Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Cider Doughnut Cake captures the warm, cozy flavors of fall in an easy-to-bake treat. Inspired by classic cider doughnuts, this cake is moist, cinnamon-spiced, and dusted with a cinnamon sugar coating that brings a delightful crunch. Perfect for sharing with friends or savoring with a cup of tea.

Ingredients

• 1 15.25 ounce box Yellow cake mix or Spice Cake Mix
• 1 cup apple cider (NOT apple juice or apple cider vinegar)
• ½ cup apple sauce (preferably cinnamon apple sauce, not chunky)
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon (for coating)
• ¼ cup sugar (for coating)
• ¼ cup melted butter (for brushing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce, and eggs. Mix well until smooth. Add the ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, stirring until incorporated.
3. Step 3: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan.
4. Step 4: Bake on the center rack for 40 to 45 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
5. Step 5: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes.
6. Step 6: While the cake cools, mix the 2 tablespoons cinnamon and ¼ cup sugar in a small bowl.
7. Step 7: Once the cake is cooled, brush its entire surface with melted butter, then evenly coat with the cinnamon sugar mixture by gently rubbing it onto the cake.

Tips & Variations

• Using cinnamon apple sauce enhances the spice flavor, but plain applesauce works fine too.
• For a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in both the batter and the coating to taste.
• If you prefer a glaze, substitute the cinnamon sugar coating with a simple powdered sugar glaze flavored with a splash of apple cider.
• Make sure the cake is warm but not hot when applying butter and cinnamon sugar so the coating sticks well.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep it longer, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to refresh the buttery cinnamon coating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Apple cider has a deeper, more robust flavor than apple juice, which helps give the cake its signature taste. Using apple juice may result in a less flavorful cake, so it’s best to use apple cider.

Can I substitute the cake mix with a homemade cake batter?

Yes, you can use your favorite yellow or spice cake recipe instead of a box mix. Just be sure to add the cinnamon, apple cider, and applesauce as directed to maintain the moist texture and flavor.

Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 103 reviews

This Cider Doughnut Cake is a moist and flavorful bundt cake that captures the essence of fall with apple cider, cinnamon, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. Using a spice or yellow cake mix combined with apple cider and unsweetened applesauce, this cake offers a delightful twist on traditional doughnuts in a convenient cake form. It’s perfect for dessert or a cozy afternoon treat.

• Author: liam
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Batter

• 1 15.25 ounce box Yellow cake mix or Spice Cake Mix
• 1 cup apple cider (NOT apple juice and NOT apple cider vinegar)
• ½ cup apple sauce (cinnamon apple sauce preferred, not chunky)
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• ¼ tsp cinnamon (or more for extra cinnamon flavor)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 2 tablespoons cinnamon (adjust based on preference)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even baking.
2. Mix Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix with apple cider, apple sauce, and eggs. Beat until smooth and evenly incorporated. Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the batter and mix thoroughly to infuse flavor.
3. Prepare Pan: Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly or use a baking spray like Baker’s Joy that contains flour to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for easy release of the cake.
4. Bake Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top. Place on the center oven rack and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the cake center; if it comes out clean, the cake is done.
5. Cool Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Allow it to cool for about 20 minutes to reach a manageable temperature for coating.
6. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate bowl, mix together the 2 tablespoons of cinnamon and ¼ cup granulated sugar until evenly combined.
7. Coat Cake: Brush the entire surface of the cooled cake with melted butter. Then, evenly rub the cinnamon sugar mixture onto the cake’s surface to create a delicious cinnamon-sugar crust reminiscent of cider doughnuts.

Notes

• If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon amount in the batter and the sugar coating.
• You can swap the yellow cake mix for spice cake mix for a deeper, warming spice profile.
• Using cinnamon apple sauce enhances the apple-cinnamon flavor without adding texture. Avoid chunky applesauce.
• Ensure eggs are at room temperature to help the cake batter mix evenly and rise well.
• This cake is best enjoyed the same day for optimal freshness and texture but can be stored in an airtight container for 2 days.

Keywords: Cider Doughnut Cake, Apple Cider Cake, Cinnamon Sugar Cake, Bundt Cake, Fall Dessert, Easy Cake Recipe