Apple Cider Donut Cake is one of those comforting desserts that instantly brings the warmth of fall into your home.
The first time I baked this Apple Cider Donut Cake, the aroma of apple cider, cinnamon, and brown sugar filling the kitchen was enough to make me want to dig in before it even cooled.
Apple Cider Donut Cake is soft, moist, and has that lightly spiced sweetness that reminds you of fresh apple donuts from a cozy bakery.
What I love most is how easy Apple Cider Donut Cake is to prepare, yet it feels indulgent and special—a perfect treat for a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or simply a quiet afternoon with a cup of tea.
Why Apple Cider Donut Cake is the Ideal Recipe
When I first discovered this Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe, I was looking for something that captured the essence of apple cider donuts but without the hassle of frying.
This Apple Cider Donut Cake does exactly that. It has the comforting flavor of baked donuts but in a single, shareable cake form.
One thing I immediately appreciated is how versatile it is. You can swap in a spice cake mix for a more pronounced fall flavor or stick with classic yellow cake for a milder taste.
The apple cider adds natural sweetness and a subtle tang, while applesauce keeps the cake perfectly moist. And let’s not forget the cinnamon-sugar topping—it’s the final touch that elevates the cake from simple to irresistible.
Key Ingredients in Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe
When I make this cake, I always like to highlight the ingredients because they really are the heart of the flavor:
Yellow Cake Mix or Spice Cake Mix – I personally use Betty Crocker Yellow Super Moist for a classic taste, but if you want a stronger fall flavor, Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix works beautifully.
Apple Cider – Make sure it’s apple cider, not apple juice or apple cider vinegar. The cider adds a subtle tang and natural sweetness that really elevates the cake.
Applesauce – I use cinnamon-flavored applesauce (smooth, not chunky) to keep the cake moist while layering in subtle cinnamon notes.
Eggs – Room temperature eggs help the cake rise evenly and stay tender.
Cinnamon – Just a touch (¼ tsp) in the batter adds warmth, but you can add more if you love that deep, cinnamony flavor.
Brown Sugar – Adds richness and complements the apple flavor beautifully.
Vanilla Extract – A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors and enhances the sweetness.
For the topping:
- Cinnamon Sugar – A simple combination of sugar and cinnamon brushed over melted butter makes every bite irresistible.
- Melted Butter – Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and gives the topping a slight crunch.
Easy Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 50–55 min
- Yield: 12 slices
Description
Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe is a delicious, moist bundt cake bursting with fall flavors. Made with apple cider, applesauce, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping, it’s perfect for cozy desserts or festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 15.25 ounce box Yellow cake mix or Spice Cake Mix I used Betty Crocker Yellow Super Moist – for a stronger Fall taste use Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix.
- 1 cup apple cider NOT apple juice and NOT apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup apple sauce we used cinnamon apple sauce, not chunky
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- ¼ tsp cinnamon more if you like it really cinnamony!
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon depending on how much cinnamon you prefer
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the dry cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce, and eggs. Add in the cinnnamon (¼ tsp,) brown sugar and vanilla to the cake mix batter. (See “recipe options” in notes)1 15.25 ounce box Yellow cake mix or Spice Cake Mix,1 cup apple cider,½ cup apple sauce,3 large eggs,¼ tsp cinnamon,1 tbsp brown sugar,1 tsp vanilla
Pour mix into a well greased & floured bundt pan (we used Baker’s Joy. This has flour in it to make sure it doesn’t stick.)
Place bundt pan on center rack and bake for 40-45 minutes. Test with a toothpick by sticking into the middle of the cake, if it comes out clean it is ready. Remove from heat and allow to cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes.
In a separate bowl. Mix cinnamon with sugar.2 tablespoons cinnamon,¼ cup sugar
Once the cake has cooled, brush the entire surface with melted butter. Rub cinnamon sugar mixture until evenly coated.¼ cup melted butter
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 40–45 min
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Homemade
And for those nights when you want something quick and savory to enjoy alongside, I’ve also tried pairing it with my Quick One Pan Spaghetti Skillet Dinner Recipe in 30 Min, Easy Crack Chicken Sliders Recipe, or Easy Chicken Taco Dump Dinner in 35 Min for a full meal experience.
How to Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe Step-by-Step
Here’s how I bring this cake to life every time:
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. I always make sure the rack is centered for even baking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, apple cider, applesauce, and eggs. Beat until the batter is smooth. Then, add cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla. I love pausing to smell this mix—it’s already heaven.
Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly. I use Baker’s Joy because it has flour included, which makes it almost foolproof for preventing sticking.
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top gently.
Bake for 40-45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack for about 20 minutes. This step is crucial to ensure it doesn’t crumble when you apply the topping.
While the cake is cooling, mix the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
Brush the cooled cake with melted butter. I like to be generous here because it makes the cinnamon-sugar coating stick beautifully.
Sprinkle and rub the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the entire cake evenly. Take a moment to admire the golden, sugared finish—it’s the best part!
Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 210mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 44g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 27g |
| Protein | 4g |
Conclusion
Making this Apple Cider Donut Cake has become a comforting ritual for me. The smell that fills the kitchen, the warm bite of cake with cinnamon sugar, and the joy of sharing it with friends or family makes it worth every second.
It’s simple enough for a weeknight dessert but special enough for a festive occasion. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that the best treats are often the ones that bring warmth, aroma, and a little nostalgia to your home.
Looking for inspiration? Visit Elise Chef on Pinterest to explore beautifully curated high-fiber recipes and discover your next healthy habit.