Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe
Introduction
Bring the cozy flavors of fall to your kitchen with this Apple Cider Doughnut Cake. It combines the moist texture of a cake with the nostalgic taste of apple cider doughnuts, perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients
- 1 box yellow or spice cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup apple sauce (cinnamon preferred)
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup sugar (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (for topping)
- ¼ cup melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce, and eggs. Mix until the batter is smooth and well incorporated. Stir in the cinnamon.
- Step 3: Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan, spreading evenly.
- Step 4: Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 5: Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Brush the cooled cake with melted butter, then evenly coat it with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the batter before baking.
- Use a spice cake mix for a richer spice flavor that complements the apple cider and cinnamon.
- Serve warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
Storage
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, cover and refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy a warm slice.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apple cider instead of store-bought?
Yes, fresh apple cider works wonderfully and can add a fresher, more vibrant apple flavor to your cake.
What if I don’t have a bundt pan?
You can bake the batter in a regular round or square cake pan. Adjust baking time slightly and check for doneness with a toothpick.
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Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake combines the cozy flavors of apple cider and cinnamon into a moist bundt cake topped with a cinnamon sugar coating reminiscent of classic apple cider doughnuts. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave warm, spiced sweetness.
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 box yellow or spice cake mix (15.25 ounces)
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup apple sauce (cinnamon preferred)
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Topping
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cake.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce, eggs, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
- Prepare Pan and Bake: Grease a bundt pan to prevent sticking. Pour the batter evenly into the pan and bake for 40-45 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then carefully remove it from the pan to cool further on a wire rack.
- Prepare Topping and Coat Cake: In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon. Brush the cooled cake surface with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle and coat the cake with the cinnamon sugar mixture to mimic the classic doughnut flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a deeper spice flavor, consider using a spice cake mix instead of yellow.
- Use cinnamon apple sauce to enhance the cinnamon notes in the cake.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before applying the butter and cinnamon-sugar topping to prevent melting.
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of apple cider or coffee.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple cider, doughnut cake, cinnamon sugar, bundt cake, fall dessert

