Apple Cider Donut Cake: A Cozy Fall Dessert You’ll Love
Experience the warmth of autumn spices and a glaze of cinnamon sugar in every slice.
Apple Cider Donut Cake
If you love the classic taste of apple cider donuts but crave an easy-to-serve, crowd-pleasing cake, this apple cider donut cake recipe is for you. It captures all the warming cinnamon, buttery crumb, and tangy apple notes of a doughnut shop favorite, baked into a tender Bundt cake perfect for holidays, brunches, or afternoon snacks. With a fragrant cider reduction and a cinnamon-sugar coating, every slice feels like fall in a bite.
Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Big apple cider flavor: Real apple cider is simmered and concentrated for intense flavor.
- Moist, tender crumb: Sour cream and butter make the cake rich and soft, never dry.
- Classic donut spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice bring warmth.
- Cinnamon-sugar coating: A finishing touch that gives every slice a donut-like texture and sparkle.
- Easy to make: No frying or fancy equipment required—just a Bundt pan and your oven.
What is an Apple Cider Donut Cake?
This cake is inspired by apple cider donuts, a beloved fall treat at apple orchards and bakeries. Instead of frying, all the classic flavors are baked into a Bundt cake, starting with a cider reduction and finished with buttery cinnamon sugar. It’s festive, shareable, and easier for entertaining than a batch of donuts.
Ingredients Overview
The secret to maximum flavor and the most tender crumb is ingredient selection. Here are the essentials you’ll need:
- Apple Cider – Not apple juice! Choose real, unfiltered apple cider for authentic tartness.
- All-Purpose Flour – The base for a sturdy but tender cake.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – The leaveners for a light texture.
- Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice supply the classic donut aroma.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds flavor and moisture to the cake.
- Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar – Both lighten and sweeten the crumb.
- Large Eggs – Bind the batter and provide structure.
- Sour Cream – For richness and a slight tang.
- Vanilla Extract – Deepens the flavor profile.
- For the topping: More butter, cinnamon, and sugar!
Ingredient Substitutions & Tips
- If apple cider isn’t available, you can use boiled-down apple juice, but flavor will be milder.
- Plain Greek yogurt can sub for sour cream.
- Use dark brown sugar for deeper, molasses-rich notes.
- All spices are adjustable to taste.
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake
Step 1: Reduce Your Cider
Start by simmering your apple cider in a saucepan until it’s reduced by about half. This step intensifies the tart, fruity flavor and keeps the cake moist.
- Bring 2 cups apple cider to a boil.
- Lower heat; simmer until it measures 1 cup (about 15-20 min).
Step 2: Prep Your Pan
- Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt cake pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
- Beat softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each, scraping as needed.
Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients
- Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Gradually pour in the cooled, reduced apple cider.
Step 6: Combine & Bake
- Alternately add portions of the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, starting and ending with flour.
- Spread batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth top.
- Bake at 350°F for 45-55 minutes, until a tester comes out clean.
What others are reading
Step 7: Cool & Finish
- Let the cake cool in the pan 15 minutes, then invert onto a rack.
- While warm, brush cake with melted butter and coat with cinnamon sugar.
Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe Card
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Apple cider | 2 cups (reduced to 1 cup) |
| All-purpose flour | 2 1/2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 1/2 tsp |
| Baking soda | 1/2 tsp |
| Cinnamon | 2 tsp |
| Nutmeg | 1/2 tsp |
| Allspice | 1/2 tsp |
| Salt | 3/4 tsp |
| Unsalted butter (room temp) | 1/2 cup (1 stick) |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup |
| Light brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Large eggs | 3 |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Vanilla extract | 2 tsp |
| For topping: melted butter | 1/4 cup |
| For topping: cinnamon sugar | 1/2 cup sugar + 2 tsp cinnamon |
Complete instructions detailed above.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- Bundt pan care: Grease and flour every nook to avoid sticking.
- Ingredient temp: Room-temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream make the batter smooth.
- Cider reduction: Don’t skip it—the flavor boost is essential.
- Topping: Brush butter while the cake is still slightly warm to create a cinnamon-sugar crust.
- Storage: Store cooled cake tightly wrapped at room temp up to 4 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as a showstopper at brunches, holiday tables, or cozy gatherings.
- Pairings: Goes beautifully with fresh apples, creamy vanilla ice cream, or a mug of spiced cider.
- Delicious for breakfast, an afternoon treat, or dessert.
Cake Variations
- Glazed cake: Omit cinnamon-sugar and drizzle with a simple apple cider glaze (powdered sugar + cider).
