# Components:
→ Donuts
01 - 36 mini glazed donuts (store-bought or homemade)
→ Icing
02 - 2 cups powdered sugar
03 - 3 to 4 tablespoons whole milk
04 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Decorations
05 - 1/2 cup assorted colorful sprinkles
06 - Edible gold stars (optional)
07 - Graduation-themed toothpick toppers (optional)
→ Assembly
08 - 1 large styrofoam or cone-shaped cake form (about 12 inches tall)
09 - Wooden skewers or toothpicks
10 - Serving platter or cake stand
# Method:
01 - Ensure homemade donuts are completely cool before decorating; if using store-bought, confirm they are fresh and at room temperature.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl combine 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla; whisk until smooth and thick but pourable, adding the remaining tablespoon of milk only if needed to reach the desired consistency.
03 - Dip the top of each mini donut into the icing, allow excess to drip back into the bowl, then immediately press the iced surface into the sprinkles to coat; transfer to a wire rack or tray and let the icing set for about 15 minutes.
04 - Place the styrofoam cone or cake form on the serving platter or stand, ensuring it is stable and centered before beginning assembly.
05 - Starting at the cone's base, impale a donut through its center with a short wooden skewer or toothpick and press it against the form to secure; continue placing donuts around the base, slightly overlapping each one.
06 - Work upward in concentric layers, securing each donut with skewers as needed; adjust overlap so the tower tapers evenly toward the top and trim donuts with a knife if necessary for fit.
07 - Use extra donuts to fill any gaps and scatter additional sprinkles or edible stars across the tower for extra visual impact; add graduation-themed toppers where desired.
08 - Place a decorative topper at the peak, present immediately, or cover loosely and store at room temperature for up to 2 hours before serving to preserve glaze texture.
