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Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 97 reviews

This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the warm spices of autumn with the tangy sweetness of fresh apple cider. Using a simple yellow or spice cake mix enhanced with apple cider and cinnamon apple sauce, it’s topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar glaze that replicates the classic doughnut experience in a convenient cake form. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave the comforting taste of apple cider doughnuts without the hassle of frying.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 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

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (adjust to preference)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt or tube pan thoroughly to prevent the cake from sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, ground cinnamon, and brown sugar. Stir them together to evenly distribute the spices and sugar throughout the dry mix.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Add the apple cider, cinnamon apple sauce, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix everything together using a hand mixer or stand mixer at medium speed until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  4. Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
  5. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Baking times may vary depending on your oven.
  6. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes. Then invert the pan to release the cake and let it cool completely on the rack before applying the topping.
  7. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine the cinnamon and granulated sugar until evenly mixed. In another small bowl, melt the butter.
  8. Apply Topping: Once the cake is cooled, brush the melted butter generously over the cake’s surface. Immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top so it sticks to the butter, creating a flavorful coating reminiscent of classic apple cider doughnuts.
  9. Serve: Slice the cake and serve. Enjoy this moist, spiced cake with the delicious cinnamon sugar topping for a perfect fall treat.

Notes

  • Using fresh apple cider instead of apple juice or vinegar is essential for authentic apple cider flavor.
  • You can experiment with the amount of cinnamon in both the batter and topping to suit your taste.
  • This cake can be made with either a yellow or spice cake mix, depending on your flavor preference.
  • For best results, let the cake cool completely before applying the cinnamon sugar to prevent melting or sliding off.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Apple cider doughnut cake, cinnamon sugar cake, fall dessert, moist apple cake, easy cake recipe, autumn baking

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