Have you ever just craved something so simple, yet so satisfying, that you can’t stop thinking about it? That’s exactly how this Apple Cider Donut Cake came to be. One day, I was thinking about those warm, cinnamon-sugar coated apple cider doughnuts you get at a local bakery.
You know, the kind that makes you wish you could just have them whenever. Well, I didn’t want to wait for my next donut run, I wanted to bake something I could enjoy on my own time.
So, I started experimenting, mixing together the flavors I love apples, cinnamon, and a little bit of spice. And after a few tries, I came up with this cake. It’s moist, comforting, and full of that warm, spiced flavor that makes you feel like you’ve just stepped into your favorite bakery, without the hassle of frying or waiting in line.
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This spple cider doughnut cake is all about the little joys: that tender crumb and the cinnamon-sugar coating that makes each bite feel like a treat. It’s simple to whip up, requires no special tools, and the best part. It’s one of those recipes you can bake on a whim and always know it’ll turn out just right.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
- Apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)- These apples bring the perfect mix of sweet and tart, adding moisture and that fresh apple flavor we love in every bite.
- Apple Cider- This is where the flavor comes alive! Apple cider adds a rich, spiced kick that makes the cake taste like a cozy, warm hug.
- Milk- Milk makes the cake tender and moist, giving it that light, soft texture that just melts in your mouth.
- Unsalted Butter- Butter is a must for richness and flavor. It keeps the cake soft and gives it that melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Granulated White Sugar- This sugar sweetens the cake just right, without taking over the apple and spice flavors. Simple and effective.
- Light Brown Sugar- A little brown sugar deepens the flavor with a hint of caramel, making the cake extra delicious.
- Eggs- Eggs act as the glue that holds everything together and give the brownies a light, airy lift for that ideal fluffy texture.
- Vanilla Extract- Vanilla adds that comforting, familiar flavor that ties everything together. It’s that small touch that takes things to the next level!
- Vegetable Oil- Oil keeps the cake moist and light, ensuring that tender, soft texture we all love.
- All-Purpose Flour- Flour holds everything together and gives the cake structure, so it’s soft but holds its shape.
- Baking Powder- This helps the cake rise, giving it a fluffy, light texture that’s not too dense.
- Baking Soda- Baking soda balances the acidity from the cider, ensuring a smooth and even texture.
- Salt- A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, bringing out the sweetness and spices perfectly.
- Ground Nutmeg- Nutmeg brings a comforting warmth that perfectly complements the apples and cinnamon.
- Ground Cinnamon- Cinnamon brings that warm, classic flavor we all adore, making the cake feel like a comforting treat.
- Ground Allspice- Allspice adds a subtle depth and complexity that rounds out the flavor in the best way.
- Unsalted Butter (for coating)- Melted butter is the magic behind that perfect cinnamon-sugar coating. It makes it rich and irresistible!
- Granulated White Sugar (for coating)- This sugar gives the cake’s exterior a sweet crunch, adding that doughnut-like finish.
- Ground Cinnamon (for coating)- Cinnamon in the coating gives the cake that extra flavor kick and makes each bite a little more special.
How to Make Your Apple Cider Donut Cake
Prep your pan and preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Next, take a 10-cup Bundt pan. Use a generous amount of non-stick cooking spray, or better yet, go for the old-school method of greasing with shortening and a dusting of flour.
This will guarantee your cake comes out without any sticky surprises! Make sure to knock off any excess flour.
Simmer the apples and cider
In a medium saucepan, toss in your chopped apple pieces and apple cider. Let them simmer on medium heat, stirring every so often. Allow the cider to simmer and reduce slightly, while the apples become tender. This should take around 10-15 minutes.
You’ll end up with a slightly thickened apple cider mix, and when the apples are soft, mash them gently with a fork. This step enhances the flavor and ensures the cake stays wonderfully moist.
Once ready, pour this apple-cider mixture into a heatproof measuring cup (you should have about a cup’s worth). Add in your milk and stir it all together, this liquid combo is a magic ingredient!
Cream the butter and sugars
Now, get your stand mixer ready! Beat the softened butter with both white and brown sugars for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
You’re looking for that creamy, smooth texture. This is the base for your cake’s fluffiness, so make sure it’s all mixed well.
Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is thoroughly mixed before adding the next. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and vegetable oil.
Continue stirring until the mixture is completely smooth and all ingredients are well combined.
Combine your dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
These spices are what give your cake that warm, comforting flavor! Now, it’s time to bring everything together.
Alternate adding the wet and dry mixtures
Slowly add half of your dry flour mixture to the butter and sugar mix. Mix gently until combined.
Next, pour in half of the apple-milk mixture, mixing it in thoroughly. Continue alternating additions, ending with the dry ingredients, and mix just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, this will help keep the texture light and fluffy.
Bake the cake
Once your batter is perfectly mixed, spoon it into your prepared Bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula, and pop it in the oven.
Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, but begin checking around the 35-minute mark. Stick a toothpick or cake tester into the center, it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but no raw batter.
When the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 30 minutes. Next, carefully flip the Bundt pan onto a wire rack and let the cake cool completely.
Add the sweet coating
Here comes the fun part, coating the cake! Melt your butter in a small bowl, and using a pastry brush, gently brush the butter over the surface of the cake. Do this in sections so the butter doesn’t cool off too quickly.
Next, sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon-sugar over the buttered sections. Press lightly to make sure it sticks. You might need to go back for a second layer of cinnamon sugar to get that perfect sweet coating. Let it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
4 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Your Apple Cider Donut Cake
1- Skipping the pan prep
It might seem like a small step, but greasing your Bundt pan properly is essential. You want the cake to come out effortlessly without any sticky surprises.
Don’t just rely on cooking spray, use shortening and flour for extra peace of mind. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step!
2- Not Testing the Cake for Doneness
Every oven is different, so don’t just rely on the baking time! Check your cake with a toothpick or cake tester. It should come out with some moist crumbs attached, but no sign of wet batter. If it’s not quite there, give it a few more minutes and test again.
3- Overmixing the batter
It’s easy to get carried away, but overmixing the batter can lead to a dense, heavy cake. Once you’ve added the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. A few lumps are perfectly fine. Gently is the key!
4- Using Cold Ingredients
For the best outcome, make sure your eggs, butter, and milk are all at room temperature. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to seize up, and you won’t get the smooth, creamy consistency you’re looking for.
What to Serve With Your Apple Cider Donut Cake
- Vanilla Ice Cream- A scoop of rich vanilla ice cream creates the perfect, dreamy match with the warm, spiced cake. The cold and creamy contrast is just perfect.
- Caramel Sauce- Drizzle some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the cake for an extra touch of sweetness and richness. Pure indulgence!
- Whipped Cream- A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top adds a light, airy contrast to the dense cake, and who doesn’t love whipped cream?
- Hot Coffee or Spiced Tea- Serve with a warm mug of your favorite coffee or a spiced chai tea for a cozy, comforting treat.
How to Store Your Apple Cider Donut Cake
Room Temperature Magic: Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Trust me, it’ll stay moist and scrumptious, almost like you just baked it. A cake dome or some plastic wrap will do the trick, no fancy tools required!
Fridge-Friendly: If you need to extend the love, stash it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure it’s wrapped tight to lock in that deliciousness. When you’re ready, give it a little time to come back to life or warm it up, instant cozy vibes!
Freezer to the Rescue: Got leftovers or want to save some for later? Wrap the slices in plastic wrap and foil, then place them in the freezer. When you’re ready for a slice of heaven, just defrost at room temp or microwave for a few seconds. It’s like giving your cake cravings a fresh restart.
Coating Love: The cinnamon sugar crust is best enjoyed fresh. If it softens over time, don’t worry, just sprinkle a bit more cinnamon sugar on top to bring it back to life!
More Flavorful Cakes to Try
- Chocolate Orange Cake
- Victoria Sponge Cake
- White Chocolate Raspberry Cake
- Lemon Blueberry Pound Cake
The Best Apple Cider Donut Cake: Cozy, Spiced, and Easy!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 large apple Honeycrisp, peeled and finely chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup white sugar
- ½ cup lightly packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups apple cider spiced works best, not sparkling
- ½ cup milk also at room temperature
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
For the Topping:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grab a 10-cup Bundt pan (it needs to be spacious!).
- Grease it generously with non-stick spray or go the classic route with shortening and a dusting of flour to prevent any sticky surprises. Gently tap out any excess flour before setting the pan aside.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apples and apple cider. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 10-15 minutes until the cider thickens slightly and the apples soften.
- Mash the apples lightly with a fork. Once done, pour the mixture into a heatproof measuring cup (you should have about a cup). Stir in the milk and set aside.
- In your stand mixer, beat the softened butter with both sugars until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is completely blended before adding the next. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and vegetable oil, and mix until fully combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until fully mixed.
- Next, gradually add the dry ingredients and the apple-milk mixture to the butter mixture, alternating between the two.
- Start with half of the dry mix, followed by half of the apple-milk mixture, stirring gently.
- Repeat, finishing with the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is just combined, avoid overmixing!
- Transfer the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, checking with a toothpick around 35 minutes. If it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly done!
- Let it cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to finish cooling.
- For the sweet coating, melt the butter in a small bowl. Use a pastry brush to coat the cake with butter in sections, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the buttered areas.
- Press lightly to help it stick and repeat if necessary. Let it sit for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Be sure to let the cake cool in the pan before flipping it out, this helps it stay intact and keeps it from breaking.
- For an added boost of flavor, mix a hint of vanilla extract into the cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Avoid opening the oven door too often while baking; it can mess with the temperature and make the cake uneven.
