Irresistible Frosted Donut Cake

Featured in Sweet Delights for Every Occasion.

This frosted donut cake is a dream for donut enthusiasts. Designed for a Bundt pan, the cake is rich, buttery, and super moist, delivering the classic flavor reminiscent of your favorite cake donuts. It comes together with an easy batter featuring all-purpose flour, sugar, butter, and a touch of vanilla, topped with a vibrant pink glaze and colorful sprinkles. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat, this cake pairs delightfully with coffee or tea. While the glaze adds sweetness, the cake itself freezes well before frosting, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

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Updated on Sat, 03 May 2025 12:45:37 GMT
A cake with pink frosting and sprinkles. Pin it
A cake with pink frosting and sprinkles. | cookingkeys.com

This donut cake is a delightful twist on the classic breakfast treat, transformed into a moist, decadent bundt cake that captures all the nostalgic flavors of a traditional cake donut. The pretty pink glaze and colorful sprinkles make it as beautiful as it is delicious.

I first made this donut cake for my daughter's birthday brunch when she requested something "fun but not too desserty" for a morning celebration. It was such a hit that it now makes regular appearances at our weekend family gatherings.

Ingredients

For the Glaze

How To Make Donut Cake

A cake with pink frosting and sprinkles. Pin it
A cake with pink frosting and sprinkles. | cookingkeys.com

My favorite part of this donut cake is how the outside develops that slight crust reminiscent of a fresh cake donut while the inside stays incredibly moist. My grandmother used to take us for donuts every Sunday morning, and this cake brings back those memories with every bite. The pink glaze always makes everyone smile.

Storage Tips

A cake with pink frosting and sprinkles. Pin it
A cake with pink frosting and sprinkles. | cookingkeys.com

Perfect Serving Suggestions

Making Ahead Options

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce the additional salt in the dry ingredients by half to balance the flavors.

→ What can I use instead of pink gel coloring?

Alternative options include natural beet powder, raspberry puree, or simply omitting the food coloring for a white glaze.

→ How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?

Thoroughly grease the Bundt pan with baking spray and ensure every crevice is coated. Let the cake cool slightly before inverting onto a wire rack.

→ Can this cake be made gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

→ Is the glaze necessary for this cake?

No, the cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds sweetness and a fun, decorative touch.

Frosted Donut Cake Delight

Moist frosted donut cake topped with glaze and sprinkles. Perfect for breakfast or dessert!

Prep Time
25 Minutes
Cook Time
55 Minutes
Total Time
80 Minutes

Category: Desserts

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For Cake

01 2 3/4 cups (345 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
02 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 1 teaspoon salt
04 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
05 1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
06 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
08 1 cup whole milk, room temperature

→ For Glaze

09 2 1/2 cups (250 g) powdered sugar, sifted
10 4–5 tablespoons whole milk
11 Pinch of salt
12 Pink gel food coloring (optional)
13 Sprinkles, as desired

Instructions

Step 01

Adjust the oven rack to the center and preheat to 350°F. Spray a 10-12 cup bundt pan thoroughly with baking spray.

Step 02

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

Step 03

In a large bowl or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar for 3-4 minutes on medium. Scrape down the bowl sides.

Step 04

Add eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated. Then mix in the vanilla extract. Scrape down bowl sides as needed.

Step 05

Alternate adding half of the dry ingredients and half of the milk into the wet mixture until fully combined. Do not overmix. Transfer batter to the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Step 06

Bake for 45-55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and the cake springs back when touched. Let cool for 10 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a wire rack or plate. Cool completely before glazing.

Step 07

Whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Add salt and food coloring (optional), mixing well. Drizzle over the cooled cake and top with sprinkles.

Notes

  1. Store tightly covered at room temperature.
  2. Cake may be frozen before frosting. Wrap tightly in two layers of plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature.

Tools You'll Need

  • 10-12 cup bundt pan
  • Wire rack
  • Large bowl or stand mixer
  • Offset spatula
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (flour).
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk).
  • Contains eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 360
  • Total Fat: 16 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Protein: 4.5 g