Apple Cider Donut Cake

Name: Apple Cider Donut Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (15.25 oz) box yellow or spice cake mix; 1 cup apple cider (not juice or vinegar); 1/2 cup applesauce (preferably cinnamon); 3 large eggs (room temperature); 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for topping); 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon (for topping); 1/4 cup sugar (for topping); Optional Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar + 1/4 cup apple cider

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If you’re craving cozy fall flavors wrapped in a warm, moist, and cinnamon-sugar-coated dessert, this Apple Cider Donut Cake is the perfect bake. Inspired by classic cider mill donuts, this bundt-style cake delivers all the nostalgic notes of fall in one deliciously simple recipe. Whether you’re planning a weekend treat, a Thanksgiving dessert table, or just want to celebrate apple season, this easy cake is your answer.

Don’t miss our Apple Cinnamon Sheet Cake Recipe for another fall-inspired baking idea that complements this bundt beauty perfectly.

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Why This Apple Cider Donut Cake Is Fall’s Favorite Dessert

This cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a full-on fall experience. From its bold apple spice aroma to the sugar-cinnamon crust that mimics a classic apple cider donut, every bite is pure comfort. Here’s why this recipe has become a seasonal sensation.

Inspired by classic cider mill donuts

The rich flavors of apple cider, warm spices, and a tender crumb make this cake a dead ringer for traditional cider mill donuts. But instead of deep-frying, we’re baking it into a bundt cake for ease, flavor, and a touch of elegance.

Easy recipe using boxed cake mix (but tastes homemade!)

One of the biggest surprises? This showstopper starts with a boxed yellow or spice cake mix. By combining it with real apple cider, applesauce, and spices, you get a flavorful and moist cake that tastes completely from scratch—without the effort.

Perfect texture: moist inside, crisp cinnamon-sugar outside

What really sets this apart is the finishing touch: melted butter brushed over the cake, followed by a generous coating of cinnamon sugar. It creates a crisp outer layer while the inside stays fluffy and rich.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Best Apple Cider Donut Cake

Before you head to the kitchen, here’s what you need to gather. Don’t worry—everything is simple and most items are pantry staples.

Dry ingredients: choosing the right cake mix

Start with a 15.25 oz box of yellow cake mix or, for deeper autumn spice, use a spice cake mix like Duncan Hines. Avoid white cake mixes unless you’re adding your own spice blend.

Pro Tip: If using vanilla cake mix, boost it with 1½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp nutmeg, ¼ tsp allspice, and a pinch of clove.

Wet ingredients: real apple cider makes a difference

Always use fresh apple cider, not apple juice or vinegar. You’ll also need:

½ cup applesauce (preferably cinnamon-flavored)
3 large eggs (room temp)
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

The cider gives moisture and tang, while the applesauce adds richness and depth.

Optional toppings: cinnamon sugar and apple cider glaze

After baking, coat the cake with:

¼ cup melted unsalted butter
2 tbsp cinnamon + ¼ cup sugar (adjust ratio to taste)

For extra indulgence, whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with ¼ cup apple cider for a drizzle-worthy glaze.

Looking for inspiration? Try this Apple Crumb Cake Recipe for another way to use fall fruit in cake form.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making this donut cake is easy and beginner-friendly. With a few mixing tricks and bundt pan know-how, you’ll have a golden, sugar-crusted masterpiece ready in no time.

Mixing and baking your bundt cake to perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F
In a large bowl, beat together the dry cake mix, apple cider, applesauce, and eggs.
Stir in cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla.
Pour into a greased and floured bundt pan (10–12 cup size works best).
Bake for 40–45 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes in the pan before inverting it onto a wire rack.

How to apply the cinnamon sugar topping

Brush the slightly cooled cake with melted butter.
Mix your cinnamon and sugar in a bowl.
Sprinkle generously over the cake while the surface is still a little damp so the sugar sticks well.

Don’t miss our Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars for another fall dessert with a spiced twist and buttery finish.

Optional apple cider glaze for dipping or drizzling

While the cake cools, mix 1 cup powdered sugar with ¼ cup apple cider until smooth. Drizzle over the top or serve in a bowl for dipping slices. It adds a tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon sugar crust.

Variations and Substitutions for Every Diet

The beauty of this apple cider donut cake is how customizable it is. Whether you need to adjust for allergies, equipment, or taste preferences, here’s how to tweak the recipe without sacrificing that signature flavor.

