Powdered Sugar Doughnut Cake
This Powdered Sugar Doughnut Cake is a throwback to Saturday morning cartoons and powdered sugar doughnuts!
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So my wife got mad at this cake. Here’s how it all went down:
Me: “I made this Powdered Sugar Doughnut Cake today. It’s like a giant powdered sugar doughnut.”
Her: “Cool. But where’s the frosting?”
Me: “What frosting? Powdered sugar doughnuts don’t have frosting.”
Her: “Cakes are just a vessel for frosting. This cake is boring.”
I mean I totally understand her position here. I do love a good frosting, but this cake wasn’t meant to have frosting on it! It was meant to be an epic throwback to the days of Saturday morning cartoons and powdered sugar doughnuts. I mean, it’s a doughnut that you have to cut into slices…how fun is that? (Apparently it’s not fun enough for my wife as there’s no frosting involved.)
The last couple of months have been a complete blur. (For those who don’t know, our son was born back in November.) We’ve had many late nights and many tired days. But it’s all been worth it! I’ve also hung out watching lots and lots of college football and basketball with Baby Robbie. He obviously doesn’t understand what he’s watching yet, but it’s been great having him there on the couch with me. Nothing quite beats watching basketball with a baby sleeping next to you!
As soon as he’s old enough, I plan on introducing Robbie to all of the epic cartoons. None of these newfangled crazy cartoons around here! (Ok, maybe some…) But I plan on watching Scooby Doo marathons with him. Scooby Doo was (and still is) one of my all-time favorite cartoons. I mean he’s a dog that solves mysteries…how fun is that? Plus, the old-school Scooby cartoons had celebrity guest appearances. Take a crime solving dog and add in the Harlem Globetrotters, the Addams family or Batman and Robin? I’m sold.
To fuel our Scooby marathons, Robbie and I will need powdered sugar doughnuts. I have fond memories of cartoons + powdered sugar doughnuts, so it’ll be nice to relive my glory years introduce my son to the wonders of Scooby Doo.
And for the record, there will be no Scrappy Doo appearances in these marathons. (Scrappy totally ruined that show.) And you know who else won’t be there? Mom. Because this cake doesn’t involve frosting.
Were you a Scooby Doo fan as a kid? Are you still a fan?
Are cakes still cakes even without frosting?
Powdered Sugar Doughnut Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1¼ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup powdered sugar for dusting cake after baking
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease 9” ring mold pan; set aside.
- In a medium bowl, add all of the dry ingredients (cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and salt). Stir until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, vanilla extract, melted butter and heavy cream.
- Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients; stir until just mixed.
- Transfer batter into the greased ring mold pan.
- Bake at 375°F for 28-30 minutes, or until cake is light golden brown on top.
- Let cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Remove cake from pan and place on cooling rack until completely cool.
- Using a fine-mesh sifter, sift powdered sugar evenly over the top and sides of cake. Serve within a few hours. (Note: If you plan on serving this cake later, just store it uncoated in an air-tight container. Dust with powdered sugar just before serving.)
This sounds delicious!
I also love the Hershey’s “Perfectly Chocolate” Chocolate cake and that doesn’t need frosting either. It is so moist it’s almost wet. It is great with nothing on it or powdered sugar. Note to novices though, don’t put the powdered sugar on until the cake cools. I didn’t know this and put it on a warm cake. The sugar soaked right into the cake and you couldn’t see it at all! lol
Loved Scooby Doo….no Scrappy Doo or Scooby Dumb either!
Hi Melissa, where would I find the recipe for Hershey’s “Perfectly Chocolate” Chocolate cake?
Hey Kathy, I believe this is the recipe Melissa is talking about. It shows frosting in the photo, but it sounds like it doesn’t even need it. 🙂 https://www.hersheys.com/recipes/en_US/recipes/184/hersheys-perfectly-chocolate-chocolate-cake.html
You are totally right, Melissa! I’ve definitely made the mistake of being impatient and putting the powdered sugar on while the cake was still warm…no more powdered sugar. And it’s great to meet another Scooby fan (esp one who agrees that Scrappy and Scooby Dum are the worst)! Thanks for commenting…I really appreciate it!
