Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

I absolutely love this Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe because it captures that cozy fall vibe right in your kitchen without the fuss of frying donuts. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the warm apple cider flavor and cinnamon spice swirl through the cake with just the right amount of sweetness—you’ll find it’s like having a soft, cake-version of your favorite apple cider donuts in every bite. This cake is perfect for those crisp mornings or a comforting dessert alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee.

One of the best parts about this Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe is how quick it comes together and still feels so special. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast with friends or as an afternoon treat, it’s a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Plus, the buttery cinnamon sugar topping gives it that classic donut touch that makes everyone go crazy for it when I bring it out at family gatherings.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe lies in combining fresh apple cider, warm spices, and a balance of sugars and oils that keep this cake moist yet fluffy. I always recommend using fresh, unfiltered apple cider—not just apple juice—which really makes the flavor pop here.

• Fresh Apple Cider: Choose unfiltered cider from the refrigerated section for a rich, genuine apple taste.
• Unsalted Butter: Using cold butter adds richness and moisture; melting it with the cider deepens the flavor.
• Large Eggs: Eggs give structure and tender crumb to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Helps balance the tartness and provides sweetness to the batter and topping.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a hint of molasses and moisture that keeps the cake soft.
• Light Olive Oil (or Neutral Oil): Maintains moisture without overpowering the apple flavor.
• Sour Cream (or Greek Yogurt): Brings a subtle tang and extra tenderness.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Key for leavening for a nice rise and soft texture.
• Ground Cinnamon & Allspice: Classic warming spices that create that iconic apple donut flavor.
• Coarse Kosher Salt: Enhances all the sweetness and spices perfectly.
• All-Purpose Flour: Balanced to give the cake a tender but sturdy crumb.
• Butter (for topping): Spread on warm cake for the cinnamon sugar to stick and add richness.
• Cinnamon Sugar Blend: A simple mix of granulated sugar and cinnamon that creates the famous donut crust.

Variations

I like to switch things up sometimes with this Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. You can easily make it your own, and I encourage you to experiment with flavors or mix-ins that your family loves.

• Gluten-Free: I’ve had great results swapping out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, just watch the baking time as it might bake a bit faster.
• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger gives it even more warming depth, which I tried last fall and loved!
• Apple Chunks: Sometimes I toss in small diced apples for extra texture and a burst of freshness that complements the cider beautifully.
• Maple Sugar Topping: Try replacing cinnamon sugar with maple sugar for a unique twist—my kids adored it!

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider and Melt Butter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing a 9-inch square baking dish with butter or oil, lining it with parchment paper to help lift the cake out easily later. Place your fresh apple cider in a large sauté pan and boil it over medium heat until it reduces by half—that usually takes about five minutes. You want to end up with about ¾ cup of concentrated cider. Immediately add the cold diced butter to the hot cider and whisk it in until melted; this step really enhances the cider’s flavor and gives the cake a moist richness.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and sour cream to create a smooth blend. Then add your baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and kosher salt directly to this mixture. Slowly pour the warm apple cider and butter mixture into this bowl, whisking continuously so it incorporates evenly—the warmth helps meld flavors beautifully here.

Step 3: Add the Flour and Bake

Gently stir in the all-purpose flour until just combined. I always like to fold it in carefully to avoid overmixing, which keeps the cake tender. Pour your batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 22-25 minutes, or until the cake is puffed up, golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. You’ll notice a wonderful aroma filling your kitchen as it bakes—totally worth the wait!

Step 4: Add the Classic Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Once your cake is out of the oven, give it about 5 minutes to cool on a wire rack. Immediately spread a tablespoon of room-temperature butter over the warm surface—it will melt right in. Then sprinkle that cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top, so it sticks to the butter and creates that signature doughnut-like crust. When I make this, I sometimes sneak a little extra cinnamon sugar on for myself—no one seems to mind!

Step 5: Cool, Slice, and Enjoy

Carefully lift the cake out using the parchment paper sling and allow it to cool slightly. This makes slicing clean squares much easier. I find it best to wait about 10 more minutes before serving so the flavors fully set. This cake shines when served slightly warm, just like a fresh apple cider donut—trust me, you’ll be tempted to make it again and again.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a dusting of extra cinnamon sugar or sometimes a light drizzle of maple glaze if I want to dress it up a bit. When I’m feeling festive, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side gives it a lovely contrast of textures and flavors.

Side Dishes

This cake is fantastic on its own but pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai, coffee, or even a mulled cider. For brunch, I love serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a simple spinach salad with toasted nuts to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to cut the cake into bite-sized squares and arrange them on a wooden board with fresh apple slices and a bowl of cinnamon whipped cream. It makes for a charming, rustic spread that gets everyone reaching for seconds. You can even serve it in muffin tins to make individual portions that feel like personal treats!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The cake keeps its softness nicely, but I do notice that after a day the cinnamon sugar topping can lose some of its crunch, which is where reheating helps.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cake both sliced and whole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it still tastes fresh, and the texture remains deliciously moist without drying out.

Reheating

To revive the cake’s fresh-baked feel, I pop slices into the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven. A quick brush of melted butter and another sprinkling of cinnamon sugar after reheating always brings it back to life perfectly!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s a simple way to bring that nostalgic donut flavor into a soft, shareable cake form. Every time I make it, I’m reminded of crisp autumn days and the joy of baking something that fills not just the house with warmth but also our hearts and plates with comfort. I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s that kind of recipe that makes everyday moments feel extra cozy and delicious.

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