The Most Scrumptious Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe Ever

Apple cider donuts revolutionize ordinary desserts into extraordinary culinary experiences with their irresistible autumn-inspired charm.

Sweet memories of farmstand treats come rushing back when you encounter this delightful cake variation.

Warm spices and rich apple flavors dance together, creating a nostalgic sensation that feels both comforting and exciting.

Perfectly balanced between tender crumb and robust seasonings, this recipe captures the essence of crisp fall mornings.

Fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg weave through each delectable slice, promising a sensory journey that delights the palate.

Bakers of all skill levels can confidently tackle this approachable yet impressive dessert that celebrates seasonal ingredients.

Homemade comfort awaits those eager to fill their kitchen with delicious aromas and create something truly special.

Apple Cider Donut Cake With Cozy Fall Vibes

• Burst with Autumn Flavors: Packed with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, this cake captures the cozy essence of fall in every delectable bite.
• Celebrate Texture Perfection: The combination of fluffy cake, tender grated apples, and crispy cinnamon-sugar coating creates an irresistible multi-dimensional mouthfeel that keeps you coming back for more.
• Effortless Baking Delight: With straightforward mixing techniques and simple ingredients, this Bundt cake transforms the classic apple cider donut into an impressive dessert that looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation, without requiring advanced baking skills.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weekend brunches, afternoon tea, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, this cake appeals to all ages and makes an elegant centerpiece that sparks conversation and delights taste buds.

Apple Cider Donut Cake Ingredients That Shine

• Cake Flour: Soft and fine flour that creates a tender, light cake texture with fine crumb.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy with even texture.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that provides classic apple cider donut flavor and aroma.
• Nutmeg: Subtle, sweet spice that complements the cake's warm profile.
• Ginger: Adds a gentle, slightly spicy background note to the cake.

• Butter: Rich, room temperature butter that ensures smooth mixing and adds richness.
• Granulated Sugar, Dark Brown Sugar: Sweeteners that provide depth of flavor and moisture.
• Eggs: Binding agent that adds structure and richness to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor and adds depth to the cake.
• Sour Cream: Creates moisture and tanginess in the cake.
• Apple Cider: Signature flavor that gives the cake its distinctive apple donut taste.
• Grated Apples: Fresh fruit that adds moisture and natural sweetness.

• Granulated Sugar, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Classic donut coating that provides sweet, spicy exterior.
• Melted Butter: Helps the coating stick to the cake and adds extra richness.

How to Bake an Apple Cider Donut Cake From Scratch

Step 1: Warm Up Your Oven

Set the oven to 350°F and place the rack in the center position.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Cake flour
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Ginger

Step 3: Cream the Butter

Beat room temperature butter until fluffy and light, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Blend Sugar and Butter

Add both granulated and dark brown sugar, creaming until smooth and airy, around 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Incorporate Eggs

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition.

Blend in vanilla extract.

Step 6: Create Liquid Mixture

Whisk together sour cream and apple cider until completely smooth.

Step 7: Fold Ingredients

• First, fold in ⅓ of flour mixture
• Add ½ of sour cream mixture
• Repeat with remaining flour and liquid
• Avoid deflating the batter

Step 8: Add Apple Pieces

Fold grated apple pieces into the batter.

Step 9: Prepare the Pan

Spray Bundt pan generously with baking spray.

Step 10: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into pan and bake for 55-65 minutes.

Check doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.

Step 11: Cool the Cake

Let cake rest in pan for 10 minutes.

Transfer to wire rack and cool completely.

Step 12: Create Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Nutmeg (optional)

Step 13: Finish the Cake

Brush melted butter over entire cake surface.

Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture, pressing gently into cake’s edges.

Tips That Keep Apple Cider Cake Moist and Fluffy

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select crisp, seasonal apples and high-quality apple cider for the most robust flavor profile.
• Control Moisture Levels: Pat grated apples dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the cake dense or soggy.
• Ensure Even Mixing: Fold ingredients gently to maintain the cake's light and airy texture, avoiding overmixing which can create a tough crumb.
• Perfect Coating Technique: Apply melted butter generously and evenly before adding cinnamon-sugar mixture to guarantee complete coverage and maximum flavor.
• Baking Precision: Use an accurate oven thermometer to confirm temperature and rotate the Bundt pan halfway through baking for consistent browning.

Best Ways to Store Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Refrigeration: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, keeping its moisture and flavor intact.
• Room Temperature: Leave the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days in a covered cake stand or container, ensuring it stays away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in a preheated 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore the cake's soft texture and enhance its warm, spicy aroma.

