Pin Fluffy baked donuts infused with nostalgic cream soda flavor and topped with a colorful birthday cake glaze and sprinkles, these treats are perfect for celebrations or when you crave something fun and sweet.
I first made these Cream Soda Birthday Cake Donuts for a weekend birthday brunch, and they quickly became the star of the morning. The playful flavors and festive sprinkles always spark joy and remind me of celebratory childhood memories.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g)
- Baking powder: 1 1/2 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Cream soda (not diet): 2/3 cup (160 ml)
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
- Unsalted butter, melted and cooled: 1/4 cup (60 ml)
- Large eggs: 2
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp
- Powdered sugar, sifted: 1 1/2 cups (180 g)
- Cream soda: 2 to 3 tbsp
- Vanilla extract: 1/2 tsp
- Rainbow sprinkles (plus more for topping): 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 12-cavity donut pan with butter or nonstick spray.
- Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the cream soda, milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine wet and dry:
- Add wet ingredients to dry and mix gently until just combined; do not over mix.
- Pipe into pan:
- Spoon batter into a piping bag or zip-top bag, snip the tip, and pipe batter into donut pan cavities filling about two-thirds full.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until donuts spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool:
- Let donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make glaze:
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, cream soda (one tablespoon at a time), and vanilla until smooth and thick but pourable. Stir in sprinkles.
- Dip and decorate:
- Dip the top of each cooled donut into the glaze, letting excess drip off. Immediately add extra sprinkles on top.
- Set and serve:
- Allow glaze to set for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Pin My family loves when I make these donuts for birthday mornings, and even simple weekends become a celebration thanks to the colorful sprinkles and sweet aroma that fills the kitchen.
Required Tools
You'll need a donut pan, two mixing bowls, a whisk, a piping bag or zip-top bag, and a wire rack to successfully bake and decorate these donuts.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains gluten (wheat), eggs, milk, and butter (dairy). Some sprinkles may also have soy or traces of nuts, so always check the labels if allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Information (Per Donut)
Calories: 220. Total fat: 7 g. Carbohydrates: 36 g. Protein: 3 g. These values may vary slightly based on ingredient brands and actual quantities used.
Pin Give these donuts a try for your next party or weekend treat, and enjoy fun flavor in every bite. Their cheerful look brightens any table and makes any morning feel special.
Recipe FAQ
- → How is the cream soda flavor added?
Cream soda is incorporated directly into both the donut batter and glaze, giving a distinctive nostalgic taste.
- → Can these donuts be made ahead?
Yes, they can be baked a day before and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for freshness.
- → Is there an alternative to whole milk?
2% milk can be used as a substitute and will still yield soft, flavorful results.
- → Which tools are necessary for preparation?
A 12-cavity donut pan, two mixing bowls, whisk, piping bag, and wire rack are recommended for best results.
- → Are there allergens present?
Ingredients include wheat (gluten), eggs, dairy, and possibly soy/nuts from sprinkles—always check packaging.
- → Can the cream soda flavor be intensified?
Adding a small amount of cream soda extract to both the batter and glaze can deepen the flavor profile.