HAHAHAHA! Oh my gawsh! Like Laura, I am a HUUUUGE fan of frosting – but a powdered sugar doughtnut cake AND Scooby Doo marathons are hard to pass on – and I’m willing to bet anything,s he’s gonna be pn that couch with y’all – with a tub of frosting on the side! 🙂
If that sneaky little kid is sitting on the couch with a tub of frosting, then we have a problem! Haha! And since you are a Scooby fan, you get to come to the party, Shashi. 🙂
This looks just like a BIG powdered doughnut ~~ YUM!!!!
That’s exactly what it is, Phronsie! One huge doughnut! 🙂
I agree with Laura :p But I wouldn’t turn this cake down either, it reminds me of visiting my grandparents.
I love that you are team old cartoons too. We recently rewatched some Garfield cartoons to see if we still liked it. Holds up. Also shocking: I remember SO much from these shows.
No! You can’t agree with Laura…it just gives her more encouragement. 🙂 Just kidding! And yes to the old cartoons. Man, I used to love watching Garfield and Friends when I was a kid. That was one of the highlights of Saturday morning. I could do without the “Friends” part, though…I just wanted more Garfield! I’m off to see if there are episodes on YouTube. Be back in 4 hours…
I loved this!! Your story was hilarious!!But even though I love cakes I don’t care much for frosting ,too sweet for my taste. Growing up I was a huge powdered donut fan also and even watched some Scooby doo (I didn’t care for scrappy doo either) -But my favorite cartoons were Bugs Bunny and I am a huge fan of really old cartoons like the ones from the early 60’s ,they were so much more creative with details &colors .
Thank you so much for commenting, Irma! I mean I do enjoy a good frosting on cake now and then, but not every cake needs frosting. And I’m with ya on the old cartoons. I loved the classic Bugs Bunny episodes. The big hairy monster from the Hair Raising Hare episode is still one of my favorite cartoon characters of all time! 🙂
No frosting needed here! Just be careful when you take a bite that you don’t inhale at the same time….it’s a bit dangerous! I’m not a Scooby fan…or even a cartoon fan…but I am a giant doughnut fan! 🙂
Haha…you’re right, Kathy! Nothing quite like inhaling a bunch of powdered sugar to help start the day off on the right foot. 🙂
Thanks for this recipe! I’m going to have to make it for my brother next month on his birthday because he was obsessed with powdered sugar doughnuts as a kid. And definitely agree that the old classic cartoons are so much better than the new “stuff”. Scooby Doo/Looney Tunes/Johnny Quest. My oldest son Chris used to LOVE Scooby Doo cartoons so much that his nickname became “Scoob”. And though I get your wife’s complaint, I love cake frosted or naked and this one with all that lovely powdered sugar needs to be made at my house. Maybe for my brother on his birthday next month. Cool recipe, David and yes, Scrappy Doo was a bad idea.
Yes! Another Scooby fan. 🙂 I loved all of the classic Looney Tunes cartoons. In fact, I stumbled across a DVD of classic Looney Tunes cartoons the other day…and it totally ended up in my cart. I should have included a photo of all of the cartoon DVDs I own…except I might be a little bit embarrassed. Hah! Definitely make this cake for your brother as a throw back. Or better yet, just make him the actual powdered sugar doughnuts (link in post). I’m thinking powdered sugar doughnuts and a classic cartoons DVD would make an excellent birthday present! Thanks so much for commenting, Sally!
Oh, I have to disagree with your wife here. Some cakes definitely don’t need frosting because they are amazing as they are. I could totally go for a slice of this cake with a cup of black coffee! HEAVEN!!!
Oh yes! A cup of strong black coffee and a slice of this cake is definitely the way to go. I could roll with that for breakfast or dessert…or both! 🙂
Rooby Rooby Roo! Can I come over and watch with you and Robbie? I agree…none of this Scrappy Doo nonsense. The donut…er…cake….looks delicious!
Hahaha…I totally just pictured you saying Rooby Rooby Roo, Judy! 🙂 You may absolutely come join us for the Scooby marathon. We need to make sure Robbie knows all about the classic cartoons!
