A giant vanilla donut-shaped cake, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze and colorful sprinkles, perfect for birthdays or any sweet occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Vanilla Jumbo Donut Cake is a fun and festive twist on traditional birthday cake. Its moist, tender crumb and classic vanilla flavor pair beautifully with a silky vanilla glaze. The colorful sprinkles add a playful, celebratory touch, making it perfect for parties or any occasion where you want a show-stopping dessert that’s both whimsical and delicious.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 cup sour cream
For the Vanilla Glaze:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Decoration:
Rainbow sprinkles (optional)
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a large donut pan or Bundt pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3–4 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
Alternately add dry ingredients and milk with sour cream to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake the Cake
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on a wire rack.
Prepare the Vanilla Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
Glaze the Cake
Pour the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip naturally down the sides. Immediately sprinkle rainbow sprinkles over the glaze for a festive finish.
Serve
Slice and enjoy this delightful vanilla donut cake at your next celebration or sweet treat occasion.
Servings and timing
Makes 12 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per slice
Variations
- Add lemon zest to the batter for a citrus twist.
- Substitute half the milk with coconut milk for a tropical note.
- Use chocolate glaze instead of vanilla for a rich variation.
- Add a layer of fresh berries or jam beneath the glaze.
- Decorate with themed sprinkles for holidays or parties.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm slices slightly before serving for best texture. Avoid freezing the glazed cake as it may affect texture.
FAQs
Can I use a regular Bundt pan?
Yes, a Bundt pan works well if a donut pan isn’t available.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking?
Grease the pan thoroughly and dust with flour or use a non-stick baking spray.
Can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Adjust powdered sugar or milk to achieve desired consistency.
Can I prepare this cake in advance?
Yes, bake the cake a day ahead and glaze just before serving.
Are the sprinkles necessary?
No, they add a fun, colorful touch but can be omitted.
Can I use a different flavor extract?
Almond or coconut extracts work nicely as alternatives.
How do I get a smooth glaze?
Sift powdered sugar before mixing and whisk until fully combined.
What’s the best way to slice this cake?
Use a serrated knife and slice gently for clean pieces.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
How should I serve leftovers?
Store covered at room temperature and enjoy within a few days.
Conclusion
Vanilla Jumbo Donut Cake is a delightful and eye-catching dessert that combines classic vanilla flavors with playful presentation. Its moist texture and glossy vanilla glaze, accented by colorful sprinkles, make it a perfect centerpiece for birthdays, celebrations, or anytime you want a cheerful and delicious cake.

Vanilla Jumbo Donut Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A giant vanilla donut-shaped cake, topped with a smooth vanilla glaze and colorful sprinkles, perfect for birthdays or any sweet occasion.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For Decoration:
- Rainbow sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a large donut pan or bundt pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients with milk and sour cream, mixing until just combined.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire rack.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Pour glaze over cooled cake, letting it drip down sides.
- Immediately sprinkle with rainbow sprinkles.
- Slice and serve.
Notes
- Use a donut pan for authentic shape; bundt pan works as alternative.
- Do not overmix batter to keep cake tender.
- Glaze should be pourable but not too thin for best coverage.
- Sprinkles add a festive touch but are optional.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and glazing
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: Approx. 28 g
- Sodium: Approx. 160 mg
- Fat: Approx. 18 g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 40 g
- Fiber: Approx. 1 g
- Protein: Approx. 5 g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 85 mg