Cozy Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

Apple Cider Donut Cake. If you’ve ever walked into a fall festival or a local orchard and been enveloped by that irresistible aroma of cinnamon and spiced apples, you know exactly what I’m talking about. This isn’t just any cake; it’s a loving tribute to those beloved, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth apple cider donuts that are a quintessential part of autumn. We’re taking all the warm, comforting flavors and that signature spiced cider essence and transforming it into a show-stopping cake that’s both familiar and wonderfully new. It’s the perfect way to capture the magic of a crisp fall day, all year round. The secret to its charm? It’s the incredibly moist crumb, infused with real apple cider, and that dreamy spiced glaze that just begs to be drizzled. Get ready to bake up a slice of pure, unadulterated fall joy.

Apple Cider Donut Cake

Fall is my favorite season for so many reasons, but the aroma and flavor of apple cider donuts are definitely at the top of the list. This year, I decided to bring that cozy, spiced goodness into a more shareable and impressive format: an Apple Cider Donut Cake! Imagine all the warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger notes you love from those delightful rings, baked into a tender, moist cake that’s perfect for any autumn gathering or just a special treat. This cake captures the essence of a crisp fall day and tastes even better than it smells. It’s surprisingly easy to make and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup apple cider
• ½ cup applesauce or apple butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• For the Topping (Optional but highly recommended):
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1.

Prepare Your Baking Pans and Dry Ingredients:

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans. For an even easier release, you can also line the bottom of your round pans with parchment paper. Now, let’s get our dry ingredients ready. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, ¾ teaspoon of ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisking these together thoroughly helps to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly, ensuring a consistently delicious cake. Set this bowl aside.

2.

Combine Wet Ingredients and Sugars:

In a large mixing bowl, or the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the ½ cup of softened unsalted butter, ¼ cup of canola or vegetable oil, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and ⅓ cup of packed light brown sugar. Beat these together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the cake’s tender texture. Next, add the 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. This mixture forms the sweet, rich base of our cake.

3.

Incorporate the Apple Flavors:

In a separate small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the 1 cup of apple cider and ½ cup of applesauce or apple butter. The apple cider provides moisture and that signature cider flavor, while the applesauce or apple butter adds even more moisture and a subtle apple sweetness, contributing to the cake’s incredibly moist crumb.

4.

Marry the Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Now, we’ll combine our wet and dry ingredients. With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple cider mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. For example, add about one-third of the dry ingredients and mix until just combined, then add half of the apple cider mixture and mix until just combined, then add another third of the dry ingredients, the remaining apple cider mixture, and finally the last of the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tougher cake. Mix until just combined and no streaks of flour remain. The batter will be thick but pourable.

5.

Bake Your Masterpiece:

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan(s). If using round pans, try to divide the batter as evenly as possible. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes for round pans, or 35-40 minutes for a 9×13 inch pan, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so start checking around the lower end of the time range. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto the wire rack to cool completely.

6.

Create the Donut Topping:

While your cake is cooling, prepare the delicious donut topping. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon. Stir until well combined. This mixture will be brushed over the warm cake, mimicking the cinnamon-sugar coating of traditional apple cider donuts.

7.

Glaze and Enjoy!

Once the cake has cooled enough to handle but is still slightly warm, brush the melted cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the top. Don’t be shy with this step; it’s where all that classic donut flavor comes from! The warmth of the cake will help the sugar and cinnamon adhere beautifully. For an even more decadent touch, you can also sprinkle a little extra cinnamon sugar over the top right after brushing. Allow the topping to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This Apple Cider Donut Cake is wonderful served warm or at room temperature. It’s perfect on its own, or you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert. Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall!

Conclusion:

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this incredible Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe! It’s truly a showstopper, perfectly capturing the warm, spiced flavors of fall in every delightful bite. The moist cake, infused with rich apple cider and coated in that irresistible cinnamon-sugar topping, makes it a dessert that feels both comforting and special. It’s surprisingly straightforward to make, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. I find it’s absolutely divine served warm, allowing the aromas to really fill your kitchen. Consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra decadent treat, or a dollop of whipped cream for a lighter touch. For a festive twist, you could add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top before serving. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different apple varieties for subtle flavor nuances. I truly encourage you to bake this Apple Cider Donut Cake for your next gathering or simply as a treat for yourself – you won’t regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake actually benefits from resting overnight. The flavors meld beautifully, and the cinnamon-sugar topping creates a lovely, slightly crisp crust. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

What kind of apple cider should I use?

For the best flavor, I recommend using unfiltered, good-quality apple cider. Avoid apple juice, as it won’t provide the same depth of flavor. The clearer the cider, the more concentrated the apple essence will be in your cake.

How can I store leftover cake?

Store any leftover Apple Cider Donut Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a very warm climate, you might consider refrigerating it, but let it come to room temperature before serving for optimal texture.

Apple Cider Donut Cake

A moist and flavorful cake that captures the essence of classic apple cider donuts, perfect for any autumn gathering or breakfast treat.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
30 Minutes

Total Time
50 Minutes

Servings
10 servings

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup apple cider
• ½ cup applesauce
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup canola oil
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan.
2. Step 2
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Step 3
   In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the apple cider, applesauce, softened butter, canola oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Step 4
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Step 5
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread evenly.
6. Step 6
   Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7
   Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.