Description
Sweet autumn memories rise with this apple cider donut cake, bringing warmth from first bite to final crumb. Rich spices and tender texture invite cozy moments that comfort and delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 15.25 ounces (432 grams) yellow cake mix or spice cake mix (Betty Crocker Yellow Super Moist or Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) apple cider
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) applesauce (cinnamon applesauce works best)
Flavoring Ingredients:
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) sugar
- 1/4 cup (57 grams) melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even temperature for optimal baking performance.
- Combine cake mix, apple cider, applesauce, and eggs in a large mixing bowl, creating a smooth base for the cake mixture. Incorporate cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly until ingredients are fully integrated.
- Generously coat the bundt pan with Baker’s Joy or a similar non-stick spray, ensuring complete coverage to prevent cake from sticking during baking.
- Transfer the prepared batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading evenly to create a uniform cake texture.
- Position the pan in the center rack of the preheated oven, allowing for consistent heat distribution during the 40-45 minute baking process.
- Verify cake doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; a clean withdrawal indicates the cake is fully baked.
- Remove cake from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for approximately 20 minutes, enabling the cake to set and release from the pan easily.
- While cooling, create a cinnamon sugar mixture by thoroughly combining cinnamon and sugar in a separate bowl.
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, brush the entire surface with melted butter, creating a sticky foundation for the cinnamon sugar coating.
- Generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered surface, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor and texture.
- Slice the cake and serve, savoring the warm, aromatic blend of apple cider and cinnamon flavors.
Notes
- Swap out regular apple cider for fresh pressed or homemade versions to enhance the authentic apple flavor profile and boost natural sweetness.
- Experiment with alternative flour blends like gluten-free or almond flour for readers with dietary restrictions, ensuring the cake maintains its tender texture.
- Use unsweetened applesauce to control sugar content and create a lighter, more health-conscious dessert option without compromising taste.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding cinnamon sugar coating to prevent soggy edges and ensure a crisp, caramelized exterior that provides delightful textural contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg