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Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe

4.4 from 103 reviews

This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake combines the warm, spicy flavors of cinnamon and apple cider in a moist, tender cake baked in a bundt pan. Coated with a cinnamon sugar mixture, this cake offers the delightful taste and texture of doughnuts in an easy-to-make cake form, perfect for autumn gatherings or anytime you crave a cozy treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 15.25 ounce box Yellow cake mix or Spice Cake Mix
  • 1 cup apple cider (NOT apple juice and NOT apple cider vinegar)
  • ½ cup apple sauce (cinnamon apple sauce recommended, not chunky)
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (add more if you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a bundt pan by greasing and flouring it thoroughly, or use a non-stick baking spray such as Baker’s Joy that contains flour for easy release.
  2. Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, apple cider, cinnamon apple sauce, and eggs. Beat until smooth and well incorporated. Add ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the batter and mix thoroughly. This will infuse the batter with warm, sweet flavors.
  3. Pour into Pan and Bake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Place the pan on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is fully cooked.
  4. Cool the Cake: Remove the bundt pan from the oven and let the cake cool for about 20 minutes on a wire rack. This cooling step helps the cake set and makes it easier to handle.
  5. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of ground cinnamon and ¼ cup granulated sugar, mixing them well to create a balanced cinnamon sugar coating.
  6. Coat the Cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, brush the entire surface evenly with melted butter. Then sprinkle and rub the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cake’s surface, ensuring it is thoroughly coated for that signature doughnut flavor and a slightly crunchy texture.

Notes

  • You can use either yellow cake mix or spice cake mix depending on your flavor preference; spice mix will add more depth of flavor.
  • Use real apple cider, not apple juice or vinegar, for the best flavor and moisture in the cake.
  • Room temperature eggs help create a smooth batter and better texture.
  • Adjust cinnamon amounts in both the batter and coating based on how strong you want the spice flavor.
  • For an extra touch, serve the cake with a drizzle of caramel sauce or whipped cream.

Keywords: Apple cider cake, doughnut cake, fall dessert, cinnamon cake, bundt cake, spiced cake, apple cider doughnut, easy cake recipe