As the leaves begin to turn vibrant hues and a crisp chill fills the air, there’s an undeniable warmth that calls us towards cozy kitchens and comforting autumn treats. Nothing captures the essence of this beloved season quite like the familiar aroma and taste of apple cider. This **Easy Apple Cider Donut Cake** brings that delightful flavor right into your home, transforming the beloved apple cider doughnut into a moist, tender cake that’s perfect for any fall occasion.
Indulge in the Flavors of Fall with This Apple Cider Donut Cake
Fall isn’t just a season; it’s a feeling. It’s the joy of slipping into a comfy sweater, enjoying cool evenings by a warm fire, and the excitement of holiday preparations, from Halloween treats to Thanksgiving feasts. And what better way to celebrate this magical time than with a dessert that embodies its very spirit? Our Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe is more than just a cake; it’s a celebration of apple season, a tribute to the classic apple cider doughnut, re-imagined in a convenient, easy-to-share form.
While we cherish summer’s vibrant energy, there’s a special kind of happiness that autumn brings. The breathtaking beauty of changing foliage, the refreshing transition from warm days to cool nights, and the anticipation of festive gatherings all contribute to this joy. This cake perfectly complements these moments, making it an essential addition to your fall baking repertoire. Imagine enjoying a slice of this spiced, apple-infused cake with a steaming mug of hot cider or a festive fall cocktail – it’s pure bliss.
Many of us have fond memories of visiting local apple orchards or farms during the fall, perhaps in places like Greenbluff near Spokane, to pick fresh apples and savor freshly made apple cider doughnuts. While those experiences are irreplaceable, being able to recreate that beloved flavor at home is incredibly satisfying. This recipe offers a simple way to capture that orchard magic without leaving your kitchen, allowing you to enjoy the taste of a classic apple cider doughnut whenever the craving strikes.
This cake is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic presentation at any autumn gathering. We love serving it warm with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures. For an extra touch of decadence, a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce elevates the flavors to new heights. It’s a truly memorable Fall sweet treat that’s always a hit at harvest parties, potlucks, and friendly get-togethers.
Simple Ingredients for an Extraordinary Fall Cake
One of the best aspects of this Apple Cider Donut Cake is its simplicity, largely thanks to the use of a yellow cake mix. This recipe streamlines the baking process without compromising on flavor, making it accessible even for novice bakers. Here’s a quick look at the straightforward ingredients you’ll need to create this fall masterpiece:
- Yellow Cake Mix: We recommend a quality moist yellow cake mix, such as Betty Crocker. It provides a perfect base for the fall spices and apple cider, ensuring a consistently tender and flavorful cake every time. While yellow cake mix is ideal, feel free to experiment with a pumpkin or spice cake mix for an even deeper fall flavor profile, or even a white cake mix if that’s what you have on hand.
- Apple Cider: This is the star ingredient that infuses the cake with that distinctive “donut” flavor. Whether you opt for fresh, local apple cider or a good quality store-bought variety, both will yield excellent results. It’s crucial to use actual apple cider, as its spiced, complex flavor is key. While apple juice can be a substitute in a pinch, it won’t offer the same depth of flavor or the iconic taste that makes this cake so special.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for richness and moisture in the cake batter, and for creating the delectable cinnamon sugar topping.
- Large Eggs: Act as a binder, providing structure and additional moisture to the cake.
- Ground Cinnamon: A foundational spice for fall baking, enhancing the apple cider flavor and giving the cake its “donut” essence.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a warm, molasses-rich sweetness and helps create a moist texture in the cake.
- Vanilla Extract: A crucial flavor enhancer that complements the apple and cinnamon notes.
The Irresistible Cinnamon Sugar Topping
The signature touch of any apple cider doughnut is its sweet, spiced coating. Our cake mirrors this with a simple yet incredibly flavorful topping:
- Melted Butter: Acts as the adhesive for the cinnamon sugar, ensuring it clings beautifully to the cake.
- Cinnamon Sugar: A delightful blend of granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, creating that classic spiced sweetness.
Optional Enhancements: For an even richer flavor and texture, consider adding a pinch of ground nutmeg to the cake batter, or incorporating shredded fresh apples or applesauce for an extra boost of apple goodness and moisture.
Essential Equipment for Your Baking Adventure
Having the right tools can make all the difference in your baking experience. This recipe requires standard kitchen equipment, but a few specific items can greatly simplify the process and ensure a perfect outcome:
- Microwave Lid Cover: A true kitchen hero! These covers are invaluable for preventing messy butter splatters when melting butter in the microwave, saving you from unnecessary cleanup and frustration.
- Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious bowl is essential for easily combining all your ingredients. We highly recommend a glass batter bowl with a handle for stability and ease of pouring.
- Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding ingredients.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: While you can mix by hand, an electric mixer makes combining the cake batter much quicker and ensures a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Bundt Cake Pan: The unique shape of a Bundt pan creates a beautiful, elegant presentation for your cake, making it look impressive with minimal effort. Don’t forget to thoroughly grease and flour it!
- Cooling Wire Rack: Essential for allowing the cake to cool evenly and prevent the bottom from becoming soggy.
- Serving Tray: To elegantly display your finished masterpiece.
- Toothpick or Cake Tester: Your best friend for determining when your cake is perfectly baked.
- Standard Measuring Tools: Tablespoons, teaspoons, and measuring cups for accurate ingredient proportions.
- Heat-Resistant Potholders: Safety first in the kitchen! Investing in quality heat-resistant potholders is crucial. We learned this the hard way after a minor kitchen fire scare; these ensure you can handle hot pans with confidence and peace of mind.
Crafting Your Delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake: Step-by-Step
Making this Apple Cider Donut Cake is a wonderfully straightforward process, perfect for a relaxed afternoon of baking. The use of a cake mix significantly cuts down on prep time, allowing you to enjoy the delicious results sooner. Remember to always preheat your oven before you begin mixing your ingredients, ensuring a consistent baking temperature and a perfectly risen cake.
Step 1: Prepare the Batter. In your large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, apple cider, melted butter, eggs, ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed to beat the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
Step 2: Bake to Perfection. Generously spray your Bundt cake pan with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring every crevice is coated to prevent sticking. For extra assurance, you can also lightly flour the pan after spraying. Pour the prepared cake batter evenly into the pan. Bake in your preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. This indicates it’s fully cooked through.
Step 3: Cool and Release. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. Before attempting to invert it, let the cake rest in the Bundt pan for at least 20 minutes. This crucial resting period allows the cake to firm up slightly, making it easier to release without breaking. After resting, carefully invert the cake onto a wire cooling rack. Place the wire rack over a baking sheet or a piece of parchment paper to catch any excess cinnamon sugar topping in the next step.
Step 4: The Signature Cinnamon Sugar Coating. While the cake is still warm (but not hot), gently brush the entire surface—top and sides—with additional melted butter. Then, generously sprinkle or gently press the cinnamon sugar mixture all over the buttered cake. Don’t be shy! You may need to apply a couple of layers to achieve a thick, visible coating, just like a true apple cider doughnut. The baking sheet or parchment paper beneath will help you collect any fallen sugar, which you can then reapply. Allow the cake to cool for at least 45-50 minutes on the rack before slicing and serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the cake to set perfectly. Enjoy every spiced, sweet bite!
Preparation and Storage Tips
Thoughtful preparation and proper storage are key to enjoying your Apple Cider Donut Cake to its fullest potential, whether you’re making it ahead or savoring it over several days.
- Make Ahead: This cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert! You can bake it one or two days in advance. Store it in an airtight cake container at room temperature to maintain its freshness and moisture.
- Storage: For optimal freshness, store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It will remain delicious for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: To enjoy this delightful cake even longer, it freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Creative Recipe Variations for Every Palate
While the classic Apple Cider Donut Cake is undeniably delicious, this recipe offers a fantastic base for creativity. Feel free to experiment with these variations to suit your taste or dietary needs:
- Cake Mix Substitutions: Don’t limit yourself to yellow cake mix! A spice cake mix will amplify the autumnal flavors even further, while a white cake mix offers a lighter canvas allowing the apple cider and cinnamon to truly shine. Pumpkin cake mix can also introduce a wonderful new dimension to the flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: This recipe is naturally vegetarian, making it a great choice for those following a meat-free diet.
- Vegan Option: To make this cake vegan-friendly, simply substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative and use an appropriate egg substitute (such as flax eggs or a commercial vegan egg replacer) in the same quantities. Ensure your cake mix is also vegan-friendly, as some contain dairy or egg derivatives.
- Gluten-Free: Easily adapt this recipe by using a certified gluten-free yellow cake mix. All other ingredients are typically gluten-free, but always double-check labels to be safe.
- Smaller Serving Size: Since this recipe is built around a standard boxed cake mix, scaling it down can be a bit tricky. If you only need a smaller portion, consider baking the full recipe and freezing half of the cake (as outlined above) for a future treat.
- Larger Groups/More Servings: For larger gatherings, we recommend simply doubling the recipe and baking two separate cakes. This ensures each cake bakes evenly and perfectly, rather than attempting to adjust baking times for a much larger single cake.
Expert Tips for a Flawless Apple Cider Donut Cake
Achieving a perfectly moist and flavorful Apple Cider Donut Cake is easy with a few insider tips:
- Embrace the Cake Mix: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Using a high-quality cake mix saves significant time and effort, ensuring a consistent texture without the need to whisk dry ingredients separately. If you prefer, of course, a from-scratch cake recipe can also be adapted.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated and smooth. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tougher, less tender cake.
