Cozy Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe: Fall’s Sweetest Treat

Sweet aromas of autumn dance through kitchens when apple cider doughnut cake becomes the star of weekend baking adventures.

Crisp orchards inspire every delectable slice of this comforting dessert.

Warm spices mingle with rich apple notes, creating a heavenly experience that feels like a cozy hug.

Memories of farm stands and weekend markets spark joy in each tender crumb.

Cinnamon and nutmeg whisper stories of seasonal celebrations, making this cake more than just a treat.

Baking this recipe connects you to cherished moments of harvest happiness.

One bite promises to transport you straight to a sunlit autumn afternoon.

Apple Cider Doughnut Cake That Feels Like Autumn in a Bite

• Effortless Baking: Whip up this delightful cake using simple pantry ingredients and basic mixing techniques, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Capture the beloved taste of apple cider doughnuts in a moist, tender cake that brings comfort and nostalgia to every slice.
• Quick Weekend Treat: Create a showstopping dessert that comes together quickly, ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Enjoy this cake as a breakfast indulgence, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that works for multiple occasions and times of day.

Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Must-Haves

• Cake Mix: Classic mix for a quick and easy cake foundation.
• Apple Cider: Adds deep apple flavor and moisture.
• Eggs: Provides structure and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall sweetness.

• Apple Sauce: Keeps cake soft and tender.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness.

• Cinnamon, Sugar: Creates signature doughnut-style coating and warm flavor profile.

• Butter, Melted: Helps cinnamon sugar coating stick to cake surface.

Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Baking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Baking Space

Warm up your oven to 350°F. Generously coat a Bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray, ensuring every curve is well-greased for easy cake release.

Step 2: Mix Dreamy Cake Batter

• Cake mix
• Apple cider
• Apple sauce
• Eggs
• Cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on medium speed until the batter becomes smooth and silky, with no lumps remaining.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to create an even surface. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 4: Cool and Release

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Gently invert onto a wire rack, allowing it to cool completely. This helps the cake maintain its beautiful shape and texture.

Step 5: Create Irresistible Cinnamon Coating

Prepare a mixture of cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Once the cake has cooled, brush melted butter over the entire surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar blend evenly, pressing lightly to help it stick. This creates a mouthwatering, doughnut-like exterior that will have everyone craving a slice.

Fall Baking Tips for Doughnut Apple Cake

• Boost Moisture Mastery: Replace regular apple sauce with unsweetened version to maintain cake's rich texture without extra sweetness.
• Enhance Cider Depth: Select high-quality, unfiltered apple cider for more robust apple flavor that intensifies the cake's overall taste profile.
• Perfect Doneness Check: Insert toothpick at multiple cake points to ensure even baking and prevent potential undercooked sections.
• Coating Crunch Technique: Gently pat cinnamon-sugar mixture onto buttered cake surface to create a more consistent and crispy exterior layer.
• Room Temperature Trick: Allow eggs and other cold ingredients to sit at room temperature before mixing to guarantee smoother batter and more even cake texture.

Apple Cider Doughnut Cake: Keep It Moist Overnight

• Store cooled cake in an airtight container, wrapped tightly with plastic wrap, for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Keep away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Slice cake into portions, wrap each individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring no air pockets that could cause freezer burn.
• Keep cake covered at room temperature for 1-2 days if your kitchen is cool and dry. Use a cake dome or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and bring back the cake's soft texture.

Doughnut Cake What to Serve With

• Craft a Cozy Beverage Companion: Warm spiced chai latte perfectly complements the cake's apple cider and cinnamon flavors, creating a delightful autumn-inspired drink pairing.
• Enhance Flavor Dynamics: Vanilla bean ice cream adds creamy richness that balances the cake's warm spices, offering a cool contrast to the dessert's comforting texture.
• Create Breakfast Harmony: Pair with freshly brewed French press coffee to amplify the cake's deep cinnamon notes and provide a robust morning experience.
• Elevate Dessert Experience: Serve alongside salted caramel sauce drizzled on the plate, which heightens the cake's apple and brown sugar undertones with a luxurious touch.

Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe: Seasonal Take Ideas

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace the cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix or a blend of gluten-free flour, almond flour, and xanthan gum for a celiac-friendly option.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free butter alternative, and select a plant-based cake mix to create a completely vegan-friendly dessert.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use unsweetened apple sauce to lower the overall sugar content of the cake.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Choose a dairy-free cake mix, replace butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil, and use almond milk or oat milk instead of traditional dairy ingredients.

FAQs

• What makes apple cider different in this cake recipe?

Apple cider provides a rich, tangy flavor and helps create moisture in the cake, replacing some of the liquid ingredients traditionally used in baking. The cider adds a subtle fruity undertone that enhances the overall taste of the cake.

• Can I use regular milk instead of apple cider?

No, apple cider is crucial to this recipe as it contributes a unique flavor profile and helps create the signature taste of the apple cider doughnut cake. Substituting with milk will significantly change the cake’s flavor and texture.

• Why use a Bundt pan for this recipe?

A Bundt pan helps create the distinctive shape reminiscent of a doughnut and allows for even baking. The pan’s design ensures the cake has a beautiful, uniform appearance and helps distribute heat evenly throughout the cake.

• Is the cinnamon sugar coating necessary?

Yes, the cinnamon sugar coating is essential as it mimics the classic coating of apple cider doughnuts, providing a sweet and spicy exterior that complements the cake’s soft interior and enhances the overall taste experience.

Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Sweet scents of autumn fill kitchens when bakers create this irresistible Apple Cider Doughnut Cake, blending warm spices and rich apple flavor. Comfort and nostalgia merge in each tender slice, inviting you to savor fall’s most delightful dessert.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix or spice cake mix
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup apple sauce (cinnamon-flavored, non-chunky)
• 3 large eggs

Spices and Flavoring:

• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) melted butter

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a Bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create the cake base by whisking cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce, eggs, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Blend ingredients using an electric mixer until the mixture achieves a smooth, homogeneous consistency.
3. Transfer the cake batter into the prepared Bundt pan, carefully spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform distribution. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, periodically checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully baked.
4. After removing the cake from the oven, let it rest inside the pan for approximately 10 minutes. Gently invert the cake onto a wire cooling rack, allowing it to cool completely and set its structure.
5. Craft the finishing touch by combining ground cinnamon and granulated sugar in a small bowl. Once the cake has reached room temperature, generously brush its entire surface with melted butter. Immediately sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cake, pressing softly to help the topping adhere and create a delectable, crisp exterior.

Notes

• Swap out regular apple cider for a non-alcoholic version or fresh apple juice to make the cake kid-friendly and more accessible.
• Use gluten-free cake mix and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Reduce sugar content by using a sugar substitute or cutting the brown sugar and cinnamon sugar topping by half for a lighter dessert option.
• Add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra texture and a nutty flavor boost that complements the apple and cinnamon profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg