Apple Cider Donut Cake

Fall is in the air and that means one thing – apple season! This Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delicious way to enjoy it. It’s perfect for a cozy autumn weekend morning or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

The cake is soft and moist, with the perfect hint of apple cider flavor. And the frosting is just icing on the cake (pun intended)! So grab your cider and get baking!

The best part is that this cake starts with a cake mix base, making the prep super quick and easy. You’ll love the taste and texture of this scrumptious treat.

When it comes to fall, apple cider is where it’s at. We are absolutely bursting with apples here on the property. When fall comes around there is no shortage of ideas about what to do with all these apples.

Because we can only drink or store so much cider, I’m always making recipes to use it up and this cake is a perfect example. The sweetness and spice of the cider make this cake absolutely heavenly.

If you love all the flavors of fall – you will love this cake.

apple cider cake

Here are some commonly asked questions

Can this cake be frozen?

Yes, I do it often. Once baked – this cake can be frozen at all stages of the creation process. I like to remove a freshly baked and cooled cake from the pan, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for later use. (this is also handy when you want to work with cold cakes to keep the frosting from getting too soft.)

You can also gently wrap the completely decorated cake and freeze it until you need it.

FOR BEST RESULTS – WAIT TO ADD THE CINNAMON/SUGAR COATING UNTIL THE CAKE IS THAWED AND READY TO BE SERVED. The sugar will moisten in the damp environment of the freezer, causing it to seep and soak into the cake instead of keeping the desired texture for this cake.

Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge the night before as it does taste best when not frozen. I also like to leave it at room temperature for 1-2 hours before serving so the frosting is more creamy than stiff.

What is bundt cake?

Basically, a bundt cake is a cake that is baked in a bundt pan. A bundt pan is a round, donut-shaped cake pan that was inspired by a traditional European cake known as Gugelhupf.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Cake

• yellow cake mix
• apple cider
• apple sauce
• large eggs
• brown sugar
• ground cinnamon
• vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• unsalted butter – melted
• granulated sugar
• ground cinnamon

Glaze

• confectioner’s sugar
• apple cider

What type of cider should I use?

Typically in the fall, you can find gallons of cider at the market, farmer’s market, pumpkin patches, and so many other places. Anything you find there will work just fine for this recipe.

If you are blessed, like we are, to have apple trees on your property or you visit the local orchard and use those apples to make your own fresh cider – that will work too.

Can this be made with apple juice instead of cider?

Yes, apple juice will work. It might be a bit thinner than what you find with cider – so that could change the consistency of the batter and how the batter bakes.

Also, cider is packed full of spices and additional flavors that apple juice does not have. The cake will be lacking some of those great flavors if you use apple juice.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, using a stand or hand mixer, beat together the cake mix, apple cider, and apple sauce.
4. Add in the eggs and mix until just incorporated.
5. Continue by adding the brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
6. Mix until fully incorporated, being sure to scrape the sides.
7. Pour the mixture into the prepared bundt pan.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Once finished baking set aside, and allow to cool to room temperature in the pan.
10. Once at room temperature, flip over the pan onto a serving plate to release the cake and start the toppings.

Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1. Brush the melted butter over the entire cake, allowing the butter to soak in for a couple of minutes.
2. While the butter is absorbing, in a small bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon until well blended.
3. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the entire cake.

Glaze

1. In a small bowl, add the confectioner’s sugar and apple cider.
2. Whisk until smooth.
3. Drizzle over the top of the cake.
4. Cut and serve.

Why cool the cake first before flipping out?

If you try to flip the cake while it is still hot or even warm, it hasn’t had a chance to firm up yet. Flipping a warm cake increases the likelihood of the cake not releasing from the pan entirely, falling apart, or breaking when it is flipped.

Trust me – it is a big fat bummer to have this cake you are so excited about and then have only half of it come out properly, The whole thing is a wash and you have to turn it into something like truffles instead.

Don’t miss these other great fall recipes

• Instant Pot Apple Cider
• Apple Cider Donut Holes
• Bourbon Apple Cider
• Crock Pot Cranberry Cider
• Homemade Apple Fritters

How can I prevent the cake from getting stuck inside the pan?

You should make sure that you grease and flour your pan really well or heavily coat it with a flour and grease/cooking-spray mixture to keep the cake from sticking. (such as Baker’s Joy)  The ridges in the pan are most susceptible to this and they are the most delicate parts of the cake. 

Make sure that you really work your grease into these crevices for the best results.

I like to use Baker’s Release because it yields the best results, in my opinion.

What is bakers release?

Bakers release is a combination of oil, flour, and shortening that makes releasing cakes and other baked goods almost effortless.

To make Bakers Release – it is as simple as 1,1 & 1. 

• equal parts of all-purpose flour, shortening, and cooking oil – I like to do 1 cup of each.

Mix the ingredients together – whisking well. Store in an airtight container in the pantry or refrigerator. When ready to use, dip a pastry brush into the mixture and spread it over the cake pan.

Can this be made in a regular cake pan?

This cake can be made in a 13×9 baking pan. Bake for 20-25 then do the toothpick test to check for doneness.

This cake can also be made into cupcakes. Fill each well 3/4 of the way full and bake for 15-20 then do the toothpick test to check for doneness.

Don’t miss these other great bundt cake recipes!

• Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cheesecake Filling
• Chocolate Peppermint Bundt Cake
• Vanilla Bundt Cake
• Red Velvet Bundt Cake with Kahlua Ganache
• Banana Coconut Bundt Cake
• 4th of July Cake
• Bourbon Cake
• Rum Cake
• Lemon Blueberry Swirl Bundt Cake
• St. Patrick’s Day Cake

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Products I love when making apple cider bundt cake…

This apple cider bundt cake recipe is SUPER EASY and delicious – and if you’re like me, then you maybe already have some of these items on hand OR maybe you have never made a bundt cake before, & you might be a bit nervous – but you’re going to love it. I have made a list below of the things I absolutely can’t live without when it comes to making this cake recipe. (you can also SHOP MY FAVORITES in my store)

• Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer
• Bundt pan
• Silicone Spatulas

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If you love this easy bundt cake recipe, you’re going to love these other cake ideas too.. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!

Be sure to check out…

Fruit Cocktail Cake

Rum Cake

Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Cheesecake Filling

Carrot Cake

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