Dreamy Glazed Buttermilk Donut Cake Recipe: Sweet Breakfast Joy

Sweet memories of childhood bakeries float through my mind when I think about this glazed buttermilk donut cake.

Nostalgic flavors merge into a delectable dessert that feels both familiar and exciting.

Weekend baking transforms into a delightful adventure with this simple yet remarkable recipe.

Home kitchens can easily recreate this magical treat without complex techniques.

Soft, tender crumbs promise a mouthwatering experience that connects generations of baking enthusiasts.

Unexpected textures and rich buttery notes make each slice a celebration of comfort and creativity.

Take a bite and let deliciousness transport you to a world of pure culinary joy.

Why Glazed Buttermilk Donut Cake Stands Out

• This cake requires minimal prep work and basic baking skills, making it perfect for novice bakers wanting to create a stunning dessert without stress.
• From start to finish, you'll have a delectable cake ready in under an hour, ideal for spontaneous baking sessions or last-minute gatherings.
• The familiar buttermilk donut flavor transforms into a moist, tender cake that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring smiles around the table.
• Elegant enough for brunches, potlucks, or family celebrations, this cake elevates any casual or special occasion with its classic, nostalgic taste.

Everything You Need for Buttermilk Donut Cake

• Buttermilk: A tangy dairy product that keeps the cake moist and tender, adds subtle richness and helps activate baking soda.
• Vegetable Oil: Provides moisture and ensures a soft, tender crumb with a light texture.
• Large Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure and richness.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural component that gives the cake its classic texture and form.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a golden, tender crumb.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic flavor depth to the cake.
• Powdered Sugar: Used for creating a smooth, sweet glaze that adds shine and extra sweetness.
• Milk or Cream: Helps thin the glaze to the right consistency for drizzling.

How to Make a Tender Glazed Donut Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Warm up the oven to 350°F. Apply nonstick baking spray or butter and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Ground nutmeg

Whisk ingredients together until perfectly blended and no lumps remain.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, creating a creamy texture that looks almost like soft clouds.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• Buttermilk

Mix until smooth and well incorporated, scraping down bowl sides.

Step 5: Combine Wet And Dry Mixtures

Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet mixture, stirring gently to maintain airiness. Do not overmix.

Step 6: Transfer Batter To Pan

Pour batter into prepared Bundt pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake The Cake

Place pan in preheated oven, baking for 45-50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean.

Step 8: Create Vanilla Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk

Stir until silky smooth.

Step 9: Finish And Serve

Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto serving plate. Drizzle generously with vanilla glaze while cake is still warm.

Baking Tips for That Classic Donut Texture

• Select Quality Buttermilk: Choose full-fat buttermilk for richer, more tender cake texture and enhanced flavor profile.
• Avoid Overmixing Batter: Gently fold ingredients until just combined to prevent tough, dense cake with potential gluten development.
• Check Cake Doneness Carefully: Insert toothpick near cake's center; it should come out with few moist crumbs, indicating perfect baking without dryness.
• Room Temperature Ingredients Matter: Allow eggs, buttermilk, and butter to reach room temperature for smoother batter and more even cake rise.
• Glaze Application Technique: Pour glaze while cake is slightly warm to help it seep into cake's surface, creating more intense flavor and moisture penetration.

Keeping Buttermilk Donut Cake Moist After Baking

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• For short-term storage, keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days, covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap to maintain moisture.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place in a preheated 300F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore freshness and bring back the cake's soft texture.

What to Enjoy with This Glazed Donut Cake

• Serve a robust, dark roast coffee that cuts through the cake's sweetness, enhancing the rich buttermilk flavor with its deep, aromatic profile.
• Scoop creamy vanilla ice cream alongside a slice of cake, creating a delightful temperature contrast and adding a smooth, cold complement to the warm, glazed dessert.
• Enjoy a salted caramel latte that echoes the cake's sweet glaze while introducing a subtle salty note that balances the dessert's richness.
• Garnish the plate with a handful of fresh raspberries or strawberries, their tartness providing a bright, refreshing counterpoint to the cake's sweet, dense texture.

Donut Cake Ideas to Try for Your Next Bake

• Gluten-Free Version: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to create a celiac-friendly cake that maintains the same tender crumb and rich buttermilk flavor.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace buttermilk with almond milk mixed with apple cider vinegar, and use coconut oil instead of butter for a lactose-free adaptation that keeps the cake's moist texture.
• Low-Sugar Option: Reduce sugar content by using a monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and top with a light sugar-free glaze made from cream cheese and artificial sweetener for those watching their sugar intake.
• Vegan Transformation: Use plant-based egg replacer, coconut milk with lemon juice as buttermilk substitute, and vegetable oil instead of butter to create a completely plant-based version of the classic donut cake.

Glazed Buttermilk Donut Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Glazed buttermilk donut cake brings classic bakery comfort straight to home kitchens with irresistible Southern charm. Sweet vanilla notes and silky glaze invite warm memories of leisurely weekend mornings, promising delightful moments shared with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour

Cake Enhancers:

• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Glaze Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (60 ml) buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature, preparing a large ring-shaped baking mold with a protective coating to prevent sticking.
2. Combine the dry powdery ingredients in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a smooth, lump-free foundation for the cake’s structure.
3. In a separate container, whip together the creamy dairy component with sweet crystalline granules and rich golden fat until the mixture becomes light and airy.
4. Gently introduce eggs into the creamy mixture, blending each one completely before adding the next to ensure a uniform texture.
5. Alternate folding the dry powder mixture and tangy cultured milk into the creamy base, maintaining a delicate touch to preserve the cake’s potential airiness.
6. Transfer the silky batter into the prepared circular mold, smoothing the surface to create an even distribution.
7. Position the cake in the preheated oven’s center, allowing it to transform for approximately 45-50 minutes until a slender testing implement emerges clean when inserted.
8. Remove the golden confection and permit it to rest briefly, allowing internal temperatures to stabilize and structure to set.
9. Craft a glossy coating by whisking together powdered sweetener with liquid elements, creating a smooth, cascading glaze.
10. Once the cake has cooled sufficiently, generously drape the luminous coating over the curved surface, letting it elegantly drip down the ridges.

Notes

• Always double-check pan greasing to prevent cake sticking, using softened butter or nonstick spray for complete coverage.
• For extra moisture, replace some buttermilk with full-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt to enhance texture and richness.
• Test cake doneness by inserting a toothpick near the center – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs, indicating perfect baking.
• Consider dusting pan with finely ground almond flour instead of wheat flour for a gluten-free option that adds subtle nutty flavor and prevents sticking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg