Introduction in Alex Guarnaschelli’s Style:

There’s something whimsical about a Stacked Donut Cake that brings out the kid in all of us. Imagine a towering masterpiece made entirely of soft, glazed donuts, layered high with creamy frosting and topped with colorful sprinkles or fresh fruit. It’s the perfect combination of playful and decadent—a dessert that’s as much fun to make as it is to eat.

I first stumbled upon this idea while planning a birthday party and realizing I wanted something different—not the usual sheet cake or cupcakes. I wanted something that made people stop, stare, and then dive in with a huge smile on their face. Enter the Stacked Donut Cake. It’s not just a cake; it’s a conversation starter, a centerpiece, and a guaranteed way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re using homemade donuts or picking up your favorites from the local bakery, this cake is effortlessly beautiful and delicious.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can dress it up or down depending on the occasion. Keep it simple with classic glazed donuts and a dusting of powdered sugar, or go all out with layers of flavored frosting, fresh berries, and a drizzle of chocolate or caramel. Either way, it’s a treat that brings joy to every bite.

Recipe Resume in Todd Wilbur’s Style:

This Stacked Donut Cake is a fun twist on a traditional cake, combining layers of soft, sweet donuts with rich frosting and toppings of your choice. It’s quick to assemble, customizable, and perfect for parties or special occasions.

No baking skills? No problem! You can use store-bought donuts, stack them high, and add your favorite fillings and toppings. The result? A dessert that’s equal parts delicious and Instagram-worthy.

Exciting Story:

When my daughter turned six, she asked for a “cake made out of donuts.” At first, I laughed, thinking it was just a quirky idea. But the more I thought about it, the more it sounded like the perfect plan. I picked up a dozen colorful donuts from our favorite local bakery, whipped up some frosting, and started stacking. When we lit the candles and brought it out, her eyes lit up like it was the best thing she’d ever seen.

Now, the Stacked Donut Cake is a tradition in our family. Birthdays, holidays, even brunch gatherings—it’s our go-to dessert when we want something fun, easy, and totally unique. My husband loves the maple-glazed version, while the kids always go for the chocolate-frosted with sprinkles. And honestly? I love that it’s as easy to throw together as it is to devour.

Why This Stacked Donut Cake Will Steal the Show

🍩 Fun, Fast, and Totally Customizable 🍩

✔ No-Bake, No-Fuss – Use store-bought donuts or homemade—either way, this cake comes together in minutes.
✔ A Showstopper Dessert – It’s colorful, playful, and perfect for parties, brunches, or special occasions.
✔ Versatile and Customizable – Mix and match flavors, frostings, and toppings to suit your style.
✔ Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing – Who doesn’t love donuts stacked into a cake? It’s a guaranteed hit!
✔ Endless Flavor Options – Glazed, chocolate, cinnamon sugar—the possibilities are endless!

Cuisine: American, Party Dessert

Tips for the Perfect Stacked Donut Cake

✔ Mix and Match Flavors – Combine different donut flavors for variety and visual appeal.
✔ Use Fresh Donuts – Day-old donuts can get dry, so stick with fresh for the softest texture.
✔ Stabilize with Frosting – A little frosting between layers helps keep the cake from sliding.
✔ Add Height with a Cake Stand – Using a tall cake stand gives the cake an extra wow factor.

Substitutions and Variations

🔹 Chocolate Lover’s Dream – Use all chocolate-glazed donuts and drizzle with melted chocolate for a rich, decadent treat.
🔹 Fruit Explosion – Layer in fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or bananas between the donut layers.
🔹 Holiday Twist – Use seasonal donuts like pumpkin spice in the fall or peppermint-glazed for winter holidays.
🔹 Mini Donut Stack – Make individual mini donut cakes for personal-sized treats at parties.

Make a Healthier Version

✅ Baked Donuts – Use baked donuts instead of fried for a lighter version.
✅ Gluten-Free Donuts – Opt for gluten-free donuts for guests with dietary restrictions.
✅ Natural Sweeteners – Use donuts made with honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar.
✅ Fruit Toppings – Swap out heavy frostings for fresh fruit and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Closing in Todd Wilbur’s Style:

And there you have it! This Stacked Donut Cake is a playful, no-fuss dessert that’s perfect for any celebration. Whether you’re stacking up glazed classics or going wild with toppings, it’s sure to be the hit of the party. Easy to make, fun to customize, and even more fun to eat—what’s not to love?

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to check out our Cheesy Stuffed Mozzarella Onion Rings or Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars for more unique treats!

Relevant Categories:

Party Desserts
No-Bake Recipes
Brunch Ideas
Kid-Friendly Desserts
Birthday Treats

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this donut cake ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it a few hours before serving, but wait to add fresh fruit or frosting until closer to serving time.
What donuts work best for stacking?
Glazed, cake, or frosted donuts hold up well. Avoid filled donuts, as they can be messy to stack.
Do I need to use frosting between layers?
Frosting helps stabilize the cake, but you can skip it if you prefer a looser stack.
Can I use mini donuts instead of regular-sized?
Absolutely! Mini donuts make a fun, bite-sized version of this cake.
How do I keep the donuts from sliding?
Use a little frosting or melted chocolate between the layers to keep everything in place.
What are the best toppings for a donut cake?
Sprinkles, fresh fruit, chocolate drizzle, or even crushed nuts are great options.
Can I make this donut cake gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free donuts and follow the same stacking method.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
Let guests pull apart the donuts or slice them like a traditional cake for a fun twist.