Name: Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups all purpose flour; 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 ¼ teaspoons salt; 2 teaspoons cinnamon; 1 teaspoon nutmeg; 2 ½ sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature (20 Tablespoons, 1 ¼ cups); 1 ½ cups brown sugar; ½ cup granulated sugar; 4 eggs (at room temperature); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup apple cider; 2 cups apple cider; 2 Tablespoons salted butter; ⅓ cup granulated sugar; 2 Tablespoons demerara or turbinado sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the crisp, cozy essence of fall in a single slice, the Apple Cider Donut Cake is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightful dessert blends the warm spices and rich apple cider notes that remind you of crisp autumn mornings, all wrapped up in a tender, moist cake that’s topped with a perfectly sweet, cinnamon-sugar crust. Unlike a traditional donut, this cake offers the nostalgic flavor and texture of apple cider donuts but with the comforting, sliceable ease of cake—making it a show-stopper at any gathering or a wonderful treat just for yourself.

Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Cider Donut Cake plays a crucial role in building its unforgettable flavor and texture. From the aromatic spices that give it warmth to the brown sugar and butter that add a rich, fluffy crumb, these pantry staples come together effortlessly to create something truly special.

3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a light yet sturdy cake that holds all the juicy cider magic.
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully for a tender bite.
1 ¼ teaspoons salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: Infuses the cake with warm, inviting spice—a classic apple cider donut note.
1 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a subtle depth that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
2 ½ sticks unsalted butter (1 ¼ cups), room temperature: Key for rich flavor and luscious texture.
1 ½ cups brown sugar: Provides moisture and deep caramel undertones.
½ cup granulated sugar: Sweetens while helping create a tender crumb.
4 eggs, room temperature: Bind all the ingredients creating moisture and structure.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings out the natural sweetness and rounds out the spices.
1 cup apple cider: This adds that unmistakable apple flavor and tender crumb.
2 cups apple cider (for reduction): Concentrated to a syrupy glaze bursting with apple goodness.
2 tablespoons salted butter (for glaze): Adds a glossy richness to the cider glaze.
⅓ cup granulated sugar (for coating): Creates a crisp, sweet outer layer.
2 tablespoons demerara or turbinado sugar: Coarser sugar that gives texture and a beautiful golden crunch.
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon (for coating): More of that signature spice to finish the cake perfectly.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. This blend ensures every bite has even spice and structure. Setting it aside now saves time and keeps things organized when the mixing magic happens.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer, beat the room temperature butter with both the brown and granulated sugars on medium speed. Keep going until the mixture is lighter in color and wonderfully fluffy—around 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it traps air that will make your Apple Cider Donut Cake tender and moist.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed in before adding the next. This slow addition helps maintain the fluffy texture. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that rich, sweet aroma that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and apple cider.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Cider

Mix in the flour mixture gradually in three batches, keeping the mixer on low speed to avoid overworking the batter. Next, add the apple cider slowly while the mixer runs at its lowest setting—this blend of wet and dry ingredients is what lends the cake its unique moistness and cider-infused flavor.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into a well-greased 12-cup bundt pan and bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes. The cake’s edges should turn a gorgeous golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it rest for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a plate to reveal your golden masterpiece.

Step 6: Make the Cider Glaze

While the cake bakes, reduce 2 cups of apple cider in a saucepan over high heat, then simmer until it thickens to about ⅓ cup. Stir in butter until melted for a glossy finish. This glaze is intensely flavored and will be brushed all over the warm cake for that irresistible apple shine.

Step 7: Coat with Cinnamon Sugar Crunch

Mix the granulated sugar, demerara sugar, and cinnamon in a bowl. Brush the warm cider glaze all over the cake, then sprinkle and press the cinnamon sugar mix onto the surface. This step is what gives the Apple Cider Donut Cake its signature crunchy, sweet crust that mimics the classic apple cider donut experience.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Garnishes

To elevate the already rich Apple Cider Donut Cake, consider topping slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream. A sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans adds a lovely crunch and nutty contrast. Fresh apple slices arranged alongside also create a vibrant, complementary touch both visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a warm spiced tea, a cup of hot coffee, or even a mulled apple cider for a cozy autumn pairing. Serve alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette if you’re enjoying this as part of a brunch spread—its freshness balances the sweet, spiced notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try cutting the Apple Cider Donut Cake into squares and serving it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a light dusting of powdered sugar. For a fun twist, layer crumbled pieces with vanilla pudding or mascarpone cream in dessert glasses for a rustic trifle inspired by your favorite fall flavors. The possibilities are endless and guaranteed to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Cider Donut Cake stays moist and flavorful when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keeping it away from direct sunlight will preserve the lovely texture and keep the cinnamon sugar topping crisp.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake whole or in slices by wrapping it in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, it will maintain its flavor for up to 2 months. Just be sure to defrost it slowly in the refrigerator or at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy the Apple Cider Donut Cake warm, reheat slices in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. This brings back the tender texture and revives the glaze’s luscious stickiness, making every bite just as good as fresh from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple cider for this recipe?

Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly and often has the balanced sweetness needed. Just make sure it’s pure apple cider with no added preservatives or flavors for the best result.

Is it possible to make this Apple Cider Donut Cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious and perfect for gluten-sensitive friends.

Can I turn this into cupcakes instead of a bundt cake?

Definitely! Just divide the batter into cupcake liners, fill about two-thirds full, and reduce the baking time to around 20-25 minutes. The cinnamon sugar topping can be applied after they cool for a mini version of this treat.

What if I don’t have demerara or turbinado sugar for the topping?

If you don’t have coarse sugars like demerara, you can double up on granulated sugar, but the crunch and color might be a bit less pronounced. Alternatively, sanding sugar works well as a substitute.

Can I make the cider reduction ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cider glaze a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it slightly before brushing onto the cake to restore its pourable consistency.

Final Thoughts

The Apple Cider Donut Cake is one of those magical recipes that makes you feel right at home no matter the occasion. Its tender crumb, warm spices, and gloriously sticky cinnamon sugar topping bring all the best parts of fall into one unforgettable dessert. I can’t wait for you to try this cozy, crowd-pleasing cake and make it a staple in your seasonal baking lineup!

Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 20 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is a moist and tender bundt cake infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, enhanced with the rich flavor of apple cider. Topped with a spiced cider glaze and a cinnamon-sugar coating reminiscent of classic apple cider donuts, this cake is perfect for a cozy autumn treat or any time you crave fall flavors.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 12-cup bundt pan thoroughly with Baker’s Joy or another non-stick spray combined with flour to ensure easy cake release.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is lighter in color and fluffy. Scrape down the sides occasionally for even mixing.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well and scraping the bowl after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
Incorporate Flour and Apple Cider: Add the flour mixture in three parts to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. With the mixer running on the lowest speed, slowly pour in the apple cider, mixing gently until fully incorporated. Scrape the bowl thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate.
Prepare Cider Glaze: While the cake bakes, pour 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a low boil and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes until the cider is reduced and thickened to roughly ⅓ cup. Remove from heat and stir in the salted butter until melted.
Finish Cake with Glaze and Sugar: In a bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, demerara (or turbinado) sugar, and cinnamon. While the cake is still warm, brush the cider glaze evenly over the outside of the cake. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, then gently press additional sugar onto the sides using the palm of your hand to create a sweet, crunchy coating. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Using room temperature eggs and butter helps achieve a lighter, fluffier cake texture.
Reduce the apple cider carefully to avoid burning; stir frequently.
Demerara or turbinado sugar adds a nice crunch and subtle molasses flavor in the topping.
Make sure the bundt pan is well greased and floured to prevent the cake from sticking.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator up to a week.
The cake is delicious served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American