The Fluffiest Glazed Buttermilk Donut Cake Recipe Ever Made

Glazed buttermilk donut cake refines an ordinary dessert into a delightful culinary experience that bridges nostalgia and innovation.

Sweet memories of childhood mornings drift through kitchens when this remarkable treat emerges from the oven.

Soft, tender crumb and rich buttermilk create a magical texture that melts effortlessly on your tongue.

Bakers adore how this cake captures the essence of classic donuts with its subtle sweetness and delicate structure.

Warm spices whisper comfort while a glistening glaze adds a tantalizing finish that elevates every single slice.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance between dense cake and light, airy notes that dance across the palate.

Unexpected comfort awaits in this simple yet extraordinary dessert that connects generations through pure deliciousness.

Why Glazed Buttermilk Donut Cake Is a Crowd Favorite

• Savor Nostalgic Comfort: This buttermilk donut cake captures the warm, cozy essence of classic bakery treats with its soft, tender crumb and delicate nutmeg undertones that transport you back to childhood mornings.
• Effortless Baking Triumph: Creating this stunning Bundt cake feels like a breeze, with simple mixing techniques and straightforward ingredients that guarantee success even for novice bakers looking to impress their friends and family.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for breakfast gatherings, afternoon tea, or casual dessert moments, this cake delivers a delightful balance of sweetness and subtle spice that appeals to both kids and adults with its irresistible glazed finish.
• Texture Magic in Every Bite: The buttermilk ensures an incredibly moist, velvety texture that melts in your mouth, while the light glaze adds a delicate crunch and just the right amount of sugary sweetness to elevate the entire dessert experience.

Glazed Buttermilk Donut Cake Ingredient Checklist

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the classic Bundt cake with a tender crumb.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a golden, moist texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a soft, tender cake consistency.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure and richness.

• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and create a light, airy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Ground Nutmeg: Provides a warm, subtle spice note characteristic of traditional buttermilk donuts.

• Buttermilk, Vanilla Extract: Add tangy flavor, moisture, and depth to the cake.
• Powdered Sugar, Water: Create a simple, classic glaze that mimics traditional donut coating.

Instructions for Glazed Buttermilk Donut Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). Give your Bundt pan a quick spray of baking magic to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create Butter Clouds

• Softened butter
• Granulated sugar

Whip them together on medium-high speed until they become light and dreamy, about 2-3 minutes. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl’s sides for even mixing.

Step 3: Egg Dance

Gently introduce eggs one by one, mixing after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and blend until just married together.

Step 4: Dry Ingredient Symphony

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

Step 5: Blend the Magic

On low speed, slowly marry the dry ingredients with the butter mixture. Alternate adding buttermilk and flour mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined- no overmixing allowed!

Step 6: Pan Preparation

Softly spoon batter into the Bundt pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter 3-5 times to wave goodbye to any sneaky air bubbles.

Step 7: Baking Transformation

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Your cake is ready when a wooden pick comes out clean.

Step 8: Cooling Calm

Let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Flip onto a cutting board, then back again so the textured side faces up. Allow to cool completely for about 1 hour.

Step 9: Glaze Glory

• Powdered sugar
• Water

Until smooth and silky.

Step 10: Final Touch

Once the cake is completely cool, brush the glaze over the top. Wait for the glaze to set, then slice and savor your delicious creation!

Tips for the Perfect Buttermilk Donut Cake Texture

• Butter Softening Secrets: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure smooth, even mixing.
• Precise Mixing Technique: Mix ingredients just until combined to prevent overmixing, which can create a tough, dense cake texture.
• Buttermilk Brilliance: For extra moisture, use room temperature buttermilk that helps activate baking soda and creates a tender crumb.
• Pan Prep Pro: Thoroughly spray Bundt pan with baking spray, getting into every crevice to ensure easy cake release.
• Cooling Crackerjack: Allow cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent runny, thin glaze and ensure a beautiful, clean finish.

How to Store and Reheat Donut Cake Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Room Temperature: If serving within 1-2 days, keep the glazed cake at room temperature in a sealed container. Ensure the cake is completely cooled before storing to maintain its texture.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Avoid overheating, which can make the cake tough and dry. For best results, let the cake come to room temperature naturally before serving.

What to Serve with Buttermilk Donut Cake

• Brew Buttermilk Cake's Perfect Coffee Companion: Pair this sweet, nutmeg-spiced cake with a rich medium roast coffee that highlights its warm vanilla undertones. Colombian or Ethiopian single-origin beans work wonderfully, creating a harmonious flavor balance.
• Complement with Creamy Dairy Delight: Serve alongside a cold glass of whole milk or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cool, smooth dairy helps cut through the cake's sweetness and enhances its dense, tender texture.
• Match with Fruity Afternoon Tea: Steep a light Earl Grey or chamomile tea to accompany this cake. The subtle tea flavors will beautifully contrast the cake's rich buttermilk base and delicate glaze, making for a delightful afternoon treat.
• Elevate with Spiced Beverage Pairing: Consider a chai latte or spiced apple cider that echoes the cake's nutmeg notes. These warm, aromatic drinks will create a cozy sensory experience that amplifies the cake's comfort food appeal.

Ways to Change Up Glazed Buttermilk Donut Cake

• Citrus Zest Infusion: Elevate the cake by adding lemon or orange zest to the batter for a bright, refreshing flavor that complements the buttermilk's tanginess.
• Spiced Autumn Edition: Incorporate ground cinnamon and cloves alongside the nutmeg to create a warm, cozy profile perfect for fall baking.
• Nutty Crunch Upgrade: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter before baking, then sprinkle additional nuts on top of the glaze for extra texture and depth.
• Chocolate Swirl Sensation: Gently marble melted dark chocolate through the batter before baking, creating beautiful chocolate ribbons throughout the cake.

Glazed Buttermilk Donut Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Glazed buttermilk donut cake delivers nostalgic bakery charm with its tender crumb and classic vanilla glaze. Bakers seeking a simple yet irresistible dessert will love this comforting treat that brings homemade doughnut magic right to your table.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 3 ½ cups (418g / 14 7/8 ounces) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups (12 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (240ml) whole buttermilk
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature

Leavening and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¾ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Preparation Ingredient:

• Baking spray with flour

Glaze Ingredients:

• 2 cups (240g / 8 ounces) powdered sugar
• ¼ cup (60ml) water

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Instructions

1. Meticulously coat a 12- to 15-cup Bundt pan with baking spray, ensuring complete coverage. Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) for optimal baking conditions.
2. Utilize a stand mixer to cream butter and granulated sugar, whipping until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy texture. Consistently scrape the bowl’s edges to guarantee uniform incorporation.
3. Introduce eggs individually, gently integrating each one. Fold in vanilla extract, blending until just harmonized.
4. Combine flour, baking powder, salt, ground nutmeg, and baking soda in a separate vessel. Whisk thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Maintain low mixer speed, ensuring minimal overmixing. Conclude with flour mixture for optimal texture.
6. Transfer cake batter into the prepared Bundt pan, gently tapping to eliminate potential air pockets. Smooth the surface for even baking.
7. Position pan in preheated oven, baking for 45-50 minutes. Test cake’s readiness by inserting a wooden pick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
8. Allow cake to rest in the pan atop a wire rack for 15 minutes. Carefully invert onto a cutting board, then return to the rack with the textured side facing upward.
9. Permit cake to cool completely, approximately one hour, ensuring optimal glaze absorption.
10. Craft a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar and water until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency.
11. Once cake has reached room temperature, delicately brush glaze across the surface, allowing it to cascade naturally. Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

• Precise pan preparation ensures the cake releases smoothly and prevents sticking.
• Softened butter and room temperature eggs create a light, tender cake texture with perfect crumb.
• Alternate wet and dry ingredients gently to maintain the cake’s delicate structure and prevent overmixing.
• Tapping the pan before baking eliminates air bubbles, resulting in a more uniform cake surface.
• Cool the cake completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and sliding off.
• Brushing glaze allows for an even, thin coating that enhances the cake’s appearance and sweetness.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 502
• Sugar: 38 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg