Dessert

Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe

ByElena Hart December 17, 2025December 17, 2025

Introduction

This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake captures the warm, cozy flavors of a classic fall treat in a simple, moist cake. With a tender crumb infused with apple cider and a cinnamon sugar coating, it’s perfect for dessert or a special snack with coffee.

A round bundt cake with a golden brown color, coated completely in a layer of fine cinnamon sugar crystals that give it a slightly rough texture; the cake has a scalloped, ridged surface with deep grooves running vertically and a hollow center, placed on a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface, with a blurred green apple and a wooden bowl in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 15.25 ounce box yellow cake mix or spice cake mix
1 cup apple cider (not apple juice or apple cider vinegar)

½ cup apple sauce (cinnamon apple sauce recommended, not chunky)
3 large eggs, room temperature

¼ teaspoon cinnamon (adjust for more cinnamon flavor)
1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons cinnamon (for coating, adjust to taste)
¼ cup sugar (for coating)

¼ cup melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce, and eggs until smooth. Add the ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing well to combine.

Step 3: Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly; a nonstick spray with flour works well to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and place it on the center oven rack. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
Step 5: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 20 minutes.

Step 6: In a small bowl, mix together the 2 tablespoons cinnamon and ¼ cup sugar.
Step 7: Once cooled, brush the top and sides of the cake with melted butter, then sprinkle and rub the cinnamon sugar mixture all over the cake until evenly coated.

Tips & Variations

Try using a spice cake mix for a deeper flavor with warm spices.

For extra moistness, let the apple cider reduce slightly before mixing into the batter.
If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar in the cinnamon coating or omit the brown sugar in the batter.
Serve with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra indulgence.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its moisture. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to refresh the warm doughnut flavor before serving.

How to Serve

A round bundt cake covered in a golden-brown cinnamon and sugar layer sits on a white plate, with its textured ridges clearly visible and coated evenly. In the center of the cake, a white scalloped bowl filled with creamy light beige dipping sauce is placed. A woman's hand is lifting a slice of the cake, showing its soft inside that matches the color of the outer layer but without the sugar coating. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Yes, fresh apple cider works wonderfully and adds a bright apple flavor. Just be sure it’s not overly diluted or fermented.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free yellow cake mix, but results may vary. Make sure the mix is suitable for bundt cakes and follow all other ingredient specifications.