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Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 71 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is a moist and flavorful cake inspired by classic apple cider doughnuts, featuring warm cinnamon spices and a tender crumb. Perfect for fall or anytime you crave that cinnamon-sugar goodness in cake form, it’s easy to prepare using cake mix combined with apple cider and applesauce, then topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating.

Ingredients

Scale

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 (preferably cinnamon-flavored, smooth)
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ cup sugar
  • ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the right temperature by baking time.
  2. Prepare Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce, and eggs. Beat these ingredients until well combined. Stir in ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the batter. These spices will give depth to the flavor.
  3. Prepare Pan: Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. Using a non-stick spray with flour like Baker’s Joy is recommended.
  4. 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 to 45 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
  5. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes so it firms up slightly.
  6. Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of cinnamon with ¼ cup sugar, mixing thoroughly to create a cinnamon sugar blend.
  7. Apply Topping: Once the cake is cool enough to handle but still warm, brush the entire surface with melted butter. Immediately sprinkle and rub the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the cake while the butter is still tacky, ensuring a deliciously sweet and spiced outer layer.

Notes

  • Using apple cider instead of apple juice or vinegar is crucial to get the authentic apple cider doughnut flavor.
  • For extra cinnamon flavor, you can increase the cinnamon in the cake batter beyond ¼ tsp.
  • Make sure eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
  • Use a bundt pan or tube pan to mimic the shape of a classic doughnut cake.
  • If you prefer, substitute with spice cake mix for a spicier variation of this cake.
  • Apple sauce used should be smooth, preferably cinnamon-flavored, to add moisture and subtle apple notes.

Find it online: https://yumrecipesfood.com/apple-cider-doughnut-cake-recipe/