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Giant Donut Cake

August 11, 2016 by Cakegirls

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial by our contributors, Mary and Brenda Maher of Cakegirls.

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

So, I think it’s pretty safe to say that everyone loves a good donut. They’re not just sweet little wheels of deliciousness, but covered in colorful glaze and sprinkles, they just scream fun. And well, the only thing better than a donut, is a giant donut cake. Since we’ve seen the all-occasion sheet cake time and time again, this is the perfect upgrade to whip up for a best friend’s birthday, a tween sleepover or the monthly office birthday get together.

How to make a Giant Donut Cake!  | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

The best part is that it’s not only easy to make but it’s really easy to customize as well. Change the frosting to chocolate and add white glaze, switch the sprinkles to neon, add drizzle, glitter or gum balls and you’ll end up with a different cake each time. You can use your favorite from scratch cake recipe for the inside, but you’ll need a good classic American buttercream recipe for the outside in order to get a fairly smooth finish. Once you add your fondant on top, you’ll want to paint it with our easy-to-make edible lacquer to get that “glazy” shine before showering your donut with sprinkles and nonpareils.  Don’t worry, we’ll show you how in the tutorial below.

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

DONUT CAKE
a tutorial by Cakegirls

Supplies:
10″ Donut Shaped Pan
Gel Paste Food Colors, (pink, brown, yellow)
8 oz. Tub of Pink Fondant
Pastel Confetti Quins
White Non Pareils
1 Tablespoon Corn Syrup
1 Tablespoon Vodka or Clear Extract
Paintbrush

Bake your desired cake recipe in the donut shaped cake pan. Be sure to thoroughly grease and flour the pan before adding your batter so that the cake pops out easily. Once cooled, wrap in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer so that it will firm up for the icing layer. Leave the cake in the freezer until it’s very firm…about 2 hours or so.

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Make your buttercream frosting while the cake is chilling. Tint 1/4 of your batch of buttercream hot pink, tint the remaining buttercream a tan color (we used brown + yellow gel paste).

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Slice your cake in half. Use a spoon to dig out a trench in the middle of the cake about 1″ wide. We didn’t “scrape” the trench out, we used a spoon to “scoop” the trench out, which made it a bit easier.

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Pipe pink icing into the trench. Then, use the back of the spoon to press the icing down inside the trench to make sure it’s really stuck and smeared in there. (Trust us, we didn’t do this right the first time and the filling fell out when the cake was flipped…oops!)

Place your cakes in the freezer for 15 minutes or so, until the icing in the trench is firm. Then flip the top half onto the bottom half (We just winged this, and used our hands to flip it)

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

 

Ice the donut in a thin crumbcoat layer to seal in any crumbs. Then generously coat the donut in tan icing.

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Place the cake in the fridge until the icing gets firm (15 minutes or so),  Dip your spatula in hot water, shake off the excess and smooth out the cake as best possible. This does not need to be perfect, in fact it looks more like a fried donut if it’s left a little rustic.

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Place your cake in the fridge while you work on the next step. Use a pencil to trace your pan shape onto wax or parchment paper, this will give you a guide as to how big you should make your fondant “glaze”. Cut out the template.

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Roll out your fondant bigger than the template and instead of cutting directly around the ring, cut waves around the edge of the template, which will look like drips when the fondant is put on top. If you have rough edges like we did, use your finger to smooth and soften them.

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Remove your cake from the fridge and lift and place the fondant on top.

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

In order for the fondant to really look like glaze, we painted a layer of edible lacquer. Mix together one tablespoon of corn syrup with one tablespoon of vodka (or very high proof alcohol). Use a paintbrush to apply the glaze. Immediately add the sprinkles on top so that they stick and let the cake dry until the laquer is dry to the touch.

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Voila! You now have a giant donut cake. Enjoy!

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

Giant Donut Cake! Learn how to make this adorable, sprinkle-coated, giant donut cake with a simple step-by-step tutorial | by Cakegirls for TheCakeBlog.com

 


MORE DONUT RECIPES TO TRY:

  • Donut Cake Pops
  • Baked Apple Donuts
  • Lemon Poppy Seed Donuts

August 11, 2016 by Cakegirls

Cakegirls , CONTRIBUTORS

Cakegirls are sisters Mary and Brenda Maher. After years of making cakes professionally, they now share their tips and tricks at www.thecakegirls.com, an online store where you can buy cake supplies, party accents and see D.I.Y. ideas for the inspired home baker. Read more about Mary and Brenda on their bio page.

connect with Cakegirls :

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Comments

  1. Cindy Dore says

    August 23, 2016 at 10:07 pm

    So lovely!

