Apple Cider Donut Cake – Easy Cake with Cinnamon and Apple Cider

Name: Apple Cider Donut Cake – Easy Moist Bundt Cake with Cinnamon and Apple Cider
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups apple cider (reduced to 1 cup); 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 large eggs; 2 tsp baking powder; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Optional: 1 tbsp sour cream or applesauce (for extra moisture); Optional topping: 1/4 cup melted butter + 1/2 cup cinnamon-sugar mixture or cider glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp reduced cider)

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Few desserts capture the taste of fall quite like a homemade Apple Cider Donut Cake. It combines the nostalgic flavor of classic apple cider donuts with the soft, moist texture of a bundt cake. This spiced, buttery treat fills your kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and apples, making it a cozy dessert for chilly mornings or holiday celebrations.

Instead of frying individual donuts, this recipe delivers that same comforting flavor in a single, easy-to-make cake. Each bite is bursting with apple cider essence, thanks to a simple trick — reducing the cider to concentrate its sweetness and depth. The result is a moist, tender cake that tastes just like your favorite fall fair donut, without the mess of hot oil.

Whether served warm with coffee or topped with a cinnamon-sugar coating, this Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe is a seasonal must-bake for anyone who loves fall flavors.

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What Is Apple Cider Donut Cake?

The Inspiration Behind the Recipe

Apple cider donuts are a New England fall tradition, often sold at apple orchards and farm stands. They’re known for their golden-brown crust, warm spices, and rich apple flavor. This Apple Cider Donut Cake was created to capture that same nostalgic taste in a simpler form.

Instead of frying dough, the batter is baked in a bundt pan, resulting in a cake that’s soft on the inside and slightly crisp on the outside. The addition of reduced apple cider gives the cake an authentic, fruity depth that makes every bite taste like autumn in New England.

Why It’s Loved by Home Bakers

Home bakers adore this cake for its balance of ease and elegance. There’s no yeast, kneading, or deep-frying involved — just mix, bake, and enjoy. It’s the ideal fall dessert for busy families or anyone who wants the flavor of apple cider donuts with half the effort.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can dust it with cinnamon-sugar for a donut-like finish or drizzle it with an apple cider glaze for a bakery-style presentation. Either way, this cake is cozy, fragrant, and absolutely delicious.

Key Ingredients for the Best Apple Cider Donut Cake

Essential Ingredients

To make the perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake, you’ll need simple pantry staples enhanced with apple cider and warming spices.

Ingredient	Purpose
Apple Cider (2 cups, reduced to 1 cup)	Concentrated flavor base that adds apple sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour (2 ½ cups)	Provides structure to the cake.
Granulated Sugar (1 cup)	Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
Brown Sugar (½ cup)	Adds moisture and a rich caramel flavor.
Butter (¾ cup, softened)	Creates a tender, buttery crumb.
Eggs (3 large)	Binds ingredients and adds structure.
Baking Powder (2 tsp)	Helps the cake rise.
Cinnamon (2 tsp)	Provides warm, classic donut spice.
Nutmeg (½ tsp)	Adds depth and aroma.
Salt (½ tsp)	Balances sweetness.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp)	Rounds out flavors with a smooth finish.

Apple Cider Reduction for Maximum Flavor

The key to bold apple flavor lies in reducing the cider. Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan and simmer until it reduces to about 1 cup. This concentrates the natural sugars and tartness, ensuring that the cake has the perfect level of apple intensity.

Skipping this step results in a weaker flavor, so it’s worth taking the extra 10–15 minutes for a truly standout cake.

Optional Add-ins and Toppings

For added texture and personality, try these variations:

Mix-ins: Fold in chopped apples, toasted pecans, or walnuts.
Toppings: Dust with cinnamon-sugar for a donut-style finish or pour over a cider glaze made with powdered sugar and reduced cider.
Spice Boost: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a stronger fall flavor.

Each variation brings its own charm, but no matter how you finish it, the essence of apple cider and warm spice will shine through beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Apple Cider Reduction

Start by pouring 2 cups of apple cider into a medium saucepan. Set it over medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Let it reduce until only 1 cup remains — this takes about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
This reduction step is crucial; it deepens the apple flavor and ensures your Apple Cider Donut Cake tastes vibrant and rich. Once reduced, set it aside to cool.

Making the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan thoroughly to ensure a clean release.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy — about 2–3 minutes.
Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and cooled apple cider reduction.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with a splash of apple cider or buttermilk (if using). Mix until just combined.

The batter should be thick but smooth, with a warm apple-cinnamon aroma filling your kitchen.

Baking and Cooling

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared bundt pan. Smooth the top and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Coating or Glazing

For that classic donut flavor, brush the cake with melted butter and coat it generously with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
Alternatively, drizzle it with an apple cider glaze made by mixing 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of reduced cider. This creates a glossy finish that tastes like a bakery-style apple treat.

Both options turn this Apple Cider Donut Cake into a stunning fall dessert centerpiece.

Serving and Storage Tips

When to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

This cozy cake is perfect for:

Autumn brunches with friends
Thanksgiving dessert tables
Holiday breakfasts served with hot coffee
Fall parties or bake sales

It’s a great make-ahead option since the flavor actually deepens the next day.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy slices warm or at room temperature. Pair with:

A steaming cup of spiced chai or apple cider
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
A dollop of fresh whipped cream

For an extra festive touch, dust the cake lightly with powdered sugar before serving.

How to Store and Freeze

Keep leftover Apple Cider Donut Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
To extend freshness, refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, to prevent freezer burn.
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive that fresh-baked flavor.

Baking Tips and Common Mistakes

Don’t Skip Reducing the Cider

This step can’t be overstated — the cider reduction is what gives this cake its rich, authentic apple flavor. Without it, the cake can taste flat and lack the signature fall aroma.

Avoid Overmixing

Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing creates dense, tough cake instead of the light, tender crumb you want.

Proper Pan Prep

Bundt cakes are beautiful — but only if they release cleanly. Generously butter and flour your pan, or use a baking spray with flour included. Let the cake rest for 10 minutes before inverting for best results.

Don’t Overbake

Bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs. Overbaking will make your cake dry, while perfect timing keeps it soft and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

FAQ About Apple Cider Donut Cake

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

You can, but the flavor won’t be as bold. Apple cider has a naturally richer, tangier taste that gives this cake its signature depth. If you use juice, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a bit of extra cinnamon for warmth.

Why reduce apple cider for baking?

Reducing cider concentrates the flavor, giving your cake a more intense apple taste. Without reduction, the flavor will be diluted and less aromatic. It’s the single most important step in making an authentic Apple Cider Donut Cake.

How do I make the cake more moist?

Use room-temperature ingredients and don’t overbake. Adding a tablespoon of sour cream or applesauce to the batter can also increase moisture while enhancing the apple flavor.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make your own buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. It adds the same tang and softness to your cake.

Conclusion – Why This Apple Cider Donut Cake Defines Fall Baking

The Apple Cider Donut Cake is more than a dessert — it’s a slice of fall comfort. With its soft crumb, fragrant spices, and that unmistakable apple cider tang, it delivers everything you love about autumn in one easy-to-make bundt cake.

Whether served warm with coffee on a crisp morning or enjoyed as an after-dinner treat, this cake embodies cozy, homemade goodness. It’s proof that you don’t need fancy techniques to bake something truly special — just simple ingredients, a bit of apple cider magic, and a love for the season.

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