Description
Indulge in the flavors of fall with this moist and flavorful Apple Cider Donut Cake! Made with apple cider, cinnamon, and a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating, this cake brings all the cozy vibes of a cider donut in an easy bundt cake form. Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or just because!
Ingredients
Scale
-
For the Cake:
- 1 (15.25 oz) box Yellow or Spice Cake Mix – Use yellow for a subtle flavor or spice for stronger fall vibes.
- 1 cup apple cider – NOT apple juice or vinegar.
- ½ cup apple sauce – Cinnamon-flavored (not chunky) recommended.
- 3 large eggs – Room temperature.
- ¼ tsp cinnamon – Adjust for preferred spice level.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 tbsp cinnamon – Adjust to taste.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or use a spray with flour (like Baker’s Joy) to ensure easy release.
- Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce, and eggs.
- Add the cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla. Mix until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan.
- Place the pan on the center rack of the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes.
- Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes before turning it out.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and sugar.
- Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- Once the cake has cooled, brush the surface with melted butter.
- Generously sprinkle or rub the cinnamon sugar mixture over the entire cake, ensuring even coverage.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve your Apple Cider Donut Cake as a dessert, snack, or breakfast treat with coffee or tea.
Notes
- Optional Add-Ins: Add finely chopped apples, nuts, or raisins for extra texture.
- For a lighter version, replace the melted butter in the topping with a light glaze made of powdered sugar and apple cider.
- Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~280 kcal
- Sugar: ~24 g
- Sodium: ~300 mg
- Fat: ~10 g
- Saturated Fat: ~3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~43 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~3 g
- Cholesterol: ~45 mg