- Muffin version: Divide batter among muffin tins, bake 20-25 min.
- More spices: Add ground ginger, cloves, or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Apple bits: Fold in diced apples for bursts of fruit.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make ahead: Cake keeps well for several days at room temp, tightly wrapped.
- Freezing: Slice and freeze portions for up to 2 months; thaw at room temp.
- Reheating: Briefly warm slices in the microwave for fresh flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
No, fresh apple cider is preferred for the richest, tart flavor. Apple juice lacks the depth, but boiling it down can work in a pinch.
Can this cake be made gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend for similar results, though crumb may be slightly different.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! Apple cider donut cake remains moist for several days, so it’s perfect for prepping for parties.
How should I store leftovers?
Cool cake completely, wrap tightly, and store at room temp for up to 4 days. To freeze, wrap slices individually.
Can I bake this as cupcakes?
Yes! Fill lined muffin tins about 2/3 full and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 51g |
| Sugar | 32g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
Values are estimates and may vary based on exact ingredients and serving size.
Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe Success Tips
- Cool cider before mixing into batter so it doesn’t scramble the eggs.
- Do not over-mix the batter after adding flour; mix just to combine for tender texture.
- If using dark Bundt pans, check cake early; they bake faster.
What Makes the Cinnamon Sugar Coating Special?
Brushing butter on a warm cake then sprinkling cinnamon sugar recreates the classic donut finish: sweet, slightly crunchy, and visually appealing. It gives the cake its signature sparkle and texture.
Perfect for Every Autumn Occasion
Whether for a cozy breakfast, Thanksgiving dessert, or as a homemade gift, this apple cider donut cake is a seasonal sensation. Easy to make, beautiful to serve, and guaranteed to fill your kitchen with the aroma of autumn.
Additional Recipe Links (For Inspiration)
- Pair with Spiced Apple Compote for even more apple flavor.
- Serve with a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream or whipped cream.
Related Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Classic Apple Cake
- Snickerdoodle Bundt Cake
- Apple Fritter Loaf
- Old-Fashioned Pumpkin Bread
Pro Baking Tips
- Always use fresh cider for best flavor.
- Try adding finely grated orange zest for brightness.
- Drizzle warm cake with a simple glaze for extra sweetness.
Apple Cider Donut Cake: Step-by-Step Photo Guide
- Photo 1: Simmering apple cider until syrupy.
- Photo 2: Greasing and flouring the Bundt pan.
- Photo 3: Creaming butter with sugars until light.
- Photo 4: Mixing in eggs and sour cream.
- Photo 5: Pouring in cooled cider reduction.
- Photo 6: Adding dry ingredients in batches.
- Photo 7: Smoothing the batter inside the pan.
- Photo 8: Baked cake cooling in the pan.
- Photo 9: Brushing butter and coating cake in cinnamon sugar.
- Photo 10: Beautifully sliced cake ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kind of apple cider should I use?
Use refrigerated, unsweetened, and unfiltered apple cider for robust flavor. Avoid clear apple juice, which lacks tang.
Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
Yes, plain whole-milk Greek yogurt is a good substitute for sour cream.
Can I bake this cake ahead of time?
The cake stays moist until the next day. You can coat with cinnamon sugar before serving for fresh texture.
Should I reduce the cider or use it straight?
For bold flavor, always reduce the cider before using it in the batter.
How do I keep the cake from sticking to the pan?
Use a pastry brush to reach all crevices with butter, then dust thoroughly with flour.
Summary
This apple cider donut cake transforms simple ingredients into a festive, spiced dessert with all the irresistible charm of the fall favorite donuts. With bold apple cider, warm spices, a soft crumb, and a sparkly sugar coating, it’s guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering. Easy to make and easier to love—this is the cake you’ll crave until next autumn.
References
- https://www.foodbloggerpro.com/blog/structuring-the-perfect-recipe-blog-post/
- https://bootstrapped.ventures/seo-for-food-blogs/
- https://developers.google.com/search/docs/appearance/structured-data/recipe
- https://foodiedigital.com/seo-tips-for-food-bloggers/
- https://www.1digitalagency.com/recipe-for-success-blog-structure-tips-for-better-seo/
- https://searchengineland.com/the-ultimate-recipe-for-writing-seo-optimized-content-388941
- https://autopagerank.com/seo-for-recipe-blogs-my-proven-strategies-for-skyrocketing-traffic/
- https://www.chefadora.com/blog/what-makes-a-recipe-seo-friendly-how-chefadoras-recipe-genie-helps-you-rank-higher-on-google
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