If you’re searching for a delightful, sweet treat that instantly brightens the room, this Pink Party Donuts Recipe is exactly what you need. These fluffy, tender donuts topped with a luscious pink glaze and colorful sprinkles bring both a festive vibe and comforting flavors to your table. Perfect for celebrations or simply spoiling yourself with something special, this recipe combines simple ingredients into a charming, irresistible donut that feels like a little party in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pink Party Donuts Recipe lies in how straightforward yet thoughtfully combined the ingredients are. Each one plays a key role—from the warm spices that give the donuts subtle depth, to the buttermilk that ensures perfect softness, and the bright pink glaze that makes these donuts truly standout.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your donuts; spooned and leveled for best accuracy.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help your donuts rise beautifully and stay fluffy.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Add cozy, warm spices that make every bite comforting.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients and contributes richness and moisture.
- Light brown sugar: Adds sweetness plus a hint of molasses for depth.
- Buttermilk: Keeps the donuts tender with a gentle tang.
- Unsalted butter: Melted for moisture and a rich buttery flavor.
- Pure vanilla extract: Infuses the batter and glaze with sweet aromatic notes.
- Confectioners’ sugar: The key to that smooth, sugary glaze.
- Heavy cream: Adjusts glaze consistency and adds luscious creaminess.
- Red food coloring: Creates the signature vibrant pink glaze.
- Rainbow sprinkles: Fun and festive garnish to make your party donuts shine.
How to Make Pink Party Donuts Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Donut Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Next, give your donut pan a good spray with a non-stick cooking spray. Whether you have heart-shaped pans or classic round ones, prepped pans are essential to making sure your donuts come out perfectly formed and easy to release after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Incorporating these spices early makes sure their flavor is evenly distributed throughout the batter, creating that subtle warm undertone that makes these donuts so irresistible.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk the egg, light brown sugar, and buttermilk together until smooth. Then, gently stir in the melted butter and vanilla extract. Having your wet ingredients at room temperature ensures they blend beautifully without clumps, making the batter nice and smooth.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Remember not to overmix here; the batter should be thick but don’t stir it to the point where it becomes tough. A tender donut is the goal, so treat the batter gently!
Step 5: Fill the Donut Cavities
For the neatest, easiest filling, transfer the batter into a large zipped-top bag and snip off a corner. Pipe the batter into each donut cavity, filling them about halfway or two-thirds full. If your pan has heart shapes, be careful not to overfill or your donuts won’t hold their classic ring shape after baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake your donuts for 8 to 10 minutes, until the edges turn a light golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the donuts rest in the pan for a couple of minutes before gently moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them firm up just enough to glaze without breaking.
Step 7: Make and Apply the Pink Glaze
Mix up the glaze by whisking confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and red food coloring until smooth and vibrantly pink. Use more heavy cream if needed to thin or confectioners’ sugar to thicken. Dip each cooled donut into this luscious glaze and set it back on the rack to let excess drip off. The finishing touch is a generous sprinkle of rainbow sprinkles to bring all the party vibes!
How to Serve Pink Party Donuts Recipe
Garnishes
While rainbow sprinkles are the classic and colorful choice, you can also jazz up your Pink Party Donuts Recipe with edible glitter or tiny heart-shaped candies for added sparkle and charm. Fresh berries on the side add a natural fruity burst that complements the sweet glaze beautifully.
Side Dishes
These donuts shine best alongside light, refreshing drinks like sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a gently brewed iced tea. Pair them with a bowl of mixed fruit or a dollop of lightly whipped cream for a balanced, crowd-pleasing spread at your next get-together.
Creative Ways to Present
For a real wow factor, stack the donuts in a fun tiered display or arrange them on a bright cake stand surrounded by fresh florals. Wrapping small bundles of two or three donuts tied with a pretty ribbon makes for perfect party favors or thoughtful homemade gifts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover Pink Party Donuts Recipe treats, no worries—they keep really well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This helps preserve their texture and prevents the glaze from melting or getting sticky.
Freezing
You can freeze the plain baked donuts (before glazing) by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to one month, then thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to glaze and serve.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy your donuts again, warm them gently in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a low oven (300°F / 150°C) for a few minutes. This reawakens the softness and will give you that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel, even after a day or two.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While regular milk can work in a pinch, buttermilk’s slight acidity helps tenderize the donuts and activates the baking soda for a perfect rise. If you don’t have buttermilk, try mixing regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
What if I don’t have a donut pan?
If you don’t own a donut pan, you could bake this batter in muffin tins for donut holes or small cakes, though the iconic donut shape and hole won’t be there. Alternatively, consider using silicone donut molds if you have those on hand.
Can I make these donuts vegan or dairy-free?
Substituting dairy and eggs in this recipe would require some tweaks. For dairy, non-dairy buttermilk alternatives and plant-based butter can work, and flax or chia eggs can replace the large egg, but texture may slightly change. These donuts are best enjoyed as written though, for that classic taste and texture.
Why is my glaze too runny or too thick?
Glaze consistency can vary depending on humidity and the brands of ingredients used. If it’s too runny, add a bit more confectioners’ sugar to thicken it. If it’s too thick, thin with a small splash of heavy cream until it reaches your desired dipping texture.
Can I make the glaze a different color?
Absolutely! The base glaze is simple and easy to adapt. Swap out the red food coloring with any color you love to customize the look of your party donuts. Pastels or bright neons both work perfectly for different themes.
Final Thoughts
Making the Pink Party Donuts Recipe is such a joyful experience—from mixing fragrant spices into the batter, to watching those donuts rise and transforming them with vibrant pink glaze and colorful sprinkles. They bring warmth and festivity to every occasion, and honestly, it’s hard to resist going back for just one more. Give this recipe a try soon—you’ll have everyone asking for your party donut secrets in no time!
Print
Pink Party Donuts Recipe
Delight in these charming Pink Party Donuts, featuring a tender, spiced cake base with a smooth, vibrant pink vanilla glaze topped with colorful rainbow sprinkles. Perfect for celebrations or a sweet treat, these baked donuts offer a lighter alternative to fried versions and come together quickly for an impressive party dessert.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 9 donuts
Ingredients
Donut Batter
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup (65g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Pink Vanilla Glaze
- 2 cups (240g) confectioners’ sugar
- 3 Tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3–4 Tablespoons (45-60ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1–2 drops red food coloring
Garnish
- Rainbow sprinkles
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly spray your donut pan—heart-shaped or regular—with non-stick spray and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the egg, brown sugar, and buttermilk together until smooth. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract, whisking until fully incorporated.
- Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix as the batter will be thick.
- Fill the Donut Pan: Transfer the batter to a large zip-top bag and cut off a small corner for piping. Pipe the batter into the donut cavities, filling each about halfway to two-thirds full. For heart-shaped pans, avoid overfilling to preserve the hole.
- Bake Donuts: Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned. Let them cool in the pan for about 2 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack placed over parchment paper or a baking sheet to catch drips.
- Repeat Baking: Continue baking the remaining batter in batches, allowing all donuts to cool until they can be handled comfortably.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, heavy cream, vanilla extract, salt, and red food coloring until completely smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more cream to thin or more sugar to thicken.
- Glaze and Garnish: Dip each cooled donut into the glaze, then place back on the wire rack. Immediately top with rainbow sprinkles.
- Serve and Store: Serve the donuts promptly for best texture and flavor. Leftovers should be stored in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The glaze may set slightly over time.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients for best mixing and texture.
- Filling the donut pan only up to two-thirds full prevents overflow and ensures proper donut shape.
- The pink glaze can be adjusted in color intensity by adding a drop or two more red food coloring.
- Donuts are best eaten fresh but can be kept refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.
- Using a piping bag or zip-top bag for batter distribution results in cleaner, more even donuts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
