Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake has all the flavor of your favorite apple cider doughnuts, but in an easy bundt cake! This donut cake recipe uses cake mix, mixed with apple cider dusted with cinnamon sugar!
Apple cider cake is a delicious dessert that combines the flavors of apple cider and cinnamon with the texture of a moist cake. This apple cider bundt cake is perfect for fall and winter when apple cider is in season.
What is an Apple Cider Donut Cake?
This cake is a twist on a classic and popular donut recipe, which is known for its warm flavor and sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Apple cider cake is made with 6 simple ingredients such as sugar, eggs, butter, and cinnamon. The boxed cake mix helps make this dessert an easy one to whip up quickly. The finished cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that is perfect for serving at parties, family gatherings, or as a special treat for yourself. Whether you are a fan of cinnamon sugar donuts or just looking for a new dessert to try, this recipe is sure to impress.
Why You Will Love This Donut Cake Recipe
- A unique twist on traditional apple cider donuts. The cake has all the flavors of an apple cider donut but in a cake form. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the delicious flavors of fall.
- Easy to make. The recipe doesn’t require any special equipment or ingredients. You can easily find all the ingredients at your local grocery store. Plus, the recipe is straightforward and easy to follow.
- Moist and flavorful. The cake is made with apple cider, which gives it a moist and tender crumb. The cinnamon and sugar topping adds a warm and cozy flavor that’s perfect for fall.
Ingredients for Apple Donut Cake
Yellow cake mix: To make this cake super simple to make, use one 15.25-ounce box of yellow cake mix.
Apple cider: Add in ¾ cup of apple cider to help create a fluffy and soft treat.
Butter: Use ½ cup of butter, melted, to give the cake a nice rich flavor.
Eggs: You need 4 eggs to help combine all the ingredients together well and make the cake a nice soft texture.
Cinnamon: Spice this cake nicely by adding in 2 tsp. of ground cinnamon.
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
Butter: You will need 3 TBSP of butter, melted, to help the cinnamon & sugar mixture stick well to the cake.
Sugar: For a nice sweet cake topping, use ¼ cup of sugar.
Cinnamon: Using 1 tsp. of ground cinnamon will give the cake topping a warm taste of Fall.
Step by step on how to make Apple Cider Donut Cake
Prep
Start by getting the oven preheating to 350°F. Next, spray a 12-cup bundt pan with non-stick baking spray. Set it aside.
Batter
Next, in a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the cake mix, apple cider, ½ cup melted butter, 4 eggs, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon to combine well.
Proceed to pour the batter into the prepared bundt cake pan.
Bake
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick can be inserted in center and it comes out clean.
Let cool in the pan for 20 minutes before carefully inverting onto a cooling rack. Place a piece of parchment paper underneath cooling rack for easier clean-up.
Topping
Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, using a fork to mix ingredients together well.
Then, in another small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for 30 seconds. Then brush the top and sides of cake with the melted butter.
Immediately sprinkle the cake with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing it into the sides, sticking it to the melted butter as best as possible.
Let the cake stand for 15-20 minutes and then sprinkle it with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture.
Slive, serve, and enjoy!
Variations of Apple Cider Donut Cake
One way to add some extra flavor to your Apple Cider Donut Cake is to experiment with different glazes. Some popular options include:
- Cinnamon sugar glaze
- Maple glaze
- Vanilla glaze
- Cream cheese glaze
Each of these glazes can be made by mixing together powdered sugar, milk, and your desired flavorings. Simply drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before serving.
Another way to customize your Apple Cider Donut Cake is to add toppings. Some delicious options include:
- Chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
- Dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins)
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
These toppings can be added to the top of the cake or incorporated into the batter before baking.
To give your Apple Cider Donut Cake a unique flavor, consider adding some additional spices to the batter. Some options to try include:
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Ginger
- Cardamom
Just be sure to use these spices in moderation so that they don’t overpower the apple cider flavor.
Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup apple cider
- ½ cup butter melted
- 4 eggs
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 3 TBSP butter melted
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prep: Heat oven to 350°F. Spray a 12-cup bundt pan with non-stick baking spray. Set aside.
- Batter: In large bowl use an electric mixer to beat the cake mix, apple cider, ½ cup melted butter, 4 eggs, and 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
- Bake: Pour into the prepared pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 20 minutes before carefully inverting onto a cooling rack. Place a piece of parchment paper underneath cooling rack for easier clean-up.
- Topping: Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, using a fork to mix ingredients together well.
- Then, in another small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave for 30 seconds. Then brush the top and sides of cake with the melted butter.
- Immediately sprinkle the cake with half of the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing it into the sides, sticking it to the melted butter as best as possible.
- Let the cake stand for 15-20 minutes and then sprinkle it with the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture. Slive, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Can I use a different flavor of cake mix for this recipe?
You sure can! Another great cake flavor for this donut cake would be the spiced cake mix. You can also use a white cake mix if you want, it will have a different end result flavor but still be delicious. Another tasty option is a specialty flavor such as Cinnamon Toast Crunch, YUM!
How do I make a gluten-free apple cider donut cake?
To make a gluten-free apple cider donut cake is simple. Be sure to use a gluten-free cake mix, there are many options available for this option. All the other ingredients are naturally GF so making this recipe GF is very easy to do!
Can I use apple cider vinegar for apple cider in a cake recipe?
No, apple cider vinegar cannot be substituted for apple cider in a cake recipe. While both ingredients have “apple” in their names, they are not interchangeable. Apple cider vinegar is much more acidic than apple cider and has a completely different flavor profile. If you don’t have apple cider on hand, you can use apple juice or even water as a substitute, but keep in mind that the flavor of the cake will be affected.
Common Mistakes to Avoid Making Apple Cider Cake
When making an apple cider donut cake, there are a few common mistakes that one should avoid to ensure the best possible outcome.
- Firstly, it is important to not overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a tough and dense cake. To prevent this, mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined, and no more.
- Another mistake to avoid is using room temperature ingredients. It is important to use ingredients that are at the same temperature, either all at room temperature or all chilled. Using room temperature ingredients can cause the butter to melt, resulting in a greasy and dense cake.
- Additionally, it is important to not overbake the cake. Overbaking can result in a dry and crumbly cake. To prevent this, check the cake regularly after the minimum bake time and remove it from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Lastly, it is important to not skip the topping. The cinnamon sugar mixture adds flavor to the cake, and skipping it can result in a bland cake.
For more Apple inspired recipes, try some of our favorites here:
- Dutch Apple Bread
- Best Ever Apple Recipes to make ASAP!
- Apple Bread Pudding
- Fried Cinnamon Apples
- Caramel Apple Nachos
- Caramel Apple Bread
- Easy Apple Dumplings recipe
- Maple Pecan Apple Crisp
- Snickerdoodle Apple Cobbler
- Apple Crisp with Oatmeal
Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is an easy dessert to make thanks to the boxed cake mix and other basic ingredients needed. This donut cake recipe comes together quickly and the results are a wonderful and flavorful dessert that is sure to be enjoyed by all!
Brandy says
This is such a delicious fall treat! It had such great flavor. We all loved it!
Lynne Winters says
I have made this recipe 3 times… it is delicious
Jessica says
So glad you like it Lynne!!
Aimee says
I love how easy this cake is. It’s definitely going to be on repeat over here!
Nellie says
Yes, easy desserts are our favorite!
Bette H Dee says
Delicious,! Added chopped apple and pecans to batter. People who tasted it wanted me to make them a cake 🙂
Nellie says
Love the idea of adding chopped apple and pecans! So glad you enjoyed the cake Bette!