Soft Vanilla Donut Cake (Easy Baked Donut Cake in a Square Pan)

This Soft Vanilla Donut Cake is light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, with that classic donut flavor baked into an easy square cake. Finished with a smooth vanilla glaze that melts into the top, it’s everything you love about donuts — without the frying.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon coffee break, this cake is simple, cozy, and endlessly snackable. And before we get started, don’t forget to subscribe by email so you never miss one of these classic, feel-good recipes

Overview of Recipe Content

What This Recipe Is

A baked vanilla donut-style cake made in a square pan and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze.

Why You’ll Love It

• Soft, tender donut-like crumb
• No frying required
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Perfect for slicing and sharing
• Great for breakfast or dessert

What It Tastes Like

Classic vanilla donut flavor — lightly sweet, buttery, and comforting with a melt-in-your-mouth glaze.

Full & Complete Ingredient List

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Vanilla Donut Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• ½ cup milk
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Vanilla Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Soft Vanilla Donut Cake

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Step 1: Prep

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch baking pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Stir until just combined and smooth — don’t overmix.

Step 4: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake 30–35 minutes, until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 5: Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Pour glaze over warm cake and spread gently.

Step 6: Cool & Slice

Let glaze set, then slice into soft squares.

What to Serve with Vanilla Donut Cake

• Hot coffee or latte
• Cold milk
• Fresh berries
• A dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg on top

Tips for Making It Perfect

• Glaze while cake is still warm for best absorption
• Don’t overbake — softness is key
• Use whole milk for extra tenderness
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for classic donut flavor

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Up to 3 days, covered
• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days
• Freezer: Unglazed cake freezes well up to 2 months

General Information

Donut cakes are inspired by classic American bakery donuts, offering the same flavor and texture in an easy baked form — perfect for home kitchens and weekday baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this really taste like a donut?

Yes! Soft crumb, vanilla flavor, and sweet glaze give classic donut vibes.

Can I bake this in a loaf pan?

Yes — bake 45–50 minutes.

Can I add cinnamon?

Absolutely — ½ teaspoon works beautifully.

Is this very sweet?

Balanced — lightly sweet with a smooth glaze.

Conclusion

This Soft Vanilla Donut Cake is everything we love about donuts, made simple and shareable. One pan, one glaze, and a whole lot of comfort — it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

You may also love:

• https://poulef.com/donut-inspired-recipes/
• https://poulef.com/vanilla-desserts/
• https://poulef.com/snack-cake-recipes/
• https://poulef.com/easy-baking-recipes/
• https://poulef.com/breakfast-desserts/

Interactive Elements

Made this cake?
Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share your squares on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information (Per Square – Approximate)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	240
Fat	9g
Carbohydrates	36g
Sugar	22g
Protein	4g

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