- Grease and Flour Your Pan Meticulously: Especially when using a Bundt pan with its intricate design, proper greasing and flouring are paramount to ensure the cake releases cleanly without sticking or tearing. Consider using a baking spray that contains flour for added ease.
- The Toothpick Test: Always rely on the toothpick test to determine doneness. Insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the cake; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If it has wet batter or moist crumbs, bake for a few more minutes.
- Warm Cake, Sticky Topping: Apply the melted butter and cinnamon sugar topping while the cake is still warm (but not hot) to ensure the butter melts slightly and the sugar adheres beautifully, creating that iconic crust.
- Cool Completely: Resist the urge to slice into the cake immediately after applying the topping. Allowing it to cool fully for at least an hour lets the cake set, making it easier to slice and enhancing the overall texture and flavor.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Apple Cider Donut Cake
Elevate your Apple Cider Donut Cake experience with these delightful serving suggestions and drink pairings:
Irresistible Toppings:
- Whipped Cream: A light, airy complement that adds a touch of freshness.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing! The cold, creamy ice cream melts slightly into the warm cake, creating a heavenly combination.
- Caramel Sauce: A rich, buttery drizzle that enhances the apple and spice flavors beautifully.
- Fresh Apple Slices: Adds a crisp texture and a burst of natural apple flavor.
- Streusel Toppings: A crumbly, sweet streusel can add an extra layer of texture and spice.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: For a more indulgent and tangy twist.
- Maple Glaze: A sweet, earthy glaze that pairs wonderfully with fall flavors.
Cozy Drink Companions:
- Hot Apple Cider: The perfect non-alcoholic pairing to reinforce the cake’s core flavor.
- Fireball Apple Cider: For those who enjoy a spirited kick, this adds warmth and spice.
- Caramel Apple Cider Cocktail: A sweet and boozy treat that mirrors the cake’s flavors.
- Apple Cider Mule: A refreshing and zesty cocktail for a fall evening.
- Coffee or Tea: A classic choice for balancing the sweetness of the cake.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Embrace all the fall flavors with this popular drink.
- Hot Chocolate: A comforting and rich choice, especially on a chilly day.
- Iced Chai Latte: A spiced, creamy option that works well for any time of day.
When to Serve This Fall Favorite
This Apple Cider Donut Cake is versatile enough for many occasions throughout the autumn season:
- As a Quintessential Fall Dessert: It’s the perfect sweet ending to any autumn meal.
- Harvest Parties: A crowd-pleasing centerpiece for your festive fall gatherings.
- Thanksgiving: A wonderful alternative or addition to traditional pies.
- Brunch: A delightful sweet treat to enjoy with morning coffee or tea.
- After Apple Picking Adventures: The ideal reward after a day at the orchard, bringing the flavors of the harvest home.
Explore More Apple-Inspired Delights
If you love the taste of apples, you’re in for a treat! Discover more fantastic apple recipes to make the most of the season:
Caramel Apple Dump Cake
Apple Cider Cookies
Crockpot Caramel Apples
Dried Apples in the Oven
Apple Cider Beer Brats
Caramel Apple Crisp
Fireball Apple Cider
Don’t forget to check out all of our Yellow Cake Mix Recipes for more easy baking ideas and our complete collection of Apple Desserts!
Love discovering new recipes? Be sure to explore our delicious Copycat Recipes, an array of Dessert Recipes, and our convenient CrockPot Recipes.
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Apple Cider Donut Cake
Print
Rate
10 minutes
40 minutes
50 minutes
12
317kcal
Tammilee Tips
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup Apple Cider
- ½ cup Butter Melted
- 4 Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 3-4 Tablespoon Butter melted
- ½ cup White Sugar
- 2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 C).
- Combine cake mix, apple cider, melted butter, eggs, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl. Mix together with a hand mixer until just combined and smooth. Do not overmix.
- Spray your Bundt cake pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray (and optionally flour). Pour the cake batter into the pan and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it rest in the pan for 20 minutes. After resting, carefully invert it onto a wire rack, placed over a baking sheet or parchment paper to catch any excess topping.
- While the cake is still warm, brush the top and sides generously with melted butter. Then, sprinkle and gently press the cinnamon sugar mixture all over the cake. You may need to apply a couple of layers to achieve a thick coating.
- Allow the cake to cool on the wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving to ensure it sets properly.
Kitchen Tools
- Bundt Pan
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Hand Mixer
- Spatula
- Cooling Wire Rack
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Toothpick/Cake Tester
Nutrition
Calories from Fat 117
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