If you’re looking for a dessert that lovingly captures the spirit of fall in every bite, this Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe is exactly what your cozy afternoons have been craving. Packed with warm cinnamon, the crisp sweetness of apple cider, and that irresistible doughnut-inspired cinnamon sugar glaze, this cake is a celebration of familiar flavors with a fresh twist. It’s simple enough for weeknight baking but special enough to impress your guests or sweeten up a chilly day. Trust me, once you make this cake, it’ll quickly become a beloved classic in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of moistness, spice, and that iconic cinnamon sugar crust reminiscent of a fresh doughnut.
- Yellow or Spice Cake Mix: Provides a tender, fluffy base that complements the autumnal flavors perfectly.
- Apple Cider: Adds natural sweetness and a subtle fruity tang, making sure the cake is moist and flavorful.
- Apple Sauce (cinnamon flavored): Keeps the cake extra moist and enhances the apple notes without adding pieces of fruit.
- Large Eggs: Bind everything together and give structure to the cake.
- Cinnamon (¼ tsp + 2 tbsp): The star spice, delivering warmth and that classic doughnut essence.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness to the batter.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet floral note.
- Sugar (¼ cup): Combines with cinnamon for the iconic doughnut topping.
- Melted Butter (¼ cup): Used for brushing the cake, helping the cinnamon sugar stick and adding richness.
How to Make Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350 degrees. While it warms, generously grease and flour your bundt pan to ensure your cake turns out with that beautiful, clean release. Using a baking spray like Baker’s Joy that already contains flour makes this step foolproof.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine your dry cake mix with apple cider, cinnamon apple sauce, and room temperature eggs. Add the ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon, the brown sugar, and vanilla extract next. Mixing everything well ensures that the spices and sweetness are evenly distributed through that luscious batter. This combination delivers the perfect moist texture paired with spicy-sweet flavor.
Step 3: Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Place the pan on the center oven rack and bake for about 40-45 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked. Once out of the oven, let it cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes so it firms up slightly and becomes easier to handle.
Step 4: Apply the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl for your topping. Take your cooled cake and brush the entire surface with melted butter, then generously rub all over with the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step mimics that classic doughnut coating, giving the cake a crunchy, cinnamon-sugary crust that’s downright addictive.
How to Serve Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, dust your Apple Cider Doughnut Cake with a light shake of powdered sugar or add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. You can also tuck a few thin apple slices or a sprig of fresh rosemary beside the cake for a rustic, seasonal touch that hints at the flavors within.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the warm spices. For a brunch setting, serve alongside creamy spiced latte or hot apple cider for that full-on comforting vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider slicing the cake into individual wedges and serving them on cute dessert plates with a small drizzle of maple syrup or honey. If you’re feeling festive, sprinkle some chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the top for extra crunch and a nutty depth. This cake also makes a charming breakfast centerpiece served with hot tea or coffee during chilly mornings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, cover your Apple Cider Doughnut Cake loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain that fresh cake texture, or refrigerate if you prefer it chilled for up to 5 days.
Freezing
If you want to keep the magic for longer, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before bringing back to room temperature or reheating.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop the whole cake in a low oven (around 300 degrees) for 10-15 minutes. This will help soften the cinnamon sugar crust and revive that fresh-baked crumb texture.
FAQs
Can I use apple juice or apple cider vinegar instead of apple cider?
For this Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe, it’s important to use apple cider because it adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor that apple juice or vinegar can’t replicate. Using apple juice might make it too sweet without the spicy notes, and vinegar would alter the taste unfavorably.
What kind of cake mix works best?
Yellow cake mix is the classic choice, but a spice cake mix will deepen the warmth and complexity of the cake’s flavor. Either will work beautifully, but if you love cinnamon and spice, spice cake mix gives an extra cozy dimension.
Is it necessary to brush the cake with melted butter before adding cinnamon sugar?
Yes, brushing with melted butter helps the cinnamon sugar stick and creates that signature doughnut-like crust. Skipping this step means you’ll miss out on the delightful crunch and richness that sets this recipe apart.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute a gluten-free cake mix for the regular cake mix, and ensure the other ingredients you use don’t contain gluten. The texture might vary slightly, but the flavors will still shine through beautifully.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The best way is to use a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging, the cake is done. Baking times can vary slightly based on your oven, so it’s better to test rather than rely strictly on time.
Final Thoughts
Making the Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe is like baking a hug in cake form. It offers all the best fall flavors wrapped up in a light, spongy cake with a sweet, cinnamony crunch you won’t be able to resist. Whether you’re sharing it with family or treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, this recipe promises warmth, comfort, and happiness in every bite. Give it a try because delicious moments like this should be savored often.
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Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is a moist, cinnamon-spiced bundt cake infused with tangy apple cider and sweet apple sauce, perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting treat. It combines the flavors of classic apple cider doughnuts into an easy-to-make cake that is brushed with butter and coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 15.25 ounce box Yellow cake mix or Spice Cake Mix
- 1 cup apple cider (NOT apple juice and NOT apple cider vinegar)
- ½ cup cinnamon apple sauce (not chunky)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (more if you like it really cinnamony)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (adjust according to preference)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even baking of your cake.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, apple cider, cinnamon apple sauce, and eggs. Beat well until the mixture is smooth. Add in ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, and mix again until fully incorporated.
- Prepare the Bundt Pan: Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly. Using a non-stick spray with flour such as Baker’s Joy can help prevent sticking and make removing the cake easier.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan evenly. Place the pan on the center oven rack and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes to set and firm up slightly.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: While the cake cools, in a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons cinnamon and ¼ cup sugar thoroughly.
- Coat the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, brush the entire surface generously with melted butter. Immediately sprinkle and rub the cinnamon sugar mixture over and all around the cake to ensure an even coating.
Notes
- Use apple cider for authentic flavor; avoid apple juice or cider vinegar.
- For more intense cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the batter or topping as desired.
- Avoid chunky apple sauce to maintain smooth cake texture.
- Using a cake mix makes this recipe quick and easy without sacrificing flavor.
- Allow the cake to cool sufficiently before applying the butter and cinnamon sugar to ensure it sticks well.
- This cake pairs beautifully with coffee or tea for a cozy snack.