Hi David! A big doughnut is a kids dream come true! And for those of us who are only kids at heart! Gary would love this, but only if I left off the powdered sugar. His favorite doughnuts are just plain cake doughnuts and I eat them all, but only if they are good doughnuts! I might compromise and put the powdered sugar on half the cake…maybe. 🙂
Hah…I’m imagining one of these cakes with half-powdered sugar and half-plain. It’s like drawing a line in the sand. “That side is yours. This side is mine.” I do love powdered sugar doughnuts, but I totally understand where Gary is coming from. A good cake doughnut is really darn hard to beat. I actually want to try my hand at making them sometime…but that requires pulling out the fryer. One day, though…
Hi David! That’s exactly what it is “my side, his side”. I’ll all for compromise, but I never give in completely! 🙂
haha actually I prefer cakes without frosting so this is perfect for me! I think you need to bake another cake for Laura with tons of frosting!! Meanwhile, I will happily eat this doughnut cake, looks fantastic!
I like where you are going with this one, Manali! If I make a frosting cake for Laura, then that means I get this whole doughnut cake for myself. 🙂 You can find me on the couch watching cartoons and eating cake!
I’m a giant cake-with-frosting fan but I’ll make an exception for this one!
Haha! Hey, I guess you could still frost this cake, Bianca. I mean I love powdered sugar doughnuts, but I hear they make chocolate frosted doughnuts. That means a giant chocolate frosted doughnut is a thing, too, right? 🙂
I was and still am a big fan of the Scooby Doo series. My favorite characters of the gang is Scooby. This is one amazing cake!! You just keep continuing to amaze me with your lovely recipes. I don’t know how you do it!
Thank you so much for the kind words, Rahul! It’s great to meet another Scooby fan. 🙂
This looks gorgeous and amazingly delicious. I want this right now 🙂
Thank you so much, Kushi! I’d save you a slice…but well…it might all be gone now. Oops!
Oh my god, it’s a giant donut! I want this ASAP- such a great idea and so pretty!
Haha…thanks, Medha! The only way to beat a doughnut is to make it even bigger. 🙂
I am with you, I don’t think that this cake needs frosting, the powdered sugar works well. Plus I love powdered sugar donuts, so this is right up my alley. I loved Scooby Doo when I was younger and still do and now I have a granddaughter that loves Scooby Doo, so I have someone to watch with too.
Powdered sugar doughnuts and Scooby Doo pretty much describe my childhood Saturday mornings, Dawn. And I’m pretty sure they will describe my Saturday mornings again as soon as Robbie is old enough to watch cartoons. 🙂
Hahaha the conversation between you and your wife cracks me up. Sorry I´m with her on this one. I need frosting or sauce, like caramel sauce. Yesss!! BUT I have to say your doughnut cake looks really really good. Perhaps with a cup of tea? 😉
No! You can’t take her side, Johlene. Haha! Just kidding. I do love a good frosting, but powdered sugar doughnuts have always been a favorite of mine. But I do like the idea of a caramel sauce. Perhaps to dip in?
I can’t believe your wife said that?!? This cake looks perfect just with powdered sugar! (But I also love a good frosting 😉 )
Haha! Tell me about it, Megan. I can’t believe she didn’t approve of this cake. That’s ok…just means more for me. 🙂
David, have you got a thing for enormous desserts? First that gigantic cookie pretending to be a cake, now this gigantic donut pretending to be a cake. But don’t get it wrong – I am fine with this gigantic issue. Moreover, I might think that one large donut cake is better than a dozen of donuts. Why? Because you may eat a whole cake and count it like one single donut, right? #guiltfree. I mean you cannot grab 12 donuts and feel the same way. But I won’t disagree with your wife – a donut (as well as a donut cake) has to have a frosting. Well, if it’s a fried donut, powdered sugar is ok. So I forgive you this time (if you send me this delicious cake)!
Hah…you’re right. I never put those two together. A giant cookie cake. And now a giant donut cake. Maybe my subconscious is trying to tell me something? 🙂 And what type of frosting would you like? Chocolate I assume? Or perhaps Lavender Vanilla?
This is the only excuse for NOT having frosting- This or cinnabon cinnamon sugar 😉
Okay, this donut (doughnut) is Arman sized and I’d like it fedex’d stat.
Dropping this bad boy into the mail today. Should I send it down under? I’ll include a tub of cinnabon cinnamon sugar in there, too.