Gluten-free option

Yes, you can absolutely enjoy this cake gluten-free. Just swap the standard cake mix for a gluten-free version like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 GF mix or liveGfree (available at Aldi). Be sure to:

Add ¾ tsp xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it
Slightly reduce any added liquids if needed to maintain texture
Check doneness closely—gluten-free cakes can bake a little faster

This version passed the “husband test” according to reader reviews!

Looking for more gluten-friendly desserts? Check out our Nectarine Muffins Recipe for a bright alternative.

Mini muffins, loaf pan, and Instant Pot methods

Want individual portions or don’t have a bundt pan? Here are three easy alternatives:

Mini muffins: Bake in a mini muffin tin for ~14 mins at 350°F
Loaf pan: Bake 50–55 mins, tent with foil halfway through
Instant Pot: Use a 7-inch bundt pan, cover with foil, and cook on high pressure for 45 mins with a 15-min natural release

Each method creates the same warm flavor but with a slightly different texture—mini muffins are perfect for brunch spreads!

Using fresh apples instead of applesauce

Don’t have applesauce on hand? No problem. Grate a peeled medium Macintosh apple and fold it into the batter. It adds a fresh texture and keeps the cake moist. Just make sure the pieces are fine to avoid disrupting the crumb.

Discover great ideas like our Cinnamon Apple Bread Recipe if you enjoy baking with fresh fruit.

Expert Tips to Perfect Your Apple Cider Donut Cake

Even though this recipe is easy, a few pro-level tricks can really elevate the final result.

Use room temperature ingredients for smooth batter

Bringing your eggs, applesauce, and cider to room temp helps everything blend more easily, creating a smoother batter and better rise. Cold ingredients can cause the batter to clump or bake unevenly.

How to prevent sticking in a bundt pan

Bundt pans can be tricky. Use a nonstick spray with flour (like Baker’s Joy) or manually grease and flour every crease thoroughly. Always let the cake cool at least 15 minutes before flipping to avoid breakage.

Don’t miss our Vanilla Bean Brown Butter Cheesecake for another bundt-style treat with bakery-level presentation.

Spice upgrades: how to make it even more flavorful

To deepen the fall spice notes, add:

½ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp cloves
Or substitute 1 tsp of apple pie spice for a quick shortcut

These additions give your cake a bakery-style complexity that’ll make guests think it took hours.

Serving Ideas and Fall Pairings

This apple cider donut cake is already a star on its own—but pair it right, and you’ve got a next-level dessert experience.

Serve with ice cream or whipped topping

For an indulgent finish, add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It cools the warmth of the cinnamon sugar and contrasts the cake’s tender crumb.

Best drinks to pair with this cake

Pair your slice with a mug of warm apple cider, chai tea, or even a splash of bourbon-spiked caramel coffee. The sweetness of the cake complements spiced or creamy drinks best.

Discover cozy sips like our Apple Butter Latte Recipe for the perfect drink and dessert duo.

Turn leftovers into a breakfast treat

The cake’s donut-like flavor makes it perfect for breakfast. Try warming a slice in the microwave and serving it with butter, or pan-toast slices for a crispy morning treat.

FAQs About Apple Cider Donut Cake

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

No. Apple juice is too light and lacks the deep, tart flavor needed for this cake. Apple cider brings richness and tang that really makes the recipe shine. And definitely never use apple cider vinegar!

What’s the difference between apple cider donuts and this cake?

Apple cider donuts are typically fried and shaped into rings, while this cake is baked in a bundt pan. The cake mimics the same flavor and sugar coating but is lighter and easier to serve to a crowd.

Can I make it ahead of time or freeze it?

Absolutely. This cake keeps well at room temp for 2–3 days and can be frozen (un-glazed) for up to 2 months. Just wrap tightly and thaw overnight before reheating.

What type of bundt pan is best for this recipe?

A 10–12 cup nonstick bundt pan is ideal. Smaller pans may overflow, and larger ones may result in a flatter-looking cake (still delicious, though!). Be sure to adjust bake time accordingly.

Final Thoughts on Baking the Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of cinnamon and apples baking in the oven. This apple cider donut cake captures the very essence of fall in every bite—with its sugar-crusted exterior and soft, spiced interior, it’s no wonder it’s become a seasonal favorite.

Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering, a holiday table, or just to celebrate sweater weather, this bundt cake is simple to make, beautiful to serve, and guaranteed to impress.

Don’t miss our Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for another fall-flavored dessert that balances spice and sweetness perfectly.

So, grab that bundt pan, some fresh apple cider, and let this irresistible donut cake warm up your season.

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