Apple Cider Donut Cake
There’s something about apple cider desserts that just taste like fall—and this Apple Cider Donut Cake brings that feeling to life. When Jake and I lived in Buffalo, we visited the sweetest apple orchard where we picked our own apples and grabbed warm, homemade apple cider donuts on the way out. I’ve never forgotten that cozy fall day, and this cake is inspired by those flavors and memories. It’s soft, buttery, spiced just right, and finished with a cinnamon sugar coating that’s irresistibly nostalgic. Perfect for sharing, gifting, or enjoying with a mug of cider on a crisp autumn afternoon.
Who do I make this for?
My husband, to remember that sweet fall day in Buffalo.
Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe
Prep: 20-30 min | Bake: 55 min | Total: 1.25 hours
Yields 10-12 servings
Ingredients
Cake
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, melted and at room temperature
3 eggs, at room temperature
1 cup applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or extract
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup apple cider
Cinnamon Sugar Coating
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Instructions
1. Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan (or a 10-cup tube pan), making sure to coat all the grooves well.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together: sugars and melted butter. Add in eggs, one at a time. Stir in applesauce and vanilla. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together: flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder and soda.
4. Mix the Batter
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two additions, alternating with 1 cup apple cider. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix.
5. Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool slightly.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the cake is still slightly warm, brush the entire surface with melted butter. In a small bowl, mix: sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle or pat the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered surface of the cake until well coated.
7. Serve
Let cool completely before slicing. Enjoy with a cup of warm apple cider or coffee!
Loved this recipe? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
