Simple Apple Cider Donut Cake

A Delicious Fall Treat: Apple Cider Donut Cake

Fall is a season that brings with it a sense of warmth and comfort. The changing leaves, cooler nights, and the cozy feeling of being wrapped in a sweater make it one of the most beloved times of the year. Along with the seasonal charm comes a variety of delicious treats, including apple cider donuts, apple cider margaritas, and apple cider mules. These flavors are a perfect way to celebrate the arrival of autumn.

For many, fall also means thinking about holiday recipes—like Halloween and Thanksgiving dishes. I’ve been dreaming of making my own cake donuts at home, especially apple cider doughnuts. While we usually visit local orchards or farms in Spokane to enjoy these treats, there’s something exciting about being able to recreate them in our own kitchen.

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is a fantastic way to bring the taste of fall into your home. It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and always a hit at gatherings. We love serving it with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream, and for an extra touch, you can drizzle caramel sauce on top.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this cake, you’ll need the following:

• Yellow cake mix (such as Betty Crocker)
• Apple cider
• Butter
• Eggs
• Ground cinnamon
• Brown sugar
• Vanilla extract

If you don’t have a yellow cake mix, you can use a pumpkin or white cake mix instead. The key is to choose a flavor that complements the apple cider.

Apple cider is essential for this recipe. Whether you use fresh or store-bought, it adds that signature fall flavor. If you’re short on time, apple juice can be used, but it won’t offer the same depth of flavor.

For the topping, you’ll need:

• Cinnamon sugar
• Melted butter
• Optional additions: ground nutmeg, shredded apples, or applesauce

Essential Equipment

To ensure your baking experience is smooth, you’ll need the following tools:

• Microwave lid cover (to prevent butter splatters)
• Large mixing bowl (ideal for combining ingredients)
• Spatula
• Hand mixer or stand mixer
• Bundt cake pan
• Cooling wire rack
• Serving tray
• Toothpick or cake tester
• Measuring tools (tablespoons, teaspoons, cups)
• Heat-resistant potholders (for safety)

A few years ago, we had a close call when a cloth potholder caught fire. Since then, we’ve only used heat-resistant ones to keep our kitchen safe.

How to Make the Apple Cider Donut Cake

Follow these simple steps to create this delicious dessert:

1. Mix the Ingredients: Combine the cake mix, apple cider, melted butter, eggs, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla. Using a hand mixer makes this step quick and easy.
2. Prepare the Pan: Spray a bundt cake pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour the batter into the pan and bake according to the package instructions.
3. Check for Doneness: Once baked, use a toothpick or cake tester to ensure the center is fully cooked. Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack.
4. Add the Topping: Brush the cooled cake with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the sides. You may need a couple of layers to get the desired look. Place parchment paper under the rack to catch any falling sugar.
5. Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool for at least 45–50 minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations

Using a pre-made cake mix is a great time-saver, but you can also make the cake from scratch if you prefer. One benefit of using a cake mix is that you don’t need to whisk the dry ingredients separately.

Nutritional information, including calories, carbohydrates, and calcium, can be found in the recipe card.

More Great Apple Recipes

If you love the taste of apples, you’ll enjoy these other fall-inspired recipes:

• Apple Cider Cookies
• Crockpot Caramel Apples
• Dried Apples in the Oven
• Apple Cider Beer Brats
• Caramel Apple Crisp
• Fireball Apple Cider

Looking for more ideas? Explore our collection of copycat recipes, dessert recipes, and CrockPot recipes for endless inspiration. Stay connected with us on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter for all the latest updates and recipe posts.