Make Cozy Fall Mornings with Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

My recent obsession with apple cider donut cake has transformed weekend baking into a delightful adventure.

Sweet autumn memories swirl through this nostalgic dessert, connecting childhood treats with sophisticated home cooking.

Crisp orchard notes dance beneath a tender crumb, promising pure comfort in every slice.

Warm spices whisper of cozy mornings and seasonal celebrations.

Cinnamon and nutmeg create a sensory embrace that feels like a gentle hug.

Each forkful promises a magical journey through familiar yet unexpected flavors.

Trust this recipe to become your new fall favorite.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Cake Mix: A convenient base that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Apple Cider: Adds moisture and enhances the apple flavor profile of the cake.
• Apple Sauce: Creates a soft, tender crumb and adds natural sweetness.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide richness.

• Cinnamon, Brown Sugar, Vanilla: Create a warm, comforting flavor reminiscent of classic apple cider donuts.

• Butter, Cinnamon Sugar: Provides a sweet, crispy exterior that mimics the classic donut coating.

How to Bake Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350F (175C). Grab a bundt pan and give it a quick spray with a flour-based cooking spray or generously grease and dust with flour to prevent any sticking.

Step 2: Create the Magical Batter

• Cake mix
• Apple cider
• Apple sauce
• Eggs
• Cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes silky smooth and fully blended.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly.

Slide the pan onto the center rack of your preheated oven. Let it bake for 40-45 minutes.

To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, your cake is ready to shine!

Step 4: Cool Down and Rest

Once out of the oven, let the cake hang out in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes.

This helps it settle and makes removal easier.

Step 5: Craft the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Cinnamon
• Granulated sugar

Step 6: Create the Delicious Finish

Brush the cooled cake with melted butter, then sprinkle or rub the cinnamon sugar mixture all over, making sure every inch gets some love.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Slice up this delectable Apple Cider Donut Cake and enjoy it with your favorite hot beverage. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat!

Pro Tips for Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Swap apple sauce with Greek yogurt for extra moisture and protein boost in the cake.
• Enhance flavor by reducing apple cider on stovetop before adding to batter, concentrating its sweet tang.
• Prevent cake from sticking by thoroughly coating bundt pan with butter and flour, ensuring smooth release.
• Check cake doneness early to avoid over-baking, as ovens vary in temperature and performance.
• Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom to elevate the classic apple cider donut profile.

Variations to Try with Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Cider Cake: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free cake mix, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Apple Cider Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use plant-based butter alternative, and choose dairy-free cake mix to create a completely vegan-friendly version.
• Low-Sugar Apple Cider Cake: Substitute regular sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce brown sugar amount, and use unsweetened apple sauce to lower overall sugar content.
• Nutty Apple Cider Variation: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter, sprinkle them on top before baking, and add a light nut crunch to the traditional recipe.

Pairing Ideas for Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Elevate Flavor Pairing: Serve alongside a warm, spiced chai latte to complement the cake's apple and cinnamon notes, creating a cozy autumn-inspired experience.
• Beverage Harmony: Pour a crisp, cold apple cider or hard apple cider to enhance the cake's fruity undertones and provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet, dense texture.
• Dessert Companion: Top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or whipped cream to add a creamy, cool element that balances the warm spices and rich cake flavors.
• Breakfast Boost: Pair with a strong, black coffee or espresso to cut through the sweetness and highlight the cake's deep, caramelized cinnamon profile.

Storage Tips for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container at the back of the refrigerator where temperature remains consistent.

Slice the cake, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, allowing storage up to 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Store uncovered cake at room temperature in a cool, dry spot for 1-2 days, using a cake dome or loose tent of foil to prevent drying out.

Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated 300F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and bring back the cake’s original delightful warmth.

FAQs

• Why use apple cider in this cake recipe?

Apple cider adds moisture and a deep, rich apple flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cake, making it more complex and delicious than using regular liquid.

• Can I use a different type of pan if I don't have a bundt pan?

Yes, you can use a 9×13 inch rectangular pan or two 9-inch round cake pans. Just adjust baking time and watch carefully to prevent overcooking.

• Is this cake suitable for people who don't like strong apple flavors?

Absolutely! The apple cider provides a subtle, mild apple essence that’s not overpowering, making it enjoyable for most taste preferences.

Apple Cider Donut Cake Delight

• Celebrate Seasonal Comfort: Dive into the warmth of autumn with this cake that captures the essence of apple cider donuts in a cozy, shareable format perfect for family gatherings.
• Simplify Baking Brilliance: Mix ingredients quickly in one bowl, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Transform Breakfast Moments: Elevate your morning routine with a delightful cake that bridges the gap between classic donuts and traditional breakfast treats, offering a delicious twist on familiar flavors.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Enjoy as a dessert, afternoon snack, or breakfast companion, this cake adapts to multiple occasions and satisfies sweet cravings with its rich apple and cinnamon profile.

Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful apple cider donut cake brings orchard-fresh flavors from classic American baking traditions into a moist, irresistible dessert. Warm spices and rich apple notes create a comforting slice you can savor with coffee or share among friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Base:

• 1 (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) yellow or spice cake mix
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) apple cider
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) apple sauce
• 3 large eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 2 tablespoons cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) melted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the bundt pan by thoroughly coating with non-stick spray or butter, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking at 350F (175C).
2. Create the cake base by whisking dry cake mix with apple cider, apple sauce, and eggs until achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency.
3. Enhance the batter’s flavor profile by incorporating cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Transfer the prepared batter into the greased bundt pan, spreading carefully to maintain uniform distribution.
5. Position the pan in the center oven rack and bake for 40-45 minutes, monitoring for a golden-brown exterior and checking doneness with a clean toothpick insertion.
6. Allow the freshly baked cake to rest in the pan for 20 minutes, enabling gradual cooling and preventing structural collapse.
7. While cake cools, prepare the signature coating by combining ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a separate mixing bowl.
8. Gently release the cake from the pan onto a wire cooling rack, ensuring stable placement.
9. Brush the entire cake surface with melted butter, creating a tacky layer for maximum cinnamon sugar adherence.
10. Generously coat the buttered cake with the prepared cinnamon sugar mixture, rotating to ensure complete and even coverage.
11. Slice and serve at room temperature, perfect as a decadent dessert or indulgent morning companion with coffee or tea.

Notes

• Opt for fresh apple cider to enhance the cake’s authentic flavor and natural sweetness.
• Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Consider using a kitchen scale for precise ingredient measurements to guarantee consistent results.
• Swap regular flour with gluten-free blend for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the cake’s delightful structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 243
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg