Apple Cider Donut Cake brings everything you love about a warm fall donut into one soft, fluffy Bundt cake. Plus, buttery cinnamon sugar gives every slice a lightly crunchy finish that feels perfect for Halloween.
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Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Donut Cake
Apple Cider Donut Cake combines a moist crumb, cozy spices, and a sweet cinnamon sugar coating in one simple dessert. In fact, the smell alone makes the kitchen feel like fall.
Also, this cake serves 14 people, so it works beautifully for Halloween parties, family gatherings, and weekend baking. You can serve it plain or dress each slice with something creamy and sweet.
Soft, Moist Texture With a Donut-Like Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Butter gives the cake a rich flavor, while vegetable oil helps the crumb stay moist. Meanwhile, applesauce adds even more softness without making the cake heavy.
Then, melted butter helps cinnamon sugar cling to the warm exterior. As a result, each slice has a tender center and a lightly crunchy coating that reminds me of a fresh cider donut.
Warm Apple Cider and Fall Spice Flavor
Apple cider gives Apple Cider Donut Cake a subtle fruity flavor. At the same time, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and vanilla bring plenty of cozy fall warmth.
The apple flavor stays gentle rather than overpowering. Therefore, the spices and buttery topping still get their chance to shine.
An Easy Halloween and Fall Dessert for a Crowd
This Apple Cider Donut Cake makes an easy addition to a Halloween dessert table because one Bundt cake gives you about 14 servings. Plus, the cinnamon sugar coating looks rustic and inviting without frosting.
Prep takes about 30 minutes, while baking takes roughly 45 minutes. So, although the cake needs time to cool, the hands on work stays simple.
If you want more cozy seasonal baking ideas, these cozy cinnamon-sugar pumpkin donut muffins also fit right into a Halloween or fall menu.
Apple Cider Donut Cake Ingredients
Simple baking staples create the soft texture and warm flavor in this Apple Cider Donut Cake. However, each ingredient plays an important role, so I recommend gathering everything before you start.
Ingredients for the Apple Cider Cake
All purpose flour gives the cake its structure, while baking powder and baking soda help it rise. Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg create the warm spice blend, while salt balances the sweetness.
Apple cider brings subtle apple flavor and moisture. Meanwhile, applesauce or apple butter adds softness and another layer of fruit flavor.
Unsalted butter brings richness, while canola or vegetable oil helps the cake stay moist. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, and light brown sugar brings a deeper caramel note.
Eggs add structure and richness. Finally, pure vanilla extract rounds out the apple and spice flavors with a warm, sweet aroma.
Ingredients for the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Melted unsalted butter helps the topping stick to the warm cake. Then, granulated sugar and ground cinnamon create that familiar cider donut coating.
The topping also adds a delicate crunch against the fluffy cake. As a result, you get a fun contrast in every bite.
Applesauce vs. Apple Butter
Applesauce keeps Apple Cider Donut Cake soft and gives it a gentle apple flavor. Therefore, it works well when you want the cider and spices to stay balanced.
Apple butter has a more concentrated flavor. So, you can use it instead when you want a somewhat stronger apple taste.
Both choices work well in the batter. However, apple butter may make the apple notes more noticeable without changing the basic method.
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake
Apple Cider Donut Cake takes about 30 minutes to prepare and 40 to 50 minutes to bake. You will need a 10 cup Bundt pan, several mixing bowls, and a cooling rack.
Prepare the Bundt Pan and Preheat the Oven
First, set your oven to 350°F, or 175°C, and place the rack in the center. However, wait to grease your Bundt pan until shortly before you add the batter.
A flour containing baking spray works especially well for the detailed curves of a Bundt pan. Then, coat every groove thoroughly so the finished cake releases cleanly.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, combine the all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. Mix them well so the spices and leavening spread evenly through the flour.
This quick step matters because nobody wants a pocket of baking soda or cinnamon in one slice. Plus, evenly mixed dry ingredients help the cake develop a consistent flavor.
Combine the Apple Cider and Applesauce
In a separate bowl, whisk the apple cider with the applesauce or apple butter. Then, set the mixture aside while you prepare the butter and sugars.
Mixing these wet ingredients first makes them easier to add gradually later. Also, it keeps the final mixing stage quick.
Beat the Butter, Oil, and Sugars
Add the softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar to a large mixing bowl. Then, beat everything together for about 2 minutes.
