Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful treat that brings together the best flavors of fall in one easy-to-make dessert. It has the sweet, tangy taste of apple cider paired with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, just like your favorite cider donuts. The cake is soft, moist, and topped with a simple glaze that adds a little extra sweetness without being too much.
I love making this cake when the air starts to get crisp because it fills the house with those cozy autumn scents right from the oven. What’s great about this recipe is that it feels special enough for a weekend gathering but is simple enough for a weeknight dessert. I usually enjoy mine with a cup of hot coffee, but it’s just as lovely on its own for a sweet snack.
One of my favorite things about this cake is how it captures the crunch and flavor of apple cider donuts without the mess of frying. It’s a perfect way to enjoy that classic fall treat any time you want, and I always find myself coming back for seconds. If you’re looking to bring a bit of autumn magic into your kitchen, this cake is definitely one to try.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: This adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the cake. If you can’t find apple cider, you can simmer apple juice with a bit of lemon juice for a similar taste. Reducing it intensifies the flavor, so don’t skip that step!
Spices (Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Allspice): These warm spices bring that classic donut flavor. If you don’t have allspice, extra cinnamon or a pinch of ground cloves works well.
Buttermilk or Yogurt: These provide moisture and tenderness. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix ½ cup milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Vegetable Oil & Butter: Using both keeps the cake moist (oil) and flavorful (butter). You can swap vegetable oil for any neutral oil like canola or melted coconut oil for a slight twist.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating: This finishing touch creates that iconic donut crust. Use coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper flavor if you like.
How Do You Get That Perfect Cinnamon Sugar Coating on the Cake?
Getting the cinnamon sugar to stick nicely is key for that donut feel. Here’s how to do it right:
- Brush the cake with melted butter while it’s still a bit warm but not hot. This helps the sugar stick without melting too much.
- Use a shallow dish with the cinnamon sugar mix and gently press the cake into it or spoon the mixture onto the surface.
- Coat evenly but don’t overload—the right thin layer gives a crisp, sugary crust without being gritty.
- If your cake cools completely before coating, the sugar won’t stick well, so timing matters.
Following these steps gives you that ideal balance of soft cake inside with a gently crispy, cinnamon-sweet exterior.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Bundt pan – I recommend this because it gives the cake a beautiful shape and has enough space for even baking.
- Small saucepan – perfect for reducing the apple cider to concentrate its flavor.
- Mixing bowls – you’ll need these to whisk together the dry ingredients and combine the wet ones easily.
- Electric mixer or whisk – helps to beat the butter and sugar smoothly for a fluffy batter.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for accuracy in the ingredients.
- Pastry brush – makes applying melted butter a breeze for the cinnamon sugar coating.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Stir in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch and richness—great for added texture.
- Swirl in apple butter or a spoonful of caramel sauce into the batter before baking for a extra sweet punch.
- Replace cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice or ginger for a different spice profile fitting other seasons.
- Add grated fresh apples into the batter for even more fruity flavor and moisture.
Apple Cider Donut Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk or plain yogurt
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
Total time is about 1 hour 30 minutes. You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes prepping and simmering the cider, 50-60 minutes baking the cake, plus some time cooling and adding the cinnamon sugar coating.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare and Reduce Apple Cider:
Heat 2 cups apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat and let it simmer until it reduces to about ½ cup, which takes around 15 to 20 minutes. This makes the flavor stronger. Set it aside to cool.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until well combined.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until it’s light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after adding each egg. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
In a small bowl, mix the reduced apple cider with the buttermilk (or yogurt) and vegetable oil. Then add the flour mixture and cider mixture alternately to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix just until everything comes together – be careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the Cake:
Pour your batter into a greased and floured 10-cup Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool and Coat the Cake:
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake cools, mix together the cinnamon and sugar for the coating in a shallow dish. Brush the cake with the melted butter, then sprinkle or press the cinnamon sugar evenly all over the cake’s surface.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Apple Cider Donut Cake is ready! Serve it warm or at room temperature, perfect with a cup of hot coffee or cider for a cozy treat.
Can I Use Apple Juice Instead of Apple Cider?
Yes, you can substitute apple juice if you don’t have apple cider. For best flavor, simmer the juice to reduce it and concentrate the taste just like the cider.
How Should I Store Leftover Cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving to refresh the cinnamon sugar coating.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for best results. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
What If I Don’t Have a Bundt Pan?
You can bake this in a regular 9×13-inch pan or two 8-inch round pans. Adjust baking time accordingly – it may be shorter, so start checking around 35-40 minutes.