Apple Cider Donut Cake

Easy Apple Cider Donut Cake is the perfect Fall dessert that tastes amazing. It tastes just like apple cider doughnuts in a cake form!

Apple Cider Donut Cake

Fall is almost here which means it is time for all things Apple Cider including apple cider donuts, apple cider margaritas, apple cider mules, and all the epic fall favorites.

I love summer don't get me wrong, but there is something about fall that just makes me happy.

The leaves changing, the cool nights but warm days, sweaters and boots, and working on Halloween recipes and Thanksgiving recipes.

I have been thinking about getting a cake donut pan so I can make pumpkin donuts and Apple Cider Doughnuts at home. We normally drive up to Greenbluff here in Spokane to get them from one of the apple orchards or local farms but I love the idea of being able to make them at home too.

We love serving this cake with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream! You could even sprinkle caramel sauce over it for extra flavor.

This is a favorite Fall sweet treat. I love bringing it to fall harvest parties and friends' houses.

Ingredients

This is a quick overview of the simple ingredients that you'll need to make an apple cider donut cake with yellow cake mix! Specific measurements and step-by-step instructions are included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Yellow Cake Mix
• Apple Cider
• Butter
• Eggs
• Ground Cinnamon
• Brown Sugar
• Vanilla Extract

Cake Mix - We used Betty Crocker, but you can use any moist yellow cake mix. If you don't have a yellow cake mix you can use a pumpkin cake mix, white cake mix, or really any flavor that sounds good.

Apple Cider - You can use fresh apple cider if you have it or store-bought. We have used both and they turned out great. You can use apple juice for this recipe but it won't have the spices and flavor that comes with apple cider.

Topping Ingredients

Cinnamon Sugar
Butter

Optional - Ground Nutmeg, Shredded fresh apples, applesauce

Equipment Needed

Microwave lid cover - I swear by these lid covers to help prevent butter splatters when melting butter in the microwave. I have had way too many butter explosions while baking. These lid covers help keep the butter in the bowl and not on the roof of your microwave.

Large Mixing Bowl - We are big fans of this glass batter bowl that has a handle. It makes it really easy to mix ingredients and keep the mixing bowl steady on the counter.

Spatula

Hand Mixer/Stand Mixer - You can mix this with either a hand mixer or your stand mixer.

Bundt Cake Pan

Cooling Wire Rack

Serving Tray

Toothpick/cake tester

tbsp/tsp/cup measuring tools

Heat resistant potholders - A couple of years ago we had a fire scare when we didn't realize we had turned a burner on and a cloth potholder caught fire. Thankfully we walked by the kitchen and saw the smoke and were able to get it out ourselves. Since then we have only used these heat-resistant potholders.

How to make an Apple Cider Donut Cake

I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here's a quick version.

Don't forget to preheat the oven. I love how easy the instructions for this cake are.

Step 1 - Mix cake mix, apple cider, melted butter, eggs, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla together. We suggest using a hand mixer to make it easy to combine the mixture.

Spray cake pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour batter into pan and bake.

Step 2 - Remove the cake from the oven and use a toothpick or cake tester to make sure it comes out clean in the center. Let the cake rest for 20 minutes before turning it onto a cooling rack.

Step 3 - Brush the cake with melted butter, spread the cinnamon sugar mixture over the sides of the apple cider doughnut cake. It may take a couple of layers to get it to show.

You can place parchment paper under the rack if you want to collect the cinnamon sugar that falls through and add it onto the cake.

Allow the cake to cool for at least 45-50 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Preparation and Storage

Make Ahead – You can make this a day or so ahead of time and store in an airtight cake container.

Storage – Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Freezing/How to freeze – Wrap in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container.

 

Recipe Variations

Substitutions - This cake can also be made with a white cake mix or a spice cake mix.

Vegetarian Option - This recipe is vegetarian

Vegan Option – Use plant based butter and eggs substitute.

Gluten Free - Use a gluten-free cake mix

Smaller Serving Size – This recipe is difficult to make a smaller size since we use a boxed cake mix. You can freeze half of the cake to enjoy later.

Larger Group/More servings – We suggest following the recipe twice if you want to double the amount of cake being made. That way you can make sure each cake turns out perfectly.

Recipe Tips

We used a cake mix to cut down on the time making this Apple Cider Donut Cake. You can also make it from scratch if you prefer.

One of the nice things about using a premade cake mix is you don't need to whisk the dry ingredients before baking this cake.

Nutritional information including calories, carbohydrates, calcium, and more below in the recipe card.

What to serve with

Toppings - Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, fresh apple slices, streusel toppings, cream cheese frosting, maple glaze

Drinks - Hot apple cider, Fireball Apple Cider, Caramel Apple Cider Cocktail, Apple Cider Mule, coffee, tea, Pumpkin Spice Latte, hot chocolate recipes, iced chai latte

When to serve

• Fall Dessert
• Harvest Parties
• Thanksgiving
• Brunch
• Apple picking adventures

Great Apple Recipes

Caramel Apple Dump Cake

Apple Cider Cookies

Crockpot Caramel Apples

Dried apples in the oven

Apple Cider Beer Brats

Caramel Apple Crisp

Fireball Apple Cider

Check out all of our Yellow Cake Mix Recipes and apple desserts 

Do you love recipes? Check out our copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and our CrockPot Recipes.

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