The butter adds flavor, while the oil supports a moist texture. Meanwhile, both sugars bring sweetness and help create the cake’s soft crumb.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Next, mix in the eggs and vanilla. Scrape down the bowl as needed so everything combines evenly.
At this stage, the mixture should look smooth and creamy. However, you do not need to keep beating once the ingredients come together.
Alternate the Dry and Apple Cider Mixtures
Now, add the dry ingredients in three portions and the cider mixture in two portions. Start with the dry ingredients, then add some cider mixture, and continue alternating until you finish with the dry ingredients.
Next, stir the batter briefly by hand. Avoid excessive mixing because too much stirring can make Apple Cider Donut Cake less tender.
Bake the Apple Cider Donut Cake
Grease your 10 cup Bundt pan thoroughly immediately before filling it. Then, spoon the batter into the pan and spread the top evenly.
Bake the Apple Cider Donut Cake for 40 to 50 minutes. Meanwhile, start checking near the lower end of that range because ovens can bake at slightly different speeds.
The cake should look set and smell wonderfully spiced. More importantly, a toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean.
Cool and Remove the Cake From the Bundt Pan
Place the pan on a cooling rack and let the cake rest inside for 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto the rack.
Do not rush this part. The warm cake stays delicate, so gentle handling can help you keep those pretty Bundt ridges intact.
Add the Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the cake remains warm, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Then, brush one section of the cake with melted butter.
Immediately sprinkle and gently press cinnamon sugar onto that buttered section. Next, repeat the process around the cake until you cover the exterior.
Working in sections helps the sugar stick before the butter disappears into the warm crumb. Finally, leave the cake to cool completely before slicing.
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Donut Cake
A few small baking habits can make a noticeable difference with Apple Cider Donut Cake. In particular, careful flour measuring, gentle mixing, and proper pan preparation help protect that soft crumb and pretty shape.
Measure the Flour Correctly
Fluff the flour before measuring it. Then, scoop a slightly heaping cup and level the top with a knife.
Too much flour can make a cake dry or dense. Therefore, take a little extra care during this simple step.
Avoid Overmixing the Cake Batter
Mix the batter only until you no longer see obvious streaks of dry flour. Then, finish with a few gentle strokes by hand if needed.
Overmixing can create a tougher crumb. Instead, keep your movements light so the finished Apple Cider Donut Cake stays fluffy and tender.
Grease the Bundt Pan at the Right Time
Grease the Bundt pan immediately before adding the batter. Also, cover every curve and crevice because Bundt pans contain plenty of places where cake can stick.
A baking spray that contains flour works particularly well. Then, once the pan has a thorough coating, add the batter right away.
Handle the Warm Cake Carefully
The cake remains delicate while warm, especially as you brush on melted butter. Therefore, work gently and avoid pressing hard against the surface.
Also, coat one area at a time with butter and cinnamon sugar. This approach gives the topping a better chance to cling without requiring rough handling.
Let the Cake Cool Completely Before Slicing
Freshly baked Apple Cider Donut Cake smells incredibly tempting. However, give it several hours to cool completely before cutting it.
Cooling allows the crumb to settle and makes cleaner slices. In addition, the cake tastes especially good at room temperature, when the texture feels soft and the spices come through clearly.
What to Serve With Apple Cider Donut Cake
You can keep Apple Cider Donut Cake simple or turn it into a richer dessert. Either way, its apple, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg flavors pair naturally with creamy and caramel flavored toppings.
Serve It Plain for Breakfast or a Fall Snack
A plain slice makes a cozy breakfast cake or afternoon snack. Plus, the buttery cinnamon sugar coating gives it plenty of flavor without frosting.
I especially like the simple version with coffee on a cool morning. Also, if you enjoy apple baked goods for breakfast, try these soft cinnamon apple oatmeal muffins.
Turn It Into Dessert With Whipped Cream, Ice Cream, or Caramel Sauce
For dessert, add whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. In fact, caramel works especially well because it brings out the warm apple and brown sugar notes.
You can also combine toppings for a more indulgent Halloween dessert. For example, a warm slice with ice cream and caramel sauce makes a simple cake feel extra special.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Cider Donut Cake
Apple Cider Donut Cake keeps well, so you do not need to finish all 14 servings at once. Also, proper storage helps protect its soft texture and cinnamon sugar exterior.
Storing the Cake at Room Temperature or in the Refrigerator
Store the cake at cool room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered so the exposed crumb does not dry out.
