Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugar, and Vanilla

In a large mixing bowl, combine 150 grams of room temperature, cubed butter, 1 cup of caster sugar, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Use electric beaters to cream these ingredients together until well combined.

Step 2: Add Eggs

Crack and add two eggs to the creamed mixture. Continue to beat with electric beaters until the eggs are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Incorporate Milk and Flour

Gradually add 2/3 cup of milk and 2 cups of self-raising flour to the batter in alternating batches. Stir with a wooden spoon until a smooth, thick cake batter forms. Avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Prepare and Fill Cake Tins

Lightly grease two giant donut cake tins with cooking oil spray. Divide the prepared cake batter evenly between the two tins.

Step 5: Bake the Cakes

Place the filled cake tins into a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cakes are golden brown and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool the Cakes

Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in their tins for about 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, carefully transfer the cakes onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Trim Cake Halves

Once the cakes are completely cool, use a large serrated knife to carefully slice off the domed top section of each cake. This will create two flat donut halves, ensuring a level surface for assembly.

Step 8: Add Jam Filling

Take one of the trimmed cake halves and spread approximately 1/2 cup of your favorite jam (e.g., raspberry jam) evenly over its flat surface.

Step 9: Assemble the Donut Cake

Gently place the second trimmed cake half on top of the jam-covered half, aligning the centers to form a complete giant donut cake.

Step 10: Prepare the Icing

In a separate bowl, sift 1 cup of icing sugar. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk. Stir these ingredients together until a thick, smooth paste forms. Add a little more milk if necessary to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 11: Color the Icing

Add 1 to 2 drops of red food coloring to the icing mixture. Mix thoroughly until you achieve a uniform pink color.

Step 12: Ice the Cake

Spoon the pink icing over the top of the assembled donut cake. Allow the icing to naturally drizzle down the sides for an authentic donut appearance.

Step 13: Add Sprinkles

Generously sprinkle colorful sprinkles over the wet icing on the donut cake.

Step 14: Serve

The giant donut cake is now complete. You can place it in the fridge to allow the icing to set, or serve it immediately. Slice and enjoy!

• Allow cakes to cool completely before trimming and assembling.

• Allow icing to set in the fridge for a firmer glaze.

• Use any cake recipe you wish, including packet mixes (ensure enough for two cakes).

• Change the icing flavor, e.g., add cocoa powder for chocolate icing.