Name: Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 15.25 ounce box yellow cake mix or spice cake mix (such as Betty Crocker Yellow Super Moist); 1 cup apple cider (NOT apple juice and NOT apple cider vinegar); ½ cup cinnamon apple sauce (not chunky); 3 large eggs, room temperature; ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (add more for stronger cinnamon flavor); 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (adjust to preference); ¼ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup melted butter

There’s something utterly magical about an Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe that just screams cozy fall mornings and family gatherings. This cake captures all the warmth of freshly baked doughnuts but without the fuss and mess of frying. It’s punchy with apple cider flavor, subtly spiced, and topped with that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating we all crave—trust me, you’ll find it hard to stop at just one slice.

I remember the first time I made this apple cider doughnut cake recipe during a chilly weekend brunch, and the whole house smelled like an autumn orchard. It’s super simple to whip up, making it perfect for last-minute guests or even a sweet weekend treat with your favorite warm cup of tea or coffee. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to use up that extra apple cider you’ve got stashed in the fridge!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients blend together beautifully to create a light, moist cake packed with all the classic apple cider doughnut vibes. Don’t skip on the apple cider—it’s the star of the show here, giving the cake its moist texture and signature tangy flavor.

Yellow cake mix or Spice Cake Mix: I’ve used Betty Crocker’s Yellow Super Moist, but spice cake mix adds a deeper, richer flavor if you want that extra cozy touch.
Apple cider: Make sure it’s the real deal, not apple juice or vinegar—this gives your cake the authentic, crisp apple flavor.
Apple sauce: Cinnamon-flavored apple sauce works wonderfully here, adding moisture and a subtle spiced sweetness.
Eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps your batter come together smoothly and aids in even baking.
Cinnamon: A pinch—or more if you really love that warm, cinnamon kick.
Brown sugar: Adds depth and a touch of molasses flavor that plays so well with the apple.
Vanilla: Just a teaspoon to elevate all the other flavors.
Cinnamon sugar topping: A simple combo of cinnamon, sugar, and melted butter for that perfect doughnut crunch on the outside.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on what’s in season or the mood we’re in—don’t hesitate to tweak it to suit your tastes. Whether you want to dial up the spice or give it a boozy twist, this apple cider doughnut cake recipe easily adapts.

Spiced up: Adding nutmeg or cloves along with the cinnamon made this cake taste like a warm hug during a snowy evening—it’s a go-to for holiday dessert!
Gluten-free version: I swapped the regular cake mix for a gluten-free one, and it still turned out moist and flavorful—perfect for hosting without the gluten worries.
Caramel drizzle: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over slices was a game changer for a special occasion; it pairs brilliantly with the cinnamon sugar topping.
Alcohol-infused: Stirring in a splash of bourbon or spiced rum adds a grown-up twist I highly recommend if you like a little extra warmth.

How to Make Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Start by pouring the apple cider, apple sauce, eggs, and vanilla into a large mixing bowl. Whisk these together really well until you get a smooth mixture—this helps the dry ingredients blend more evenly later. If your applesauce is on the thicker side, I like to give it a quick stir first so it’s not lumpy.

Step 2: Add the Dry Mix and Spice

Next, sprinkle the cake mix over your wet ingredients, followed by the cinnamon and brown sugar. Gently fold everything together with a spatula or mixer on low speed—don’t overmix here, or your cake might come out dense. The batter should look thick and a bit lumpy, which is perfect.

Step 3: Bake and Prepare the Topping

Pour your batter into a greased bundt pan or a tube pan for that classic doughnut shape. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 38–45 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. While the cake is baking, melt your butter and mix it with the cinnamon and sugar for the topping—get ready to coat the warm cake as soon as it comes out!

Step 4: Coat the Cake

As soon as your cake is out of the oven and still warm (but not piping hot), brush or drizzle the melted butter topping over it, then sprinkle or roll the cake in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This step is key to mimicking the iconic doughnut crust—don’t skip it! The warm cake soaks up that cinnamon-sugar goodness perfectly.

How to Serve Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe

A round Bundt cake with 12 thick, curved ridges forming the shape, covered evenly with a grainy sugar and cinnamon layer giving the surface a light brown, speckled texture; it sits centered on a white plate with a smooth black rim base, all placed on a white marbled surface with a blurred green apple and wooden bowl in the background, showing some soft lighting and natural shadows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just the cinnamon sugar coating because that’s what gives the doughnut vibe, but sometimes I top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for a festive touch. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped nuts like pecans add a crunchy contrast if you want to go a little further.

Side Dishes

Since this apple cider doughnut cake recipe already packs plenty of flavor, I love pairing it with simple sides like hot cider, chai tea, or a creamy latte. For brunch, crispy bacon or scrambled eggs balance out the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m serving this at a fall-themed party, I like to place the cake on a rustic wooden board surrounded by mini pumpkins and cinnamon sticks—it sets the mood. For birthdays, a drizzle of caramel sauce with a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts really impresses guests and brings in a little texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover apple cider doughnut cake at room temperature wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container to keep it moist. It lasts well for 2 to 3 days like this, and I love that it still tastes freshly baked the next morning.

Freezing

Freezing this cake works surprisingly well! I slice it first, wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This lets me thaw one slice at a time—very handy for a quick treat without thawing the whole cake.

Reheating

For warming up, a quick 15-20 seconds in the microwave or 5 minutes in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) restores that fresh-baked feel and revives the cinnamon sugar crust delightfully. Just be careful not to overheat and dry it out.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider in this Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe?

While apple juice might seem like an easy substitute, it lacks the depth and natural sweetness of apple cider. Using real apple cider really brings out that authentic fall flavor and adds moisture to the cake. If you only have apple juice, you could add a touch of cinnamon or spice to mimic the cider’s warmth, but it won’t be quite the same.
Can I make this Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe from scratch without a cake mix?

Absolutely! You can use a homemade yellow or spice cake batter as your base. Just make sure to keep the balance of wet and dry ingredients similar to maintain that moist texture. The cake mix is great for convenience and consistency, but the flavor comes from the apple cider and cinnamon sugar, so fresh from scratch works just fine.
How do I get the perfect cinnamon sugar coating on the cake?

Coating your cake while it’s still warm is key to helping the cinnamon sugar stick well. I like to brush or drizzle melted butter over the cake first, then sprinkle or roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture. This mimics the classic doughnut crust and gives you that sweet, slightly crunchy exterior.
Is this Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe suitable for sharing with kids?

Definitely! Kids love the sweet cinnamon sugar topping and the moist, soft cake inside. Just keep an eye on the cinnamon level if you’re serving younger kids with sensitive palates—you might want to dial it down a bit.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, you can try plant-based substitutes like flax eggs or applesauce as egg replacers and use vegan butter or coconut oil for the topping. You’ll also need a dairy-free cake mix or make one from scratch with vegan ingredients. The flavor will still be lovely, just slightly different in texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for that perfect cozy dessert or a festive treat that’s easy to make and endlessly satisfying, give this Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe a try. It’s one of those recipes I immediately think of when I want to brighten a chilly afternoon or impress friends with minimal effort. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for that apple cider more often—because this cake is just the kind of sweet comfort everyone needs in their kitchen.