Name: Apple Cider Donut Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 2 h 45 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1-½ cups fresh apple cider; 4 tablespoons (66 grams) cold unsalted butter, diced; 2 large eggs; ⅓ cup (70 grams) granulated sugar; ½ cup (110 grams) lightly packed brown sugar; ⅓ cup (70 grams) light olive oil (or other neutral oil); ¼ cup (66 grams) sour cream (or Greek yogurt); 1-½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1-½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; Pinch allspice; ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt (if using fine sea salt use half by volume); 1-¾ cups (210 grams) all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon butter, at cool room temperature; ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar

Apple Cider Donut Cake – are you ready to experience the quintessential taste of autumn in its most delicious and shareable form? I know I am! There’s something truly magical about the moment fall arrives, bringing with it the crisp air, vibrant foliage, and the undeniable craving for warm, spiced treats. For generations, the apple cider donut has been a beloved symbol of harvest festivals and orchard visits, a delightful indulgence that captures the very essence of the season. While a trip to the local apple farm for a fresh donut is an annual pilgrimage for many, sometimes you simply crave that cozy, nostalgic flavor right at home, without the fuss of deep-frying.

Why This Cake Will Be Your New Fall Favorite

This is precisely where our incredible Apple Cider Donut Cake steps in. It masterfully captures everything we adore about those classic fried rings – the subtle tang of real apple cider, the comforting embrace of cinnamon and nutmeg, and that wonderfully moist crumb, often finished with a delightful sugar coating. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a cozy brunch, a delightful dessert after a family dinner, or just a sweet companion to your afternoon coffee. Forget the complex deep-frying; this cake delivers all the iconic flavors with a fraction of the effort, making it a beloved choice for home bakers everywhere. It’s more than just a cake; it’s an invitation to savor the very best of autumn, one delightful slice at a time.

Ingredients:

For the Apple Cider Donut Cake:

2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) apple cider, at room temperature
½ cup (120g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, at room temperature

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Vanilla Bean Apple Cider Glaze:

¾ cup (180ml) apple cider (for reduction)
2 cups (240g) powdered sugar, sifted
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract or ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
Pinch of fine sea salt

Preparing Your Baking Workspace

First things first, let’s get our oven ready. I always start by preheating my oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C). This ensures a consistent temperature from the moment your cake goes in, which is crucial for even baking. A properly preheated oven helps the cake rise evenly and prevents it from becoming dense. Don’t rush this step; give your oven at least 15-20 minutes to reach and stabilize at the desired temperature.
Next, prepare your bundt pan. I find that a 10-12 cup bundt pan works best for this particular Apple Cider Donut Cake. You’ll want to generously grease it with softened butter or a high-quality baking spray. And when I say generously, I mean it! Don’t skimp here, as it helps the cake release beautifully from all those intricate nooks and crannies. After greasing, lightly dust the pan with about 1-2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, rotating the pan to coat every surface, then tapping out any excess flour. This creates a non-stick surface that will make your life so much easier when it’s time to unmold your gorgeous cake. Nothing is more heartbreaking than a cake stuck in the pan, so take your time with this preparation!

Crafting the Apple Cider Donut Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, whisk together all of your dry ingredients for the cake: the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and fine sea salt. I love the warm, inviting aroma these spices create together; it really sets the stage for the fall-inspired flavor of this Apple Cider Donut Cake. Whisk them well to ensure they are thoroughly combined and that the leavening agents are evenly distributed. This step is vital for a consistent rise and texture throughout your cake.
In a separate, large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (either a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer), cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. You want to beat them on medium-high speed for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale yellow. This process incorporates air into the butter and sugar, which contributes significantly to the cake’s tender crumb. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Now, let’s add the eggs. Beat in the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It’s important to fully incorporate each egg before adding the next. This emulsifies the batter, preventing it from separating and ensuring a smooth, cohesive mixture. After the eggs are fully incorporated, stir in the pure vanilla extract. The vanilla enhances all the other flavors, giving our Apple Cider Donut Cake an extra layer of deliciousness.
In a small bowl, gently whisk together your room-temperature apple cider and sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Having these ingredients at room temperature is key, as it helps them emulsify properly with the butter mixture and prevents the batter from curdling or becoming lumpy. Cold ingredients can cause the butter to seize up, leading to a less smooth batter and a potentially tougher cake.
With your mixer on low speed, begin adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three alternating additions with the apple cider/sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Start by adding about a third of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing until just combined. Then add half of the apple cider/sour cream mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Continue this pattern: dry, wet, dry, wet, then finish with the remaining dry ingredients. The golden rule here is to mix until just combined after each addition. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a dry, tough, and less tender Apple Cider Donut Cake. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
Once the batter is just combined, use a rubber spatula to give it a final fold by hand, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure no dry pockets remain. This gentle final mix helps to catch any unmixed ingredients without overworking the batter.
Carefully spoon the luscious Apple Cider Donut Cake batter into your prepared bundt pan. Use your spatula to spread it evenly around the pan, making sure to get into all the grooves. For bundt cakes, I often find it helpful to create a slight well in the center of the batter, pushing it up slightly around the edges. This encourages the cake to rise more evenly as it bakes.

Baking the Apple Cider Donut Cake

Place the bundt pan into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. The baking time will typically be between 45-60 minutes, but ovens can vary, so keep an eye on it. I always start checking around the 45-minute mark.
You’ll know your Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfectly baked when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the thickest part of the cake comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. The cake should also look golden brown and spring back lightly when gently pressed. If it still feels jiggly or wet, give it a few more minutes.
Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the cake from the oven. Let it cool in the bundt pan on a wire rack for exactly 10-15 minutes. This cooling time in the pan is crucial. It allows the cake to firm up slightly, making it less likely to break when you invert it, but it’s still warm enough to release easily. If you leave it too long, it might stick; if you flip it too soon, it might fall apart.
After the initial cooling time, place your wire rack over the top of the bundt pan and, using oven mitts, carefully invert the cake onto the rack. Lift the pan slowly. If you’ve greased and floured properly, your beautiful Apple Cider Donut Cake should slide right out! Allow the cake to cool completely on the wire rack before adding any toppings or glazes. This usually takes at least 1-2 hours. Glazing a warm cake will cause the glaze to melt and run off, resulting in a soggy mess rather than a beautiful finish.

Making the Apple Cider Reduction for the Glaze

While the cake is cooling, let’s prepare the concentrated apple cider for our glaze. Pour ¾ cup (180ml) of apple cider into a small saucepan. Place it over medium-high heat and bring it to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. We want to reduce the cider by about half, down to approximately ⅓ cup. This process takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your stovetop. Keep a close eye on it, as it can go from perfect to burnt very quickly! The goal is to concentrate the apple flavor, making our glaze incredibly vibrant and apple-y. You’ll notice the aroma intensifying and the liquid becoming slightly syrupy.
Once reduced, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the apple cider reduction cool completely before proceeding with the glaze. If you use it while hot, it will melt your powdered sugar and you won’t get that lovely, thick glaze.

Whipping Up the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, combine the ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg for the topping. Whisk them together until they are thoroughly mixed. This simple mixture adds a delightful crunch and extra layer of classic “donut” flavor to our Apple Cider Donut Cake.

Preparing the Vanilla Bean Apple Cider Glaze

Once your apple cider reduction has cooled completely, it’s time to assemble the glaze. In a medium bowl, combine the sifted powdered sugar, the cooled apple cider reduction, melted unsalted butter, pure vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste for an even richer flavor), and a pinch of fine sea salt.
Whisk all the ingredients together until the glaze is completely smooth and free of lumps. You’re looking for a thick, pourable consistency. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more apple cider (not reduced) or milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, whisk in a tablespoon or two more of sifted powdered sugar. The consistency is key for a beautiful drizzle on your Apple Cider Donut Cake.
For emphasis: A perfect glaze should slowly drip off your whisk, not run like water. The vanilla bean paste, if you choose to use it, will add those lovely specks of vanilla, making the glaze even more appealing.

