Jelly Donut Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Jelly Donut Cake is an easy-to-make dessert that offers all the classic flavors of a jelly donut in a more convenient, cake form. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and jelly makes every bite full of flavor, while the creamy frosting ties everything together. The cake is moist and light, with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion, this cake will definitely be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup 2% milk
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2-2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 3/4 cup raspberry, strawberry, or apple jelly (your choice)

For the Frosting:

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Make the cake batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Add the melted butter, eggs, milk, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined. Gradually add the flour and baking powder, mixing until smooth and well-combined.
3. Prepare the cake for the jelly: Pour about half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Spoon the jelly (raspberry, strawberry, or apple) onto the batter, creating a small well in the center. Be careful not to spread it to the edges.
4. Add the remaining batter: Gently spoon the remaining batter over the jelly layer, spreading it to cover completely. Smooth the top of the cake.
5. Bake the cake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (except for the jelly, which will be gooey). Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Make the frosting: While the cake is cooling, beat together the softened cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
7. Frost the cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake. You can serve the cake as is or garnish it with extra cinnamon or powdered sugar.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 8-10 slices
• Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling time)

Variations

• Different Jelly Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different types of jelly, such as blueberry, peach, or mixed berry, for a unique twist on the flavor.
• Glazed Version: Instead of frosting, you can drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the top for a lighter topping.
• Add-ins: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to the batter for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store Jelly Donut Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store it longer, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for 10-15 seconds or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it until ready to serve. Frost it just before serving.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of jelly?

Fresh fruit can be used, but the texture may be a bit different. If you want to use fresh fruit, cook it down into a thick syrup before adding it to the cake.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (except for the jelly filling, which will be gooey). The cake should also be golden brown on top.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake without the frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and frost just before serving.

Can I make this cake in a bundt pan?

Yes, you can use a bundt pan. Just be sure to grease and flour the pan well, and check the baking time since a bundt pan may require a little longer to bake.

Can I substitute sour cream in the recipe?

You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Can I make this cake without frosting?

Yes, you can omit the frosting and dust the cake with powdered sugar instead, or even drizzle a simple glaze over the top.

How should I store leftover cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Can I add other spices to the cake?

Yes, you can add extra spices like allspice, ginger, or cloves for additional flavor complexity.

Can I use a different type of flour?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, though the texture may change slightly.

Conclusion

Jelly Donut Cake is a sweet and indulgent dessert that brings the nostalgic flavors of a jelly donut into a cake form. With its fluffy, spiced batter and gooey jelly center, it’s a treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet cravings. The creamy frosting adds the perfect finishing touch, making this cake ideal for any occasion. Simple to make and absolutely delicious, it’s a must-try for dessert lovers!

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