  2. Hayley says

    September 12, 2016 at 9:14 am

    Would it be possible to use ganache on top instead of fondant?

    • Carrie Sellman says

      September 27, 2016 at 11:33 am

      Absolutely Hayley!

  3. Mare says

    September 26, 2016 at 9:45 am

    I have made this cake twice in the last two weeks! Really easy to do but always seems to impress! The first time I made the cake exactly as above. The second time I substituted the ring of buttercream for a ring of strawberry pie filling so it was more like a jelly donut. Worked perfectly. Thanks for sharing your creativity ladies!

    • Carrie Sellman says

      September 27, 2016 at 11:34 am

      Love the idea of using strawberry pie filling Mare! Sounds absolutely delicious!!

  4. Dieselle says

    November 13, 2016 at 1:31 pm

    Seriously fun idea for a cake!
    I have the 9 inch Fat Daddio ProSeries 9-Inch Tube Cake Pan…. (which is rounded on the bottom). I am going to use this pan.

    My question is how much batter do I use?
    Would you use batter for a 2-layer 9 inch cake in one pan or would you make two separate layers
    Thank you so much for your guidance.

    • Carrie Sellman says

      May 23, 2017 at 9:44 am

      This capacity chart from Fat Daddio’s will help you determine how much batter you need for your specific pan.

  5. san says

    January 5, 2017 at 4:11 pm

    hello. Don you have to trench both side of the cake???

  6. Jill says

    January 9, 2017 at 7:15 pm

    Does the alcohol in the glaze evaporate? It’s only a little bit, but this is for a kids party.
    Thanks!

    • Carrie Sellman says

      May 23, 2017 at 9:49 am

      You could substitute a clear extract, like clear vanilla, for the alcohol in the glaze.

    • Brenda T says

      April 10, 2020 at 10:40 am

      Can I make and use chocolate fondant or marshmallow fondant? I dislike the taste of most storebought fondant. Thanks!

  7. Lyndi miller says

    January 18, 2017 at 4:31 pm

    Thanks for the tutorial! I plan on making this for my son, only I’ll be adding Homer Simpson 😊

  8. Elizabeth says

    January 19, 2017 at 1:21 pm

    How many cups of batter do you use for this cake. Thanks!

    • Carrie Sellman says

      May 23, 2017 at 9:58 am

      The amount of batter you use will depend on your specific donut pan. The 10″ ring mold pan used in this tutorial has a 7 cup capacity.

  9. Marisela says

    February 13, 2017 at 1:31 pm

    This cake is adorable! I’ve been on a donut kick lately, so a GIANT donut is an awesome idea!

  10. Nadia Ng says

    April 12, 2017 at 9:35 am

    Hi!
    Must it be American buttercream for the icing?
    I live in Singapore and usually SMBC holds up a bit better in our weather.
    Could I use SMBC instead of American buttercream?
    Thanks!

    • Carrie Sellman says

      April 14, 2017 at 8:39 pm

      Sure, SMBC would work just as well! Enjoy!

  11. Megan Jackson says

    May 7, 2017 at 9:23 am

    How much cake batter would be needed for this?

    • Carrie Sellman says

      May 23, 2017 at 9:58 am

      The amount of batter you use will depend on your specific donut pan. The 10″ ring mold pan used in this tutorial has a 7 cup capacity.

  12. Brittany says

    May 22, 2017 at 1:17 pm

    OK I am confused? Where are the ingredients and directions for the batter?

    • Carrie Sellman says

      May 23, 2017 at 10:00 am

      You can use any cake recipe you’d like – from scratch or from a mix!

  13. susan says

    June 12, 2017 at 7:56 am

    wanna try this for my litlle boy

  14. H Boone08 says

    June 30, 2017 at 9:41 am

    How many servings will you get from this? Thanks!

    • Carrie Sellman says

      July 6, 2017 at 9:03 am

      You’ll get about 12 servings from the 10″ ring mold pan like the one used in this tutorial.

  15. Reana Jolene Abreu 6th grade. says

    July 12, 2017 at 9:39 am

    Hi,
    thank you for pinning this I made this for my self for my 11th birthday witch was yesterday.

    • Carrie Sellman says

      September 27, 2017 at 10:57 am

      Great job Reana! Happy {belated} Birthday!

