Apple Cider Donut Cake

Why Make This Recipe

Apple Cider Donut Cake is the perfect treat to enjoy during the fall season. Its warm spices and rich apple flavor create a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The cake not only tastes delightful, but it also looks beautiful when served, making it a great option for gatherings, parties, or just a special dessert at home. This recipe is easy to follow and results in a moist, flavorful cake that everyone will love.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Ingredients:

• 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp (5 g) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp (1 g) nutmeg
• 1 tsp (5.6 g) salt
• 1 1/2 tbsp (21 g) baking powder
• 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (110 g) brown sugar
• 1 cup (224 g) vegetable oil
• 3 eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 cup (250 g) unsweetened applesauce (at room temperature)
• 1 cup (248 g) apple cider juice (not vinegar) (at room temperature)
• 1 tsp (5.6 g) vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (56 g) unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp (5 g) cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a bundt pan with non-stick spray and then dust with flour. Set aside.
2. In a medium size mixing bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. Whisk to combine and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil on medium speed until well combined.
4. Add the eggs to the sugar mixture and mix on medium speed for about two minutes.
5. Mix in the unsweetened applesauce and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
6. With the mixer on low speed, add one-third of the flour mixture, followed by half of the apple cider. Alternate adding the flour mixture and apple cider, finishing with the flour mixture. Mix until no streaks of flour remain. The batter should be slightly thin.
7. Pour the batter into the bundt pan and bake for about 50 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Let the cake cool for an hour in the bundt pan before turning it over onto a cake plate or cooling rack.
9. Using a pastry brush, coat the cake in melted butter.
10. Combine the 1/4 cup sugar and 2 tsp of cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture over the top and sides of the cake. It’s best to pat the mixture onto the sides with your hands for even coverage.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Serve slices of Apple Cider Donut Cake warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You can even drizzle some extra apple cider over the slices for added flavor.

How to Store Apple Cider Donut Cake

To store leftover cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

Tips to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
• Avoid over-mixing the batter; stop as soon as there are no more flour streaks.
• If you want extra moisture, consider adding more applesauce or apple cider.
• For an even richer flavor, you can add chopped nuts or apple pieces to the batter.

Variation

You can enhance the cake by adding a glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider on top after baking. This adds a sweet, sticky finish that many people enjoy. You can also try using different spices, such as ginger or allspice, to create your own unique flavor combination.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Yes, store-bought apple cider works perfectly for this recipe. Just make sure it’s not vinegar.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil?

You can use melted butter or any neutral oil instead of vegetable oil.

Is it necessary to use a bundt pan?

While a bundt pan gives the cake its beautiful shape, you can also use a regular round or square cake pan. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

Apple Cider Donut Cake

This Apple Cider Donut Cake captures the comforting flavors of autumn in a delightful, easy-to-make dessert. Enjoy the moist, spiced cake topped with a sweet, cinnamon-sugar coating, reminiscent of classic apple cider donuts.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 10 slices

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cake

• 2 cups All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup Light brown sugar packed
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• 1 teaspoon Baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• 2 Large eggs
• 1/2 cup Vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup Buttermilk
• 1/2 cup Reduced apple cider see notes

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

• 1/2 cup Unsalted butter melted
• 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon

Equipment

• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Large mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Bundt pan
• Wire rack
• Pastry brush

Method

 

Cake

1. Reduce 2 cups of apple cider to 1/2 cup on the stovetop. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a Bundt pan.
2. Whisk together dry ingredients: flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, combine wet ingredients: eggs, oil, vanilla, buttermilk, and the reduced apple cider.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour batter into the prepared Bundt pan.
5. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack.

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

1. While the cake is still warm, brush with melted butter.
2. In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered cake.

Notes

For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. The apple cider reduction is key for intense flavor; don't skip this step! Serve warm for a truly comforting experience.