Donut Cake Recipe
Category: Desserts
Servings: 10
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
This Donut Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the lightness of a cake with the sweetness of a traditional donut. Ideal for special occasions or simply as a treat to share with family, this cake features a rich, smooth pastry cream filling with a beautiful glaze that can be customized with your favorite colors. Hereโs how you can recreate this delicious donut-inspired cake.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 500g |
| Sugar | 300g |
| Butter (softened) | 250g |
| Whole milk | 250ml |
| Eggs | 5 |
| Baking powder | 1 packet |
| Lemon zest | 2 lemons |
| Vanilla bean (split) | 1 pod |
| Fine salt | 1 pinch |
For the Pastry Cream:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole milk | 500ml |
| Sugar | 150g |
| Potato starch (cornstarch) | 80g |
| Egg yolks | 6 |
| Orange zest | 1 orange |
For the Icing:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Powdered sugar | 150g |
| Egg whites | 30g |
| Lemon juice | To taste |
| Food coloring | As desired |
| Colored sprinkles (optional) | As desired |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Donut Cake Base
-
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180ยฐC (350ยฐF). Grease and flour a 24 cm (9-inch) donut-shaped cake pan.
-
Make the Cake Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric hand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
Slice the vanilla pod open and scrape out the seeds; add them to the mixture, along with the zest of two lemons for a fresh, citrusy aroma.
Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth consistency.
Sift the flour and baking powder together to ensure there are no lumps, and slowly fold it into the butter mixture using a spatula or mixer on a low setting. Add the whole milk to the batter and mix until smooth and well combined. -
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Preparing the Pastry Cream
-
Make the Cream:
In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. While it heats, whisk together the sugar, potato starch, and egg yolks in a separate bowl until smooth. Once the milk is warm (but not boiling), pour it slowly into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling. -
Cook the Cream:
Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, whisking constantly. The mixture will start to thicken as it heats. Continue stirring until it reaches a pudding-like consistency. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
Once thickened, remove from the heat and stir in the orange zest. Allow the cream to cool. Cover the pastry cream with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Let it cool completely in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Assembling the Donut Cake
-
Slice the Cake:
Once the cake has completely cooled, carefully slice it in half horizontally to create two even layers. -
Fill the Cake:
Transfer the cooled pastry cream into a piping bag fitted with a large round tip. Pipe the cream evenly over the bottom layer of the cake, spreading it out to the edges. -
Assemble the Layers:
Place the top layer of the cake gently over the filled bottom layer. Press down lightly to seal the cake.
Step 4: Glazing the Donut Cake
-
Make the Glaze:
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and egg whites. Add lemon juice to taste, and adjust the consistency by adding a little water if necessary. For a more vibrant look, you can add food coloring to achieve your desired hue. -
Decorate the Cake:
Spoon the glaze over the top of the cake, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon. Let the glaze drip down the sides for a more authentic donut appearance.
If desired, decorate the cake with colored sprinkles or extra food coloring for a festive look. -
Allow to Set:
Let the glaze set for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will ensure that the icing hardens slightly and holds its shape.
Step 5: Serving
Once the icing is set and the cake has rested, itโs time to serve your homemade Donut Cake. Slice it into generous portions, and enjoy the soft, fluffy cake with the creamy orange pastry filling and the sweet, smooth glaze. This treat is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or simply as a delightful dessert for family gatherings.
Tips for Success:
- Make Ahead: Both the cake and pastry cream can be prepared in advance. Simply store them separately and assemble the cake the day you plan to serve it.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with different glaze colors and decorations to match the theme of your event.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
This Donut Cake is sure to become a new favorite at your dessert table. The combination of light sponge cake, creamy filling, and sweet glaze offers a satisfying dessert experience thatโs sure to delight everyone who tastes it.
For more delightful dessert recipes and tips, visit Love With Recipes.