Assembling and Finishing Your Apple Cider Donut Cake

Now for the fun part – assembling your masterpiece! Once the Apple Cider Donut Cake is completely cooled, it’s ready for its delicious cinnamon sugar coating. Take your prepared cinnamon sugar mixture and generously sprinkle it all over the top and sides of the cake. You can use your hands to gently press the sugar mixture onto the cake, ensuring it adheres well to all surfaces. This step gives the cake that quintessential “donut” texture and flavor on the outside.
Next, it’s time for the glorious vanilla bean apple cider glaze. Slowly and steadily drizzle the glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to naturally drip down the sides and into the center. You can use a spoon or a small whisk for this. I like to start from the top and let gravity do its work, creating beautiful cascades of glaze. If you prefer a thicker coat, you can wait a few minutes for the first layer to set slightly, then apply a second drizzle. The scent of the warm spices and sweet apple glaze combined is truly intoxicating!
Allow the glaze to set for about 15-30 minutes before slicing and serving. This setting time helps to prevent the glaze from being too sticky and gives it a nice, firm finish.
Slice your magnificent Apple Cider Donut Cake into generous pieces and serve! This cake is absolutely delightful on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee, a glass of cold milk, or even a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an extra special treat.
To store any leftover Apple Cider Donut Cake, I recommend keeping it covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. While it’s best enjoyed fresh, the flavors tend to meld and deepen beautifully even on the second day. Be prepared for it to disappear quickly though, as this Apple Cider Donut Cake is truly irresistible!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve journeyed through the simple yet utterly magical process of creating something truly special in your own kitchen. I genuinely hope you’re feeling inspired and excited to roll up your sleeves and experience the warmth, comfort, and undeniable deliciousness of this recipe firsthand. This isn’t just another cake; it’s an invitation to bring the cozy, autumnal spirit right into your home, filling it with aromas that will transport you to crisp fall mornings and joyful apple-picking adventures. The combination of tender, moist cake, infused with the subtle tang of apple cider, and that irresistible sugary cinnamon coating truly makes this a standout treat. Trust me when I say, once you taste a slice of this incredible creation, you’ll understand exactly why it deserves a permanent spot in your baking rotation. It’s a sensory experience that delivers comfort with every bite, a perfect embodiment of everything we love about the cooler seasons.

What makes this particular recipe an absolute must-try, in my humble opinion, is its perfect balance. It’s sweet but not cloyingly so, incredibly tender without being crumbly, and carries those quintessential fall flavors without being overwhelming. It captures the essence of a classic apple cider donut, but in a more accessible, shareable cake form, making it ideal for everything from a casual weekend breakfast to a sophisticated dessert. Plus, it’s surprisingly straightforward to bake, meaning even novice bakers can achieve spectacular results. The joy of pulling this golden-brown beauty from the oven, with its sugary crust glistening, is truly unparalleled. It’s a testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary, proving that you don’t need complicated techniques to achieve profound flavor. This Apple Cider Donut Cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a feeling, a memory in the making, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Its rich history and comforting profile make it an instant classic in any home kitchen.

Serving Up Your Masterpiece: Ideas & Variations

Now that you’ve conquered the art of baking this delightful cake, let’s talk about how to enjoy it to its fullest! While it’s absolutely divine on its own, still slightly warm from the oven, there are so many wonderful ways to elevate your experience. For a truly indulgent breakfast or brunch, I love serving slices alongside a steaming mug of hot coffee or a spiced chai latte. The coffee cuts through the sweetness beautifully, creating a perfect morning pairing. If you’re leaning towards a dessert option, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting gently over a warm slice is pure heaven, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a touch of airy elegance. A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans could also take it to the next level, adding layers of texture and flavor that are simply irresistible. Imagine serving this at your next fall gathering, garnished with a few fresh apple slices and a dusting of extra cinnamon – it truly makes for a show-stopping centerpiece that’s both beautiful and utterly delicious. Its versatility means it fits perfectly into any meal of the day, making it a truly adaptable recipe.

Feeling adventurous? Consider some creative variations to make this recipe truly your own. Instead of just a simple cinnamon sugar coating, you could try a delicate maple glaze – simply whisk powdered sugar with a touch of maple syrup and a splash of milk until smooth. Or, for a creamier finish, a light cream cheese frosting would be utterly divine, especially if you’re serving it as a more formal dessert. You could also experiment with adding finely grated apple directly into the batter for an extra boost of fruitiness, or incorporate a pinch of other warm spices like nutmeg, allspice, or even a hint of cardamom to deepen the autumnal profile. For a fun, bite-sized treat, why not bake it in a muffin tin to create individual mini cakes or even a sheet cake for easy serving to a larger crowd? They’d be perfect for a party or for packing into lunchboxes, offering all the same incredible flavors in a convenient, portable package. The possibilities are truly endless, and each tweak offers a chance to personalize this already fantastic base, ensuring that your Apple Cider Donut Cake can be precisely tailored to your taste and occasion. Don’t be afraid to play with different toppings like candied ginger or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an unexpected twist.

Your Turn to Create and Share!

My greatest hope is that you’ll take this recipe and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to get creative, to experiment with those serving suggestions, or to even dream up entirely new variations. Baking is an expression of love, and there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of sharing something you’ve made with your own hands. So, please, go forth and bake this magnificent cake! I promise you won’t regret it. Once you’ve experienced the pure joy of biting into a slice of this homemade goodness, I would absolutely love to hear about it. Share your baking triumphs, your delicious discoveries, and even your unique serving ideas. Snap a photo, tell me about your family’s reactions, or simply drop a comment below. Your stories and experiences truly inspire me and are what make this culinary journey so incredibly rewarding. Let’s build a community around delicious food and shared moments. Happy baking, everyone!