Oh my …. These babies are make me want to cheat on my food allergies and go BUCK WILD lol
Rules are just made to be broken, right, GiGi? 🙂
I love the sprinkling sugar picture! Well done!
As for the doughnut, well, you can never go wrong with it, especially at this size – it’s like the ultimate doughnut. I’d love to see it covered in chocolate as well… and decorated with sprinkles. Sounds like so much fun!
Thanks for inspiration! 🙂
Thank you so much, Oana! I agree with you…a giant doughnut always leads to good things. And you’re right, there are so many possibilities here. I’m thinking a chocolate doughnut with sprinkles needs to make an appearance soon! 🙂
Haha “cake is just the vessel for frosting”. I have to say, I do agree with that. I think it’s because most cakes I buy are usually really dry, so I just eat the frosting and dump the cake. This definitely doesn’t look dry though.
Nope, this cake was destined to be coated in powdered sugar…much to Laura’s dismay. But that just means more cake for me! Here’s to Saturday morning cartoons and powdered sugar doughnuts! 🙂
My stomach is growling at these pictures. Awsome recipe David!!!
Thank you so much, Puja! 🙂
oh my god David – you are a genius.
I am going to muster some courage and try my hand at this… some day 🙂
-Neha
Love Playing DressUp
Hahaha! You can totally do it, Neha! Just make sure to invite some friends over so you don’t eat all of the cake…or all of the doughnuts if you choose to do ‘regular-sized’ instead. 🙂
Firstly, wow! This has been pinned straight to my Amazing Cakes board, as it truly does look amazing David! Now, while I can understand your wife’s doubtful approach to cakes without frosting (because it basically makes everything delicious), I’m of the opinion that a cake doesn’t need it to be complete – case in point right here with this gigantic, sweet, powdery creation! I’m also amazed that you can keep on top of your blog and produce such amazing content while having such a young son, David. I hope you enjoy your quality time with little Mr. Spiced!! 🙂
Thank you so much, Lisa! Wow…what kind words! So I’m with ya on the frosting debate. I have no problem with frosting. In fact, I kinda like it. But sometimes you just don’t need frosting! As far as the little guy? I swear some days you might mistake me for a walking zombie. But it’s all worth it when he gives me one of those little boy giggles! Now I just want to get him old enough so he can sit on the couch and watch old-school cartoons with me on Saturday mornings. 🙂
When I saw this cake on Instagram I was blown away! You’ve once again outdone yourself with this one. I have to disagree with your wife, if the cake is a epic version of a powdered doughnut I’m totally onboard with no frosting! I just want to face plant into this cake!! 😋
Haha! I think face planting into a cake might be allowed…and since there’s no frosting on this one, you won’t get quite as messy! 🙂 Thanks, Tamara!
Regarding your wife asking for frosting, I guess you make a tasty frosting and she wanted it to top this beauty to fully enjoy it. As for cartoons, I agree, nowadays they look ugly, I didn’t let my son watch those cartoons and bought him old cartoons, from which he learnt and also enjoyed. I had a crush on cookie monster when I was a little girl but that is another story. I didn’t like Scooby, was busy watching the Cookie Monster 🙂
Yes! I love that you bought the old cartoons and raised your son on those, Muna. Those old ones really are the best! And a crush on cookie monster? That’s awesome! Hmmm…does your husband resemble the cookie monster? 🙂
Why do you think I’m married to him? ha ha hahaha 🙂
Haha! I love it, Muna! 🙂
Look for Scooby Doo Postage stamp coming to a Post Office near you in June or July 2018 !! or purchase on line at USPS.COM
Scooby Doo stamps!? That is awesome!! I’ll have to swing by the post office soon and see if they’re out yet…I need some more stamps anyways! 🙂 Thanks for letting me know!
Don’t forget all the Warner Bros. cartoons, including Bugs Bunny and the Roadrunner. Throw in some old Popeye cartoons, and Rocky and Bullwinkle. I have a DVD of Gumby and Pokey.
Does anybody remember Krazy Kat and Ignatz?
Oh, the WB cartoons rank as some of my favorites, too, Joe! In fact, I was just introducing my son to the old school Bugs Bunny cartoons last week. We watched several of the classics from a DVD set. I have to admit, though, that I’m not familiar with Krazy Kat and Ignatz. I’ll have to google them!