Name: Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil (or neutral flavored oil); 3 large eggs (at room temperature); 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (at room temperature); 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup apple cider (at room temperature); 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted); 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 60 reviews

If you’re looking to bring the warm, cozy flavors of fall right into your kitchen, this Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe is a must-try! It captures the essence of fresh apple cider and the comforting spices you’d expect from a classic donut, but in a show-stopping cake form that’s perfect for sharing. Moist, tender, and filled with just the right amount of cinnamon and nutmeg, each bite feels like a crisp autumn day wrapped in sweetness. Whether for a holiday brunch or a weekend treat, this cake truly shines as a celebration of apple cider’s delightful charm.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a flat lay of baking ingredients on a white marbled surface. There is one layer of three brown eggs placed near the center. Surrounding them are small glass bowls and jars holding different ingredients: a bowl with light butter squares, a jar filled with white flour, a bowl of light brown sugar, a bowl of applesauce, a bowl of white granulated sugar, a small glass bowl of baking soda, and a small glass bowl of baking powder. Three glass spice jars with gold lids hold ground nutmeg, salt, and cinnamon arranged in a row. Two small glass pitchers, one with orange liquid and the other with a light yellow oil, also appear. A very small glass container with dark vanilla extract sits near the sugar. The whole image is bright and neatly arranged without any hands or utensils visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe relies on simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one contributes to the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that irresistible golden color you’ll fall in love with.

3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body for the cake, giving it its tender crumb.
1 Tablespoon cinnamon: Adds that warm, spicy undertone essential for that classic donut flavor.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: A subtle hint of earthy spice that deepens the autumn vibe.
3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances out the sweetness.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a perfect fluffy texture.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic apple cider to make the cake light and tender.
1 1/2 cups sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create that lovely caramelized crust.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a rich, toffee-like depth to the sweetness.
1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering the flavors.
3 eggs (room temperature): Bind the ingredients and add richness to the batter.
1 cup unsweetened applesauce (room temperature): Boosts moisture while contributing subtle apple flavor.
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a rounded, fragrant sweetness that complements the cider perfectly.
1 cup apple cider (room temperature): The star ingredient that infuses the cake with its signature bright, spiced apple flavor.
3 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): For brushing the cake, helping the cinnamon sugar topping stick beautifully.
3 Tablespoons sugar: Combines with cinnamon for that irresistible sugary coating.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Mixed with sugar to create the perfect finishing touch, evoking the feel of a classic cider donut.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by giving your bundt pan some love — spray it generously with non-stick cooking spray and dust with a little flour to ensure the cake releases cleanly after baking. Preheat your oven to 325°F to get things ready for that perfect golden bake.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, take all your dry ingredients including the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Whisk them all together thoroughly. This step ensures your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter, which means every bite will be just as delicious as the last.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, combine your sugars and oil first and mix well using a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, continuing to beat for about 2 minutes until you get a fluffy texture. Stir in applesauce and vanilla extract, blending everything into a luscious, well-incorporated mixture that promises moistness in each slice.

Step 4: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Apple Cider into Batter

Now comes a key step for a tender cake – adding your dry ingredients and apple cider in alternating turns. Start by mixing in a third of your dry mix on low speed, then half of the apple cider, and keep alternating until everything is smoothly blended. This gentle combination helps maintain a light batter while embracing that signature apple-cider tang.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top lightly. Place it in the oven and bake for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean—golden brown on top and beautifully risen.

Step 6: Cool and Add the Signature Topping

Once out of the oven, let your cake cool for an hour in the pan; this helps it settle perfectly. Then invert it onto a cooling rack or your favorite cake plate. While it’s still warm, brush melted butter all over the top and sides. Quickly sprinkle with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, pressing slightly with your hands if needed so this dreamy glaze sticks to every nook and cranny.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

A round bundt cake with a textured dark brown outside layer covered in cinnamon sugar sits on a white plate. One slice is lifted by a spatula, showing the inside which is light brown with a moist, soft crumb texture. The cake has one visible layer inside. In the background, there are red and green apples and cinnamon sticks, all placed on a white marbled surface. A white cloth is partly visible at the bottom edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance the rustic charm of this cake by adding a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans also make excellent garnishes, elevating both the flavor and the presentation effortlessly.

Side Dishes

This Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe pairs beautifully with warm beverages like spiced chai tea, vanilla latte, or a freshly brewed cup of coffee. For a heartier brunch, consider serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a fresh fruit salad to balance the sweetness with some crunchy freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing display, slice the cake into generous wedges and arrange on a wooden platter with small bowls of apple butter or caramel sauce for drizzling. You can also dust it with powdered sugar or add a light glaze of sharpened cinnamon-apple syrup for extra flair before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Cider Donut Cake keeps wonderfully when stored properly. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This way, the cake retains its moisture and flavor without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to save the magic for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F for around 10 minutes. This keeps the cake moist and revives the aroma of apple cider and cinnamon perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apple cider or store-bought?

Both work wonderfully in this Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe. Fresh cider offers a brighter flavor, but quality store-bought cider is perfectly acceptable and convenient without sacrificing taste.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture may differ slightly, but the flavor will remain delicious.

How can I make this cake dairy-free?

Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil when brushing the topping, and ensure your oil choice is free of dairy additives. The recipe itself is mostly dairy-free except for that finishing touch.

What’s the best pan for baking this cake?

A bundt pan is ideal for this Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe since it gives the cake its signature shape and offers lots of surface area for that cinnamon sugar glaze to shine.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients and bake in two bundt pans or a larger baking pan. Just keep an eye on baking time, as it may vary depending on the baking vessel used.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the comforting flavors packed into this Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe. Whether you’re looking to celebrate fall or simply crave a cake that brings a smile with every bite, this recipe hits all the right notes. I can’t wait for you to try it out and create your own little slice of cozy happiness in your kitchen!