Spiced Apple Cider Donut Cake

Welcome to the ultimate autumn baking experience! This sensational Apple Cider Donut Cake perfectly captures the heartwarming essence of fall, delivering the beloved flavors of a fresh-from-the-orchard apple cider donut in an elegant bundt cake form. Imagine a supremely moist, tender cake infused with the crisp, sweet tang of apple cider, generously coated in a luxurious brown butter apple cider wash, and dusted with a delicate veil of cinnamon sugar. To crown this masterpiece, a delectable apple cider glaze cascades over its ridges, creating an irresistible finish. This recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of fall, an invitation to cozy up and savor the season’s best flavors.

For many, the crisp air and vibrant colors of fall immediately bring to mind one quintessential treat: the apple cider donut. There’s something truly magical about biting into a warm, spiced donut after a day of apple picking at an orchard. This Apple Cider Donut Cake aims to recreate and elevate that cherished experience. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a nostalgic journey back to those blissful fall moments, offering all the delightful flavors you adore, now perfected with a beautiful, pourable glaze that adds an extra layer of sweetness and moisture. If you’re a fan of apple cider desserts, you’ll definitely want to explore my apple cider cookies for another seasonal delight!

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Apple Cider Donut Cake

This isn’t just another cake recipe; it’s a carefully crafted experience designed to bring joy and comfort with every bite. Here’s why this Apple Cider Donut Cake will become your new go-to fall dessert:

• Unmatched Flavor Profile: Infused with real apple cider, aromatic cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg, this cake delivers an authentic, deep apple cider donut flavor. The brown butter coating adds a nutty, rich dimension that takes it to the next level.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: Thanks to the combination of oil, applesauce, and room-temperature ingredients, this bundt cake boasts an incredibly moist and tender crumb that practically melts in your mouth. Say goodbye to dry cakes!
• Irresistible Layers of Goodness: Each bite offers a delightful journey through layers of flavor and texture – from the apple cider-infused cake, to the buttery, spiced cinnamon-sugar coating, and finally, the sweet, tangy apple cider glaze.
• Stunning Presentation: Baked in a bundt pan, this cake naturally has an impressive, elegant shape, making it a perfect centerpiece for any fall gathering, holiday table, or simply a cozy evening at home.
• Simple Yet Sophisticated: While the cake appears elaborate, the steps are straightforward and accessible for bakers of all skill levels. With our detailed tips and process photos, you’ll achieve bakery-quality results right in your own kitchen.

Essential Tips for Baking a Flawless Apple Cider Donut Cake

Achieving bakery-worthy results at home is easier than you think, especially with these expert tips. Follow these guidelines to ensure your Apple Cider Donut Cake turns out perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautifully coated, just like the one pictured!

• Mastering Brown Butter: Brown butter is a secret weapon for depth of flavor. Use a large, light-colored frying pan to brown your butter. The wider surface area allows for quicker, more even browning. Heat the butter over medium heat, whisking constantly. It will bubble, then foam, and finally, the milk solids will separate and turn a beautiful amber color at the bottom of the pan, emitting a rich, nutty aroma. Once you see those amber specs and smell that nutty scent, remove it immediately from the heat to prevent burning. For more detailed instructions, see my dedicated post on how to make brown butter.
• Accurate Flour Measurement is Key: Over-measuring flour is a common baking pitfall that leads to dry, dense cakes. Always use the “spoon and level” method: spoon flour lightly into your measuring cup until it overflows, then use the straight edge of a knife to level off the excess. Never scoop flour directly with the measuring cup, as this compacts it, resulting in too much flour.
• Choosing the Right Bundt Pan: I recommend using a 10-cup bundt pan for this recipe. The pan size is crucial for proper baking and visual appeal. To ensure your cake releases flawlessly, thoroughly coat the entire inside of the bundt pan with a high-quality nonstick baking spray. Don’t miss any crevices! This step is paramount to prevent sticking and preserve the cake’s beautiful shape.
• Effortless Coating Process: Decorating a bundt cake can be messy, but a simple setup makes it manageable. Place your cooled bundt cake on a wire rack set over a large baking sheet or a piece of parchment paper. This will catch any drips from the brown butter and excess cinnamon sugar, keeping your counter clean. Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the cake with the brown butter mixture, ensuring every surface is touched. Immediately after, gently pat on the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring a generous and even distribution for that signature donut texture.
• Perfecting the Apple Cider Glaze: The glaze should be pourable yet thick enough to cling to the cake, creating luscious drips without being too runny. To achieve this ideal consistency, gradually whisk the sifted powdered sugar with the apple cider. Start with the recommended amount of apple cider and add more, a few drops at a time, until the glaze flows smoothly from your whisk but still holds some body. It should create elegant streams down the sides of the cake.

Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Cider Donut Cake

This magnificent Apple Cider Donut Cake is a showstopper on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate the experience even further. Consider serving slices with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for an added touch. It pairs wonderfully with a warm mug of apple cider, coffee, or your favorite herbal tea. For a truly decadent experience, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce before serving would be divine. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, an afternoon snack, or the grand finale to a fall feast, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

We hope you adore this Apple Cider Donut Cake as much as we do! If you loved baking and tasting this recipe, please take a moment to leave a star review below and share your experience. Your feedback means the world to us! Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats so we can see your beautiful creations. For more baking inspiration and delicious ideas, be sure to follow me on Pinterest.

Recipe Video

Average Rating: 5 from 54 reviews

Apple Cider Donut Cake

Stephanie Rutherford

This apple cider donut cake is made in a bundt pan. It is a super moist cake coated in apple cider browned butter and cinnamon sugar mixture. It is topped with apple cider glaze.

Print Recipe |
Pin Recipe |
Leave a Review

Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 50 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins

Servings: 16 slices

Ingredients

The Cake

• 1 cup Oil, canola or vegetable
• 1 1/4 cups Brown sugar, packed light or dark
• 1/2 cup White granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup Apple sauce, unsweetened room temperature
• 2 tsp Pure vanilla extract
• 3 Large eggs, room temperature
• 2 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 3 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking soda
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 cup Apple cider, room temperature

Apple Cider Browned Butter

• 2 TBSP Butter
• 1 TBSP Apple cider

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 2/3 cup White granulated sugar
• 1 TBSP Ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp Ground nutmeg
• Pinch Of salt

Apple Cider Glaze

• 1 cup Powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 TBSP Apple cider

Instructions

Apple Cider Donut Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and generously spray a large 10 cup bundt pan with non-stick baking spray. Ensure thorough coverage to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, combine the oil, brown sugar, white granulated sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, applesauce, and apple cider. Whisk until well combined.
4. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire cooling rack. Let it cool completely before decorating.

Apple Cider Browned Butter

1. In a frying pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Continue whisking as it melts. The butter will become bubbly, then foamy. Soon, the milk solids will separate and start to brown, turning amber and releasing a nutty aroma. Once browned, immediately remove the pan from the heat to stop the cooking process.
2. Stir in the apple cider into the browned butter and set aside.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1. In a small bowl, mix together the white granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
2. Place the completely cooled bundt cake on a wire rack with a cookie sheet underneath to catch any excess coating. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the entire cake with the apple cider browned butter mixture. Immediately after, gently pat the cinnamon sugar mixture all over the cake, ensuring an even and complete coating.

Apple Cider Glaze

1. Just before serving, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of apple cider until smooth. The glaze should be a light, pourable consistency, but not overly thin. Adjust with a few more drops of apple cider if needed for desired flow.
2. Pour the glaze evenly over the top of the cake, allowing it to naturally drip down the sides. The cake can be kept at room temperature or chilled in the fridge. For best flavor and texture, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.

Notes

Flour: Ensure flour is spooned and leveled, or use a kitchen scale for precise measurement. Compacted flour can result in a dry cake.

High Altitude Baking: If baking at high altitudes, consider adding 2 extra tablespoons of all-purpose flour to the dry ingredients.

Temperature Matters: For optimal results, ensure eggs and apple cider are at room temperature before you begin baking the cake batter.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 354kcal, Carbohydrates: 60g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 16g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g, Monounsaturated Fat: 9g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 4mg, Sodium: 264mg, Potassium: 78mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 34g, Vitamin A: 50IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 84mg, Iron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review below!