Donut Cake Tower

If you’ve ever racked your brain over what to serve as a birthday cake alternative, we have the answer for you!

After enduring months of our long and cold Canadian winters, one of the things I look forward to in the spring is celebrating my son’s birthday. We typically invite our extended family over for a birthday brunch, which allows everyone to get together early in the day, leaving the afternoon and evening free for extracurricular activities for the kids and a date night for mom and dad. Since we do the party in the morning, you might think it would be a challenge to have a birthday cake while serving breakfast.

I would say you’re absolutely right, if it wasn’t for this adorable and easy-to-assemble donut cake. Made with purchased donuts, homemade glaze, and sprinkles, this tiered confection is ideal for morning celebrations, and it will certainly impress your guests. Once you experience the ease of entertaining early in the day, this must-make donut cake just might become your family’s go-to birthday dessert.

Donut Birthday Cake

You’ll Need:

• 18-14 plain donuts
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons corn syrup
• 3 tablespoons hot water
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, almond, lemon or maple extract
• Gel paste food colouring (any colour)
• Assorted sprinkles

Directions:

1. To determine how many donuts you will need, place the donuts on a cake stand or plate in a circle, fitting in as many pieces as you can (7-8 is pretty standard). Stack another layer of donuts on top, using a few less than the first. Repeat with remaining the donuts, creating a tiered effect, and finish with one donut on top.

2. Whisk together the powdered sugar, corn syrup, hot water, and extract until smooth. Tint with gel paste food coloring, if using, dividing the glaze into as many colors as you would like.

3. Remove the donuts from the tiers, and dip the top of each one in the glaze, shaking off the excess in the bowl. Place the donuts glazed-side-up on a cooling rack, and cover with sprinkles. Allow the icing to dry, about 30 minutes.

4. Carefully restack the donuts into the tiered formation, and insert a candle into the top donut. Decorate with purchased or handmade cake flags and serve.

This fun donut cake offers so much room for variety. Flavor and color the glaze however you would like, and pick out your favorite donuts. What flavor combinations would you try?