Name: Irresistibly Moist Apple Cider Cake You'll Love This Fall
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 80 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (Essential for providing structure and a tender crumb.); 2 teaspoons baking powder (Helps the cake rise to a light and fluffy texture.); 0.5 teaspoon salt (Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.); 1 teaspoon cinnamon (Infuses the cake with warm, cozy flavors that evoke fall.); 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg (Adds an earthy, aromatic depth to the mix.); 0.5 cup unsalted butter (Ensures moisture and richness; cream until it's light and fluffy.); 0.75 cup brown sugar (Provides moisture and a hint of caramelized flavor; light brown sugar works too.); 0.75 cup granulated sugar (Sweetens the cake; coconut sugar can be a lower glycemic substitute.); 2 eggs (Acts as a binder and enhances moisture; use room temperature for best results.); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (Elevates the flavor profile; maple extract offers a fun twist.); 1 cup apple cider (Gives the cake its distinctive apple flavor; apple juice is a quick substitute.); 0.5 cup apple cider (Reduced to a syrupy consistency, adds a sweet finish to the cake.); 0.25 cup cinnamon sugar (Sprinkled on top for an irresistible crunchy texture.)

As the leaves start to blanket the ground in shades of amber and rust, I can’t help but crave warm, comforting treats that capture the essence of fall. Enter my delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake—an indulgent bundt that marries the tangy sweetness of apple cider with cozy spices. This luscious cake isn’t just a nostalgic nod to autumn; it’s an effortless crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from afternoon get-togethers to Thanksgiving feasts. With quick prep and an irresistible glaze of reduced apple cider, it transforms your kitchen into a fragrant autumn wonderland. So, are you ready to bake a slice of fall?

Why Is This Apple Cider Cake a Must-Try?

Warm, Cozy Flavors: This cake beautifully captures the essence of fall with its rich blend of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg, making each bite a flavorful embrace of the season.
Effortless Preparation: With simple steps and common pantry ingredients, you’ll have this crowd-pleaser ready in no time—perfect for those busy autumn days.
Perfect for Gatherings: Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a casual coffee date, this Apple Cider Donut Cake never fails to impress, leaving your guests asking for seconds.
Irresistibly Moist: The tender crumb and cinnamon sugar coating create a delightful texture that is simply addictive; it’s like enjoying a donut in cake form!
Versatile Treat: Pair it with vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of cider for a cozy dessert experience that suits any occasion. You’ll love how it adds warmth to your fall gatherings!

Apple Cider Donut Cake Ingredients

For the Cake

All-purpose flour – Essential for providing structure and a tender crumb.
Baking powder – Helps the cake rise to a light and fluffy texture.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Cinnamon – Infuses the cake with warm, cozy flavors that evoke fall.
Nutmeg – Adds an earthy, aromatic depth to the mix.
Unsalted butter – Ensures moisture and richness; cream until it’s light and fluffy.
Brown sugar – Provides moisture and a hint of caramelized flavor; light brown sugar works too.
Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake; coconut sugar can be a lower glycemic substitute.
Eggs – Acts as a binder and enhances moisture; always use room temperature for best results.
Vanilla extract – Elevates the flavor profile; maple extract offers a fun twist.
Apple cider – Gives the cake its distinctive apple flavor; apple juice is a quick substitute if needed.

For the Glaze

Apple cider – Reduced to a syrupy consistency, adds a sweet finish to the cake.
Cinnamon sugar – Sprinkled on top for an irresistible crunchy texture.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Prepare Bundt Pan
Begin by greasing a 12-cup bundt pan with non-stick spray to ensure easy removal later. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you prepare the other components of the Apple Cider Donut Cake. This will help the cake rise beautifully as soon as it’s in the oven.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg until well combined. This mixture will form the foundational flavor and texture of your Apple Cider Donut Cake, so ensure there are no lumps before setting it aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together ½ cup of unsalted butter, ¾ cup of brown sugar, and ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, achieving an airy texture that will enhance the cake’s moistness.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs
Next, add 2 room temperature eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Then, blend in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. This step infuses the Apple Cider Donut Cake with a delightful flavor that complements the spices you’ve prepared.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Carefully alternate adding the dry flour mixture and 1 cup of apple cider into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined, ensuring not to overmix. The goal is a smooth batter that captures the essence of apple cider beautifully.

Step 6: Bake Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Pay attention to the cake’s golden caramel edges, which signal that it’s ready to come out of the oven.

Step 7: Glaze Cake
While the cake bakes, reduce ½ cup of apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened to a syrupy consistency, about 10-15 minutes. Once your Apple Cider Donut Cake has cooled slightly, brush the cider glaze generously over the top and sides, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a delightful finish.

Make Ahead Options

These Apple Cider Donut Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during fall festivities! You can mix the dry ingredients and prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and flavorful. Additionally, you can bake the cake 3 days ahead and store it at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its moisture. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds and glaze it right before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste. This way, you’ll have a stunning dessert that tastes just as delicious and helps you enjoy those precious autumn moments with loved ones!