  16. Amalfi says

    August 1, 2017 at 12:47 pm

    The only thing better than a bunch of regular sized donuts is one big donut cake. This is adorable! The way you placed the donut ‘icing’ is spot on. It is too cute. Thank you for sharing.

  17. Jess says

    September 26, 2017 at 7:08 am

    Hello! Cake is fabulous I was wondering if you “trench” on both halves of the cake? Thank you so much!

    • Carrie Sellman says

      September 27, 2017 at 10:58 am

      Yes, you’ll want to “trench” it on both halves of the cake. Enjoy!

  18. Tricia says

    October 13, 2017 at 7:38 am

    My daughter’s birthday theme is donuts and I can’t wait to make this! Absolutely adorable. I’m planning on making 5 different donuts to represent how old she is can I make them the day before and refrigerate?

    • Carrie Sellman says

      October 13, 2017 at 10:37 am

      Yes, you can definitely make this a day in advance. Unless there is something perishable in your cake or frosting of choice, then it will keep best at room temperature. Fondant can absorb moisture in the refrigerator, causing it to sweat and sag after taking it out. Hope your daughter has a great birthday!

      • Tricia Powell says

        October 13, 2017 at 3:54 pm

        I’m planning on making the donuts different fillings like homemade strawberry filling and cannoli filling that’s got mascarpone and ricotta. I guess I could always put the fondant top in the morning of the party

        • Carrie Sellman says

          October 16, 2017 at 11:13 am

          Absolutely! Sometimes fondant will do fine in the refrigerator, other times it doesn’t. It comes down to how much moisture is in your specific refrigerator. So adding the fondant on the morning of the party is the safest bet.

  19. Jackie M. says

    October 26, 2017 at 9:23 pm

    This cake is adorable! I have the same 10” cake pan that I’ll be using with 7 cups of cake batter. Do you recommend baking it at 350 degrees? Thank you!

    • Carrie Sellman says

      October 27, 2017 at 9:52 am

      Yes, 350F is perfect!

  20. Jill S says

    November 7, 2017 at 8:53 am

    Where did you get your cake pan? I can only find traditional bundt pans that have a design, nothing smooth.

    • Carrie Sellman says

      November 8, 2017 at 9:12 am

      There is a link in the supply list above!

  21. Pea says

    January 6, 2018 at 2:16 am

    This cake is SO adorable! I’m making it in 2 weeks for my daughter’s 9th birthday. I plan on doing a pillowy marshmallow filling in the centre, otherwise keeping it the same. Would a clear butter extract (Wilton) work for the fondant? Keeping my fingers crossed it’s as pretty as yours! 🍩
    If anyone has made recently and has any tips, it would be appreciated 🙂

    • Carrie Sellman says

      January 11, 2018 at 12:41 pm

      The marshmallow filling sounds delicious! As for the clear butter extract – any clear extract will work. Just be sure you like the flavor since you’re applying it in a somewhat concentrated form and it will not bake off. A clear vanilla would work nicely as well. Hope you daughter loves it!

  22. Sophia says

    January 15, 2018 at 3:00 pm

    Hi! I used your tutorial to make this giant donut cake for my baby girl’s Dinos and Donuts 2nd birthday party, and it turned out absolutely fantastic! I used jam as filling instead of icing and I don’t think that was the greatest idea because it left a hole once it soaked into the cake. So I made it again with jam on the bottom half and icing on the top half and it was perfect! Check out the pictures here: https://turquoisetoffee.wordpress.com/2018/01/15/dinos-and-donuts-2nd-birthday-party-for-baby-j/

    • Carrie Sellman says

      January 18, 2018 at 12:20 pm

      So happy to hear that your donut cake went well! Your daughter’s birthday party looks absolutely precious – so many great details and creative ideas! 🙌

  23. Diana Lopes says

    July 3, 2018 at 1:39 pm

    I absolutely love this idea. Who could say no to a giant donut?

  24. Michelle Sharp says

    August 4, 2018 at 9:10 pm

    I used bavarian cream I also found a donut silicone cake mold turned out perfect!!!! Your idea for a giant donut was perfect for my granddaughter who turns two !

  25. Lisa says

    August 10, 2018 at 2:51 am

    Can you taste the vodka on the glaze? Substitution ideas?

    • Carrie Sellman says

      July 8, 2019 at 4:45 pm

      The vodka evaporates but if you’d rather not use it, just substitute a clear vanilla extra instead. It works the same just takes a little longer to dry.

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