If you refrigerate it, bring individual slices back to room temperature before serving. As a result, the crumb will taste softer and the apple spice flavor will come through more clearly.
How to Freeze Individual Cake Slices
Individual slices can stay frozen for up to 3 months. First, wrap each cooled slice well and place it in a freezer safe container or bag.
Then, thaw only as many slices as you need. For the nicest texture, let each piece return to room temperature before eating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are quick answers to common questions about Apple Cider Donut Cake, including ingredient swaps, Bundt pan tips, and storage.
What Does Apple Cider Donut Cake Taste Like?
Apple Cider Donut Cake tastes buttery, warmly spiced, and subtly fruity. Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, cider, and applesauce create a cozy fall flavor without making the cake overly sweet.
Meanwhile, the cinnamon sugar exterior adds a lightly crunchy finish. Therefore, the combination tastes similar to a soft cider donut in cake form.
Can I Use Apple Butter Instead of Applesauce?
Yes. Apple butter can replace the applesauce in this Apple Cider Donut Cake.
In fact, apple butter can give the cake a somewhat stronger apple flavor because its taste tends to be more concentrated. However, either option works nicely.
Can I Use Apple Juice Instead of Apple Cider?
Apple juice does not have the same rich, concentrated fall flavor as apple cider. Therefore, apple cider makes the better choice for the intended flavor of this recipe.
If you only have apple juice, it may still provide moisture and apple flavor. However, expect the finished cake to taste milder.
How Do I Keep a Bundt Cake From Sticking to the Pan?
First, grease every groove of the Bundt pan thoroughly immediately before adding the batter. A flour containing baking spray works especially well.
Then, let the baked cake cool in its pan for 15 minutes before carefully turning it out. Also, avoid leaving it in the pan until completely cold.
How Do I Know When Apple Cider Donut Cake Is Done?
Start checking Apple Cider Donut Cake after about 40 minutes. Then, insert a toothpick near the center of the cake.
When the toothpick comes out clean, the cake has finished baking. Depending on your oven, the total baking time may fall anywhere between 40 and 50 minutes.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
If you love the cinnamon sugar flavor in this Apple Cider Donut Cake, try these soft baked maple donut bars with warm cinnamon. They bring another cozy donut inspired treat to your fall baking plans.
For another apple dessert, these creamy apple cheesecake bars with cinnamon and streusel combine creamy filling with sweet apple and warm spice.
Meanwhile, fall comfort food does not need to stop at dessert. These cozy pumpkin ricotta stuffed shells make a comforting seasonal dinner.
You can also try this creamy cheesy pumpkin ricotta pasta when you want an easy savory pumpkin meal before bringing out the cake.
For even more seasonal recipe inspiration, you can find Ellie’s Microwave Recipes on Pinterest and save your favorite fall and Halloween ideas for later.
Final Thoughts on Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Apple Cider Donut Cake gives you the cozy taste of fall in a soft, moist Bundt cake. Plus, its buttery cinnamon sugar coating adds just enough crunch to create that classic donut inspired finish.
It works just as well beside morning coffee as it does on a Halloween dessert table. Best of all, you can serve it plain or add whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce when dessert calls for something extra.
Apple Cider Donut Cake
Equipment
- 10-cup Bundt pan Grease thoroughly immediately before adding the batter.
- Mixing bowls
- electric mixer
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
- Pastry brush For brushing melted butter over the warm cake.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup applesauce or apple butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, for topping
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar, for topping
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, for topping
- whipped cream, optional for serving
- caramel sauce, optional for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) with the oven rack in the center.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the apple cider with the applesauce or apple butter until combined.
- Beat the softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together for about 2 minutes.
- Add the eggs and vanilla. Mix until combined, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
- Add the dry mixture in three portions and the apple cider mixture in two portions, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. Stir briefly by hand at the end, taking care not to overmix.
- Immediately before filling, thoroughly grease a 10-cup Bundt pan. A baking spray that contains flour works well. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
- Place the pan on a cooling rack and cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes. Then carefully invert the cake onto the rack.
- While the cake remains warm, combine the topping sugar and cinnamon. Brush one section of the cake with melted butter, then immediately coat that section with cinnamon sugar. Gently press the sugar onto the surface where necessary. Continue working in sections until you coat the cake.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Serve at room temperature, either plain or with whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce.
