and glaze to decorating it like a showstopper, this donut-meets-cake combo is as versatile as it is delightful.
You don’t need bakery skills to pull it off — just quality ingredients, a good mold, and a little creativity. Want something fruity? Try our Blueberry Donuts. Going bold? Our Chocolate Raspberry Cake can spark flavor ideas.
Don’t miss our Vanilla Cake with Raspberry Filling for inspiration on fruit fillings that work beautifully inside donut cakes.
Happy baking — and don’t forget to snap a photo before slicing!
Fore more recipes follow me in Facebook, medium and Pinterest
