Moist, spiced Apple Cider Donut Cake dusted with cinnamon sugar. The perfect pound cake for fall full of apple cider.
If you've ever wondered how to make a cake that tastes just like your favorite apple cider donuts, this recipe is for you. With a few pantry staples and a bottle of apple cider, you'll have a bakery-style cake that disappears in minutes.
This cake is baked in a bundt pan, making it simple to prepare while still delivering apple cider flavor in every bite. The cake has a tender crumb and just the right amount of sweetness. Once baked, it's brushed with melted butter and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar for that signature donut-like finish.
In this post, I'll walk you through:
- The key ingredients that make this cake so flavorful
- Step-by-step instructions for success
- Tips for getting the perfect cinnamon-sugar coating
- How to store and freeze your cake for later
Video Tutorial
What Makes This Apple Cider Donut Cake So Amazing
This recipe is more than just a cake-it's a cozy, nostalgic experience in every bite. Here's what sets it apart:
- Bold apple cider flavor - Instead of relying only on spices or apple extract, this cake uses real apple cider.
- Warm, comforting spice blend - Cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of allspice or clove work together create the spiced apple donuts flavor.
- Moist, tender crumb - The applesauce, and cider helps keep the cake tender. It doesn't dry out or become heavy with time.
- Cinnamon-sugar coating - What makes this a "donut" cake is the finishing touch. Brushing warm cake with butter and sprinkling with cinnamon sugar gives it a crackly, sweet crust that evokes real cider donuts.
- Better on day two - Wait until the next day to cut it for more enhanced flavor.
Recommended tools and equipment
- Bundt Pan (A 12 cup bundt pan is needed for this volume of recipe.)
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Silicone Spatula
- Oven Thermometer
- Cake Keeper
- Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons
Serving Suggestions for Apple Cider Donut Cake
This apple cider donut bundt cake is best enjoyed slightly warm. Here are a few delicious ways to serve it:
- With a hot drink: Pair with apple cider, coffee, or spiced tea for the ultimate fall treat.
- With Ice Cream Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- For breakfast or brunch: A slice of this cake with a drizzle of maple syrup or caramel adds a nice touch to this cake.
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature, in an airtight container, for up to 5 days.
Refrigerate up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze whole or in slices, well-wrapped, for up to 3 months.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
| Airtight container, room temp | 5 days | Wrap in plastic for best results |
| Refrigerator (airtight) | 5 days | Bring to room temp before serving |
| Freezer (sliced or whole) | 3 months | Wrap in plastic and foil; thaw overnight |
Tips for making the Pound Cake
Make sure that you grab Apple Cider (the drink) and not Apple Cider Vinegar.
If you are unable to find apple cider, Apple Cider Drink mix is also a great option. It is in powdered form. Simply follow the instructions on the package. I used it for this recipe and it tasted delicious!
Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe
Equipment
- Bundt Pan (12 cup)
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Silicone Spatula
- Oven Thermometer
- Cake Keeper
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- For the cake:
- 2 ½ c all-purpose flour- sifted
- 1 ½ tsps baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 tsps cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 c apple cider
- ½ c applesauce
- ¼ c vegetable oil
- ¾ c granulated sugar
- â…“ c light brown sugar
- ½ c (1 stick) of unsalted butter - room temperature
- 2 large eggs- room temperature
- 2 tsps vanillaÂ
- For the topping:
- â…“ c granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tbsps unsalted butter- room temperature/melted
Instructions
- For the Pound Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.Â
- In a bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt and sit to the side.
- In a separate dish whisk the apple cider and applesauce together.Â
- Using a hand or stand mixer, mix ½ c of butter, ¼ c of oil, ¾ c of granulated sugar, and ⅓ c of brown sugar until combined (approximately 2 minutes).
- Add the eggs and vanilla and mix just until combined.
- Add the flour alternating with the apple cider mixture beginning with the flour and ending with the flour just until combined.
- Pour the batter into your greased 12-cup bundt pan and bake the cake for approximately 40-50 minutes. The cake is done once an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool for 20 minutes before removing it from the pan.
- For the topping:
- In a bowl, combine ⅓ c of granulated sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon.
- Brush the melted butter on the cake and immediately sprinkle it with the cinnamon sugar. (It is best to complete this step in sections.)
- Allow to the cake to completely cool, then slice and serve!Â
Video
Nutrition
Apple Cider Donut Cake FAQs
Why is my apple cider cake dense?
If your cake turned out dense, it may be from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Be sure to measure flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, and mix only until ingredients are just combined.
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Apple juice can be used in a pinch, but it won't deliver the same depth of flavor. Fresh apple cider has a natural tartness and concentrated apple taste that makes this cake shine.
How do I make the apple flavor stronger?
For a bolder apple flavor, simmer the cider on the stovetop until it reduces by half before adding it to the batter. This concentrates the flavor without adding extra liquid.
Do I have to use a bundt pan?
A bundt pan gives the cake its signature shape and helps distribute heat evenly, but you can also bake this recipe in two 9x5-inch loaf pans or a 9x13-inch cake pan. Reduce your baking time.
More Desserts You'll Love
Another dessert with apples topped with a delicious crumble - Green Apple Crumble Pie
Pound cake with all the fall flavors topped with cream cheese frosting - Spice Cake
Another fall favorite, but great any time.... Gingerbread Pound Cake
Find my collection of Fall recipes here
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