Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

If you adore all things cozy and fall-flavored like I do, you’re in for a real treat with this Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe. It’s like having the best parts of a cider donut, but in cake form—moist, flavorful, and absolutely comforting. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to whenever you want that warm, spiced apple goodness without the fuss of frying donuts.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right apples cider and balancing warm spices is what really makes this Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe sing. Each ingredient plays a key role in the flavor and texture, so I’ll guide you through what to look for.

• All-purpose flour: The base of this cake for structure, nothing fancy needed here but make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Baking powder: This is your leavening agent to give the cake a nice lift without making it too airy.
• Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives that signature apple cider donut warmth.
• Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds that lovely depth and complexity.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness beautifully.
• Apple cider: Preferably unfiltered for maximum flavor and that classic apple tang.
• Granulated sugar (or brown sugar): I love using brown sugar sometimes for a richer, caramel-like note.
• Large eggs: They bind everything and help with the cake’s tender crumb.
• Unsalted butter: Melted for easy mixing and adds richness without overpowering.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe is how versatile it is—you can tweak it to suit whatever you’re in the mood for or what ingredients you have handy. Here’s how I like to switch things up sometimes.

• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger amps up that warm spice profile – perfect for holiday vibes.
• Brown Butter Twist: I once browned the butter before adding it to the batter and wow, the nutty aroma really elevated the cake.
• Healthier Swap: Substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier option—still moist and delicious!
• Glaze Ideas: Try a maple glaze or even a cream cheese frosting for an indulgent finish.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Dry Ingredients

First off, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your bundt or cake pan well—this really helps the cake release easily later. Then, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large bowl until evenly combined. Doing this upfront makes sure the spices and leavening are distributed nicely throughout the batter.

Step 2: Beat Together the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until fluffy and pale. I like using an electric mixer here because it incorporates air, making the cake lighter. Gradually add in the apple cider and the melted butter while mixing slowly. The cider adds such a lovely tang and moisture—using fresh, unfiltered cider makes all the difference.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures Gently

Now, pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and fold them together gently. This part is super important: don’t overmix! Mixing just until combined keeps your cake tender and avoids a tough texture. The batter will be slightly thick but smooth.

Step 4: Bake and Cool Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, but start checking at 30 minutes with a toothpick—you want it to come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents breakage and keeps your bundt looking beautiful.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love dusting this cake with a little cinnamon sugar or a simple powdered sugar glaze—it gives that classic donut vibe. Sometimes I drizzle warm maple glaze on top for extra indulgence or sprinkle chopped toasted pecans for a bit of crunch.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or even spiced apple cider if you want to lean into the season. For brunch, I often serve it alongside fresh fruit or creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered slices with whipped cream and cinnamon-apple compote between them to make a quick trifle. Another fun idea is serving mini bundt cakes in individual portions with a dusting of powdered sugar and a cinnamon stick garnish for that extra charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep the leftover Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days—it stays moist and flavorful this way. Refrigeration can dry it out, so I avoid that if possible.

Freezing

If I want to save it longer, I slice the cooled cake into portions, wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. When you thaw them overnight in the fridge, they’re almost as good as fresh!

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel, I gently warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes. It revives the cake’s softness and slightly crisp edges, making it perfect to enjoy again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I love that it combines nostalgic fall flavors without any complicated steps, so you can whip it up anytime and impress your friends or family — and yourself! Give it a try, and I promise you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds (and thirds!). It’s one of those recipes that becomes a seasonal staple before you know it.

Print