Storage Tips for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Room Temperature: Wrap the cake in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 5 days to retain its moistness and flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the unglazed cake, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Reheating: For a warm, comforting slice, microwave individual pieces for 15-20 seconds. This brings back the delightful texture of your Apple Cider Donut Cake.

Storage Container: If storing leftovers, consider using an airtight cake dome to keep the cake fresh and protected from air exposure.

What to Serve with Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Looking to elevate your cozy fall gathering? Here are some delightful pairings that beautifully complement this charming dessert.

Warm Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture and sweet flavor melt perfectly atop the warm cake, creating a blissful contrast. It’s a classic pairing that brings nostalgia to every bite.
Spiced Whipped Cream: Lightly spiced whipped cream enhances the cake’s flavors, adding a cloud-like creaminess that makes each slice feel like a hug in dessert form.
Fresh Apple Slices: Crisp and juicy apple slices resonate beautifully with the apple cider cake, adding a refreshing contrast and enhancing fall flavors.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: This seasonal favorite provides a warm, spiced beverage that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the cake, making your afternoon coffee break feel special.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle of pure maple syrup adds an earthy sweetness that amplifies the cake’s flavor profile, inviting deeper levels of indulgence.
Hot Chai Tea: The warming spices in chai tea complement the cake’s cinnamon and nutmeg beautifully, making this a soothing pairing for chilly evenings.
Cranberry Compote: Tart cranberry compote offers a bright, tangy contrast to the rich sweetness of the cake, balancing flavors perfectly.

Enjoy these pairings alongside your Apple Cider Donut Cake for a delightful fall feast that warms the heart and soul!

Expert Tips for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, homogenous batter, which enhances your Apple Cider Donut Cake’s texture.
Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour mixture, stir gently just until combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a tender crumb.
Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center to test doneness. If it comes out clean, your cake is perfectly baked.
Cooling Time: Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before inverting onto a rack to prevent breakage.
Glazing Tip: For a thicker glaze, allow the reduced apple cider to cool slightly; it will thicken as it sits, allowing for a glossy finish on your cake.
Store Properly: To retain moisture, wrap leftover slices in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Apple Cider Cake Variations You’ll Love

Feel free to get creative and put your spin on this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake with these tempting variations!

Add Fresh Apples: Fold in half a cup of diced apples for an extra burst of flavor and delightful texture. The juicy bits meld beautifully with the spices, making every bite more exciting!
Nutty Twist: Introduce chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch. Their earthy flavors complement the sweetness of the cake, elevating it to a new level of deliciousness.
Spiced Glaze: Infuse your apple cider glaze with a pinch of cardamom or ginger for a spicier kick. It’s a great way to surprise your taste buds and keep the autumn vibes flowing.
Maple Twist: Swap vanilla extract with maple extract for a unique twist that screams fall. This change will introduce a rich, sweet depth that pairs perfectly with the apple flavors.
Coconut Sugar Swap: For a lower glycemic option, substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar. This swap not only reduces sweetness but adds a lovely caramel note!
Dairy-Free Delight: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a plant-based milk for a dairy-free version. You won’t compromise on flavor, and it opens up the recipe to a wider audience!
Ice Cream Pairing: Serve slices warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the moist cake, creating a heavenly dessert experience.
Pumpkin Spice Version: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice for an extra fall flair. It’s a comforting and aromatic twist that will warm your soul during those chilly nights.

With these variations, your Apple Cider Donut Cake will always be a delight, enticing family and friends with its warm, home-baked charm! And if you’re inspired for more sweet treats, don’t miss out on the scrumptious flavors of Hot Buttered Apple or the fun of making Copycat Birthday Cake to add to your repertoire.

Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe FAQs

How do I select the best apples for my apple cider?
Absolutely! When making apple cider, it’s best to choose sweet and tart apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Look for apples that are firm and free of bruises; avoid any with dark spots or signs of decay which may affect the cider’s flavor.

What is the best way to store leftover Apple Cider Donut Cake?
To keep your cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you’re dealing with a larger batch, consider using an airtight cake dome to maintain its moisture and flavor.

Can I freeze the Apple Cider Donut Cake?
Yes, you can! For freezing, wrap the unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

What should I do if my cake sticks to the bundt pan?
Very! If your cake sticks, it’s often due to insufficient greasing of the pan. To avoid sticking, make sure to generously coat your bundt pan with non-stick spray or butter, especially in the crevices. Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before inverting it—this often helps release it more easily.

Is this recipe safe for my pets?
No, this recipe isn’t suitable for pets, particularly due to the sugar and spices such as cinnamon. While apples themselves are generally safe for dogs in moderation, baked goods often contain ingredients that can be harmful. Always keep treats for your furry friends simple and vet-approved!

What if my glaze is too thin?
If you find your apple cider glaze is too thin, reduce it further on the stovetop for another 5-10 minutes over medium heat until it thickens to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent it from scorching. Once it cools slightly, the glaze will thicken more, making it perfect for drizzling over your Apple Cider Donut Cake!