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.

Apple Cider Donut Cake – The Best Fall Dessert Recipe (2025)

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

Apple Cider Donut Cake

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This Apple Cider Donut Cake is the ultimate cozy fall dessert. Made with boxed cake mix, real apple cider, applesauce, and warm spices, it’s finished with a cinnamon sugar topping and optional apple cider glaze for the perfect cider mill-inspired treat.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, beat the dry cake mix, apple cider, applesauce, and eggs until smooth.
Stir in the cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
Pour batter into a greased and floured bundt pan (10–12 cup).
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack.
While still slightly warm, brush cake with melted butter.
Mix sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle generously over the cake.
Optional: Mix powdered sugar and apple cider until smooth to make a glaze. Drizzle over cake or serve as a dip.

Notes

Use high-quality apple cider, not juice or vinegar.
Grease and flour the bundt pan thoroughly to avoid sticking.
Adjust cinnamon-sugar ratio to taste (common ratio: 2:1 sugar to cinnamon).
Gluten-free option: Use a GF cake mix or substitute GF flour with xanthan gum.
Can be made as muffins or in a loaf pan with adjusted bake time.

Find it online: https://recipeshots.com/apple-cider-donut-cake-yummy-dessert/