Description
This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is a moist, cinnamon-spiced bundt cake infused with tangy apple cider and sweet apple sauce, perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting treat. It combines the flavors of classic apple cider doughnuts into an easy-to-make cake that is brushed with butter and coated in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 15.25 ounce box Yellow cake mix or Spice Cake Mix
- 1 cup apple cider (NOT apple juice and NOT apple cider vinegar)
- ½ cup cinnamon apple sauce (not chunky)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (more if you like it really cinnamony)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (adjust according to preference)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and allow it to fully preheat to ensure even baking of your cake.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, apple cider, cinnamon apple sauce, and eggs. Beat well until the mixture is smooth. Add in ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, and mix again until fully incorporated.
- Prepare the Bundt Pan: Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly. Using a non-stick spray with flour such as Baker’s Joy can help prevent sticking and make removing the cake easier.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan evenly. Place the pan on the center oven rack and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes to set and firm up slightly.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture: While the cake cools, in a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons cinnamon and ¼ cup sugar thoroughly.
- Coat the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, brush the entire surface generously with melted butter. Immediately sprinkle and rub the cinnamon sugar mixture over and all around the cake to ensure an even coating.
Notes
- Use apple cider for authentic flavor; avoid apple juice or cider vinegar.
- For more intense cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the batter or topping as desired.
- Avoid chunky apple sauce to maintain smooth cake texture.
- Using a cake mix makes this recipe quick and easy without sacrificing flavor.
- Allow the cake to cool sufficiently before applying the butter and cinnamon sugar to ensure it sticks well.
- This cake pairs beautifully with coffee or tea for a cozy snack.