Drinks and Sides for Apple Cider Cake

• Pair with Warm Spiced Cider: Complement the cake's apple and spice notes with a hot mulled apple cider, enhancing the autumnal flavors and creating a cozy drinking experience.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The creamy, smooth vanilla ice cream balances the cake's warm spices and provides a cool contrast to the dense, rich texture.
• Serve alongside Caramel Latte: The rich caramel and coffee undertones of a latte beautifully highlight the cake's deep cinnamon and apple characteristics, creating a harmonious taste combination.
• Enjoy with Maple Whipped Cream: A dollop of maple-infused whipped cream adds an extra layer of sweetness and depth, perfectly echoing the cake's rustic, comforting profile.

Variations for a New Twist on Donut Cake

• Rustic Caramel Apple Spin: Drizzle rich caramel sauce over the cake and fold chopped caramel apples into the batter for extra sweetness and depth.
• Nutty Harvest Blend: Incorporate toasted pecans or walnuts into the cake batter and sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the cinnamon-sugar coating for added crunch.
• Spiced Maple Infusion: Replace apple cider with pure maple syrup and add a dash of cardamom to enhance the warm, autumnal flavor profile of the cake.
• Cream Cheese Swirl Version: Create a cream cheese mixture and swirl it through the batter before baking, adding a tangy richness to the traditional apple cider donut cake.

Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Warm spices and nostalgic apple cider flavors dance together in this irresistible apple cider donut cake. Rich autumn notes embrace homestyle comfort, delivering a delightful dessert that connects memories of harvest season with pure baking joy you’ll cherish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Dry Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups (290 g) cake flour
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) baking powder
• 1.5 teaspoons (7 ml) ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon (2 ml) nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon (2 ml) ginger

Wet Ingredients and Fruit:

• 1.25 cups (284 g) salted butter, room temperature (2.5 sticks)
• 1.25 cups (250 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220 g) dark brown sugar
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pure vanilla extract
• 0.67 cup (153 g) sour cream, room temperature
• 0.33 cup (79 g) apple cider, room temperature
• 1 cup (180 g) grated apples (about 2 medium apples)
• Baking spray

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

• 0.25 cup (57 g) salted butter, melted (0.5 stick)
• 0.67 cup (133 g) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) ground cinnamon
• Dash of freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

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Instructions

1. Calibrate the oven temperature to 350°F and position the rack at the center to ensure even heat distribution.
2. Meticulously sift the cake flour, baking powder, and warm spices into a medium mixing vessel, creating a uniform dry ingredient blend.
3. Utilize an electric mixer to whip the butter until it transforms into a light, airy texture, approximately two minutes.
4. Incorporate both granulated and dark brown sugars into the butter, creaming the mixture until it becomes voluminous and pale, roughly 3-4 minutes.
5. Introduce eggs individually while the mixer operates, ensuring complete integration after each addition. Blend in vanilla extract for enhanced depth of flavor.
6. Whisk apple cider and sour cream together in a separate container until achieving a silky, homogeneous consistency.
7. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture in three strategic stages, alternating with the liquid components to maintain the batter’s delicate structure.
8. Delicately incorporate freshly grated apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter without disrupting its airiness.
9. Thoroughly coat a Bundt pan with baking spray, ensuring complete coverage of intricate ridges and curves.
10. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface to create an even distribution.
11. Bake for 55-65 minutes, monitoring for a golden exterior and checking doneness with a clean toothpick test.
12. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for ten minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack for complete cooling.
13. Craft a fragrant cinnamon-sugar coating by thoroughly blending granulated sugar with warming spices.
14. Brush the cooled cake generously with melted butter, creating a tacky surface for the spice mixture.
15. Liberally dust and press the cinnamon-sugar blend across the entire cake surface, ensuring complete coverage of its distinctive Bundt contours.

Notes

• Perfectly captures the cozy essence of fall with its warm spices and apple-infused flavor profile.
• Requires precise mixing technique to maintain the cake’s light and fluffy texture, so follow the folding instructions carefully.
• Bundt pan is crucial for achieving the classic donut-like shape and maximizing the crispy cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Room temperature ingredients ensure smooth batter and even baking, preventing dense or lumpy cake texture.
• Coating process transforms the cake from a simple dessert to a decadent treat that mimics the beloved apple cider donut experience.
• Best enjoyed fresh on the day of baking, but can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg