Yesterday Jamie from Paint the Gown Red surprised me with an incredible pink ombre donut layer cake for my birthday and I about lost it. It was too good to keep to ourselves, so we paused work for an impromptu donut cake photo shoot—and then we ate it. Priorities. Jamie walked me through how she made it so you can recreate one at home for birthdays, parties, or any celebration that calls for sprinkles and sweetness.
Supplies and ingredients you’ll need:
– Your favorite baked vanilla donut recipe (if you need ideas, a donuts inspiration board helps)
– Your favorite glaze or icing recipe
– Donut pan
– Red food coloring (to create the pink ombre effect)
– Toothpicks (optional, for transport stability)
– Sprinkles for decoration
How to make the ombre donut layer cake:
1. Prepare your donut batter according to your recipe. Divide the batter evenly into as many bowls as you want shades—four works beautifully. Add increasing amounts of red food coloring to each bowl to create a gradient (for example: 2 drops, 3 drops, 4 drops, 5 drops). Fill the donut cavities and bake according to the recipe.
2. Make your icing or glaze. Add about three drops of red food coloring to reach a soft pink similar to the cake shown here, then adjust to taste.
3. Assemble the stack. Start with the darkest donut on the bottom, place it on a cake stand or plate, and drizzle a little icing over it. Stack the next darkest donut on top and repeat until you reach the lightest shade. Drizzle extra icing on the top donut, letting it drip down the sides, and finish with a generous sprinkle of sprinkles. Tada!
Note: I wouldn’t stack many more than four donuts—four gives a great layered look without becoming unstable.
Tip: If you need to transport the donut layer cake, insert toothpicks between layers for extra stability. Make sure to tell whoever will be serving the cake so they can remove the toothpicks before serving.
Donut cake by Jamie of Paint the Gown Red. Photography by Studio DIY.
A huge thank you to Jamie for making this amazing cake and for walking me through the process. Fun fact: if you noticed the sparklers showing 24 even though I mentioned turning 25—no, I’m not losing my mind. Those were the only sparklers I had on hand from New Year’s 2014, so I borrowed 24 for one more day of celebration. Work with what you have—especially when donuts are involved.
If you want more donut inspiration, check out the donut tag on the blog for ideas, recipes, and more creative takes on everyone’s favorite treat.
p.s. That pink cake stand in the photos? Keep an eye out—one may be available soon along with a few other fun items.