This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake transforms the beloved fall treat into a spectacular bundt cake that’s bursting with warm spices and apple flavor. With the ease of a cake mix base enhanced by real apple cider and finished with that iconic cinnamon-sugar coating, this cake delivers all the nostalgic flavors of apple cider doughnuts without any of the fuss of deep frying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Simple: Uses a cake mix as the base, meaning you can have this in the oven in just 15 minutes with minimal measuring and mixing.
Fall Flavors in Every Bite: The combination of apple cider, applesauce, and warm spices creates that unmistakable autumn taste that everyone craves when the leaves start changing.
No Deep Frying: Get all the flavor of apple cider doughnuts without the mess and hassle of deep frying – just bake it in a bundt pan for that classic doughnut shape.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dessert, a potluck contribution, or a festive fall gathering, this cake is always a showstopper.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Yellow or Spice Cake Mix: The convenient foundation of our cake. Yellow cake mix creates a lighter base that lets the apple flavor shine, while spice cake mix intensifies the fall spice profile.
Apple Cider: The star ingredient that infuses authentic apple doughnut flavor. Make sure to use real apple cider (not apple juice or vinegar) for that concentrated apple flavor.
Applesauce: Adds moisture and enhances the apple flavor. Cinnamon applesauce brings extra warmth to the cake.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake, helping it rise properly and stay tender.
Cinnamon: The quintessential fall spice that gives this cake its signature flavor. Adjust the amount based on your preference for spice.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth with its subtle molasses notes that complement the apple flavors perfectly.
Vanilla: Rounds out the flavors with its warm, sweet complexity.
Butter: For brushing on the finished cake, creating a rich surface for the cinnamon-sugar coating to adhere to.
Sugar and Cinnamon (for topping): Creates that classic crunchy, sweet crust that makes apple cider doughnuts so irresistible.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on this cake? Here are some delicious options:

Maple Glaze: Instead of the cinnamon-sugar coating, drizzle with a simple maple glaze made from maple syrup and powdered sugar.
Add Nuts: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and nutty flavor.
Caramel Drizzle: After applying the cinnamon-sugar coating, drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an indulgent caramel apple twist.
Apple Chunks: Fold in 1 cup of diced apples tossed in cinnamon and sugar for pockets of fruit throughout the cake.
Cardamom Twist: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom to the batter for a sophisticated spice profile with Scandinavian flair.

How to Make Apple Cider Doughnut Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, apple cider, applesauce, and eggs. Beat until smooth and well combined. Add the cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla to the mixture and stir until incorporated.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a well-greased and floured bundt pan. A baking spray with flour (like Baker’s Joy) works wonderfully to ensure the cake releases perfectly. Place the pan on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 3: Cool Slightly

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. This cooling period is crucial – too short and the cake might fall apart, too long and the cinnamon-sugar won’t stick properly.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

While the cake is cooling, mix together the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. After the cooling period, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate. Brush the entire surface of the warm cake with melted butter, then generously sprinkle and press the cinnamon-sugar mixture onto all sides until evenly coated.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Reduce the Cider: For even more concentrated apple flavor, simmer 2 cups of apple cider down to 1 cup before adding it to your batter.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to ensure a tender cake crumb.
Check Early: Start checking for doneness around 35 minutes as oven temperatures can vary.
Two-Stage Sugar Coating: For an extra-thick cinnamon-sugar crust, apply a layer of butter and cinnamon-sugar while the cake is still in the pan and warm, then add a second coating after removing it from the pan.

How to Serve

This cake truly shines on its own, but if you want to take it to the next level, consider these serving suggestions:

Perfect Pairings:

Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Pair with a mug of hot apple cider or coffee for the ultimate fall treat.
Drizzle individual slices with warm caramel sauce for added decadence.

Occasions:

Weekend brunch centerpiece
After-apple-picking treat
Thanksgiving dessert alternative
Fall potluck contribution

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake stays moist and delicious for days! Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cinnamon-sugar coating might absorb some moisture over time, but the flavor remains outstanding.

Freezing

Freeze the cake (without the cinnamon-sugar coating) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. Thaw completely at room temperature, then apply the butter and cinnamon-sugar coating before serving.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked experience, warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back the soft, warm texture and makes the spices more aromatic.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
While you can technically substitute apple juice, I strongly recommend sticking with apple cider for the best flavor. Apple cider has a richer, more concentrated apple flavor that makes this cake special. If you absolutely must use juice, reduce it by simmering until it’s half the original volume to concentrate the flavors.

Why did my cake stick to the bundt pan?
Bundt pans have lots of nooks and crannies where cake can stick. For best results, use a baking spray that contains flour (like Baker’s Joy), or thoroughly grease every inch of the pan with butter and dust with flour. Also, don’t let the cake cool completely in the pan – about 20 minutes is ideal before turning it out.

Can I make this cake completely from scratch instead of using a mix?
Absolutely! You can use your favorite yellow or spice cake recipe as the base. Simply replace part of the liquid in the recipe with apple cider and add the additional spices. You’ll still achieve that wonderful apple cider doughnut flavor.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The most reliable test is inserting a wooden toothpick into the thickest part of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), it’s done. Another sign is that the cake will begin to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake brings together the best of both worlds – the beloved flavor of apple cider doughnuts with the convenience and presentation of a beautiful bundt cake. It’s my go-to fall dessert when I want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. The aroma alone as it bakes will fill your home with the essence of autumn. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee, this cake is sure to become a seasonal tradition in your home.

Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe