The Cozy Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe: Autumn in Every Bite

Warm autumn days call for a delightful apple cider donut cake that captures seasonal comfort in every bite.

Sweet aromas will fill your kitchen with memories of crisp orchard mornings.

Cinnamon and nutmeg dance through this tender dessert, promising pure indulgence.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this surprisingly simple recipe with ease.

Soft crumbs and rich apple essence create a nostalgic treat that feels like a warm hug.

The magic happens when traditional donut flavors meld into a gorgeous cake format.

Each slice promises a delectable journey through fall’s most beloved ingredients.

Let your oven work its magic and savor every delicious moment.

Apple Cider Donut Cake That Feels Like Fall in Every Slice

• Whip Up Effortlessly: Super simple recipe that requires minimal baking skills, perfect for beginners wanting to create a delicious dessert without complex techniques.
• Quick Autumn Comfort: Captures the cozy, warm flavors of fall in under an hour, delivering a nostalgic taste of apple cider donuts transformed into an easy cake format.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Universally appealing dessert that satisfies both kids and adults, making it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or weekend family treats with its familiar cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Versatile Serving Option: Excellent for multiple occasions like brunch, afternoon tea, dessert after dinner, or as a sweet weekend breakfast companion with its accessible ingredients and straightforward preparation.

Apple Cider Donut Cake Ingredient Breakdown

• Dry Cake Mix: Provides the foundational structure for a quick and easy cake base.
• Apple Cider: Adds rich apple flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Applesauce: Enhances moisture and creates a softer texture.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients and adds richness to the cake.

• Cinnamon: Brings warm, classic spice typical of apple cider donuts.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and complexity.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides a subtle, aromatic background flavor.

• Butter (Melted): Creates a delicious coating that helps cinnamon sugar adhere to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and creates a classic donut-like crisp exterior.

Apple Cider Donut Cake Baking in Autumn Style

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Heat your oven to 350°F and position a rack right in the center for perfect baking.

Step 2: Mix the Magical Batter

• Dry cake mix
• Apple cider
• Applesauce
• Eggs
• Cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract

Whisk everything together until the mixture looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 3: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Grab your bundt pan and give it some love with a generous coating of Baker’s Joy or butter and flour.

This ensures your cake will slide out perfectly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the preheated oven.

Bake for 40-45 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!

Step 5: Let the Cake Chill

Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest on a wire rack for about 20 minutes.

This helps it set and makes removal easier.

Step 6: Create Cinnamon Sugar Magic

In a small bowl, mix together cinnamon and sugar until well combined.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch

Brush the entire cake with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top.

Make sure every inch gets some sweet coating.

Step 8: Slice and Celebrate

Cut into the cake and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of apple cider and cinnamon.

Pure happiness on a plate!

Donut Cake Tips for Peak Apple Cider Flavor

• Use Baker's Joy spray for foolproof pan preparation, ensuring the cake releases perfectly without sticking or breaking.
• Replace some oil with applesauce to keep the cake incredibly moist and add subtle apple flavor without extra calories.
• Add extra ground cinnamon or nutmeg to intensify the warm, autumn-inspired taste and create deeper flavor complexity.
• Allow ingredients like eggs and cider to reach room temperature before mixing to create smoother, more evenly blended batter that rises better.
• Brush melted butter generously and quickly before sprinkling cinnamon sugar to help the topping adhere and create a deliciously crispy coating.

Chill Apple Cider Donut Cake Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
• Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or place the entire cake in a preheated 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Let the cake sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore its soft, tender texture and maximize flavor.

Sips and Toppings for Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Pair Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a cold, smooth vanilla ice cream alongside the warm apple cider donut cake. The creamy, rich texture perfectly balances the cake's spicy cinnamon notes and creates a delightful temperature contrast.
• Sip Spiced Apple Cider: Brew a hot, fresh apple cider with additional cinnamon sticks and cloves. This matching beverage intensifies the cake's apple and spice flavors, creating a harmonious autumn-inspired experience.
• Match Caramel Macchiato: Prepare a warm caramel macchiato with espresso and steamed milk. The sweet caramel and robust coffee complement the cake's sugary cinnamon topping and add depth to each bite.
• Accompany Whipped Cream Dollop: Top the cake slice with a light, airy whipped cream sprinkled with extra cinnamon. This delicate topping adds a creamy texture and enhances the cake's warm, comforting flavor profile.

Apple Cider Donut Cake Mix-Ins

• Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donut Cake: Replace traditional cake mix with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or Bob's Red Mill gluten-free cake mix. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Vegan Apple Cider Cake: Swap eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water), use dairy-free butter alternative for topping, and select a vegan-friendly cake mix. Choose plant-based applesauce to maintain moisture and richness.
• Low-Sugar Apple Cider Cake: Use a sugar-free cake mix, replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener, and reduce cinnamon sugar topping quantity. Consider using sugar-free applesauce and a light butter spray for coating.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Substitute cake mix with almond flour and coconut flour blend, use sugar-free apple cider, replace sugar with erythritol, and incorporate cream cheese for added richness. Top with a keto-friendly cinnamon sprinkle.

FAQs

• Why use apple cider in this cake recipe?

Apple cider adds moisture and a rich, tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cake, creating a more complex and autumn-inspired dessert.

• Can I substitute the cake mix with homemade cake batter?

While the recipe is designed for a cake mix, you can use a homemade cake batter. Just ensure the consistency is similar and adjust ingredients accordingly to maintain the cake’s texture.

• How do I know if the cake is properly mixed?

The batter should be smooth and free of lumps, with all ingredients fully incorporated. Mix until you see a consistent color and texture throughout the batter.

• Is this cake best served warm or cool?

The cake is delicious both warm and at room temperature. The cinnamon sugar topping is particularly enjoyable when the melted butter is still slightly warm, creating a crisp, sweet coating.