Apple Cider Donut Cake

Apple Cider Donut Cake is the ultimate fall dessert that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. With the flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and a hint of allspice, this cake is soft, moist, and coated in a delightful cinnamon-sugar topping. Brushed with melted butter for extra richness, it’s the perfect treat for cozy gatherings, afternoon snacks, or just when you need a little taste of fall.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Cider Donut Cake brings all the warmth and flavor of traditional apple cider donuts but in an easy-to-make cake form. The apple cider and cinnamon apple sauce give the cake a wonderful depth of flavor, while the cinnamon sugar coating makes each slice irresistible. The moist texture and warm spices make this cake the perfect way to celebrate the fall season, whether for a holiday gathering or just because!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box Yellow cake mix
¾ cup apple cider
½ cup cinnamon apple sauce
3 eggs
2 tablespoons melted butter
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Non-stick spray

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

¼ cup melted butter
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Make the Cake Batter:

In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce, eggs, melted butter, allspice, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer to blend until smooth.

3. Prepare the Pan:

Spray a bundt pan with non-stick spray to prevent the cake from sticking.

4. Bake the Cake:

Pour the cake batter into the bundt pan and bake for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.

5. Cool the Cake:

Let the cake cool completely for at least 30 minutes before removing it from the pan.

6. Remove the Cake from the Pan:

Once cooled, gently remove the cake from the bundt pan. If needed, use a butter knife to carefully separate the cake from the edges of the pan.

7. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

In a mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.

8. Brush with Butter and Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:

Place the cake on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Melt the ¼ cup butter and generously brush it over the entire cake using a silicone basting brush. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cake, pressing it into the surface to ensure it sticks. The excess sugar will fall onto the baking sheet below.

9. Serve:

Allow the cake to rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this delicious treat while it’s still warm!

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Sugar Coating Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 12 slices
Kcal: 280 kcal per slice

Variations

• Add Apples: For extra apple flavor, chop up some fresh apples and fold them into the cake batter before baking. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples would work wonderfully.

• Spiced Version: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the cake batter for an extra dose of spice.

• Glaze Option: If you want an extra-sweet touch, drizzle the cake with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, apple cider, and a little vanilla extract.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. To freeze, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

• Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or warm the whole cake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?

Yes, you can make this cake in a regular round cake pan or even a square baking pan. Just adjust the baking time as needed, checking for doneness with a toothpick.

2. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

While this recipe calls for yellow cake mix, you can use spice cake or even white cake mix for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I make the cake without the cinnamon sugar topping?

Yes, you can skip the cinnamon sugar topping if you prefer a less sweet cake, or use powdered sugar instead for a lighter touch.

4. Can I use fresh apple cider instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Fresh apple cider will work beautifully in this recipe and might add a slightly more intense apple flavor.

5. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this cake a day or two in advance. Just make sure to store it properly in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

6. How can I make the cake more moist?

For a more moist cake, try adding ¼ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the cake batter.

7. Can I add nuts to the cake?

Yes, chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch and flavor to this cake.

8. Can I use regular applesauce instead of cinnamon apple sauce?

Yes, regular applesauce works just fine. If you want the cinnamon flavor, just add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the batter.

9. How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done.

10. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version for a gluten-free treat.

Conclusion

Apple Cider Donut Cake is the perfect fall dessert, combining the comforting flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and buttery cake in one easy-to-make dish. With its moist texture and delicious cinnamon-sugar coating, this cake is sure to become a fall favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or simply enjoying a cozy snack, it’s the ultimate treat to celebrate the flavors of autumn.

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