Our Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is the perfect treat for any occasion, bringing together the rich flavors of apple cider and the comforting goodness of a classic doughnut. This cake is not only moist and delicious but also features an irresistible apple cider glaze and a delightful cinnamon sugar topping. Perfect for fall gatherings, brunches, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake is sure to impress everyone who tries it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful cake in no time.
- Flavorful Delight: The combination of apple cider and cinnamon creates a warm, inviting flavor that everyone loves.
- Versatile Dessert: Whether served at a party or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, this cake fits any occasion.
- Moist Texture: Thanks to the apple sauce and cider, this cake remains incredibly moist and tender.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the level of cinnamon or add nuts for an extra crunch.
Tools and Preparation
To make our Apple Cider Doughnut Cake successfully, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help streamline your baking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Bundt pan
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Toothpick
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl provides ample space to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Bundt pan: The unique shape of a bundt pan not only makes the cake visually appealing but also allows for even baking.
- Whisk or electric mixer: These tools help achieve a smooth batter quickly, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
Ingredients
Our Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is flavorful and moist with an apple cider glaze and cinnamon sugar to top it off.
For the Cake
- 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 apple sauce (we used cinnamon apple sauce, not chunky)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (more if you like it really cinnamony!)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (depending on how much cinnamon you prefer)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
How to Make Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cake will start baking at the right temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the dry cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce, and eggs until well combined. Add in ¼ tsp of cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Grease the Bundt Pan
Pour the batter into a well-greased and floured bundt pan. Using a product like Baker’s Joy will help prevent sticking.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Place the bundt pan on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Step 5: Cool on Wire Rack
Remove from heat and allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Step 6: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Mixture
In a separate bowl, mix together cinnamon with sugar while waiting for your cake to cool.
Step 7: Coat with Butter & Cinnamon Sugar
Once cooled, brush melted butter over the entire surface of your cake. Then rub the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over it until fully coated.
Enjoy every bite of this delicious Apple Cider Doughnut Cake, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
How to Serve Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
Serving your Apple Cider Doughnut Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this delicious cake that complements its warm, spiced flavors.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream: The creamy texture pairs perfectly with the moist cake.
- Cinnamon ice cream: For an extra kick of spice that enhances the cake’s flavors.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Warm caramel: A luscious drizzle adds sweetness and richness to each slice.
- Salted caramel: A hint of salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Fresh whipped cream: Light and airy, it complements the dense cake perfectly.
- Spiced whipped cream: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive touch.
Served with Hot Coffee or Tea
- Brewed coffee: The bold flavors of coffee provide a nice contrast to the sweet cake.
- Chai tea: Its spices echo the cake’s flavor profile, making for a cozy pairing.
As Part of a Brunch Spread
- Fruit salad: Fresh fruits add brightness and balance to the rich cake.
- Cheese platter: A selection of cheeses can create an interesting flavor combination.
How to Perfect Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
To ensure your Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is perfect every time, here are some tips to keep in mind.
- Use fresh apple cider – Avoid apple juice; fresh cider provides the best taste.
- Add more cinnamon – If you love spice, feel free to increase cinnamon in both the batter and topping.
- Check for doneness – Use a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Let it cool properly – Allowing it to cool on a wire rack prevents sogginess and helps maintain texture.
- Store correctly – Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
- Consider frosting options – Try adding a cream cheese frosting for richness or keep it simple with just glaze.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Apple Cider Doughnut Cake can enhance your meal. Here are some delightful options that complement this dessert beautifully.
- Vanilla Bean Yogurt – Creamy yogurt adds tanginess that balances sweetness.
- Maple Bacon Scones – The smoky flavor contrasts nicely with the sweet notes of the cake.
- Spiced Nuts – Roasted nuts with cinnamon provide a crunchy texture and warm flavor.
- Cheddar Biscuits – Savory biscuits offer a great contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
- Pumpkin Soup – A light soup can serve as a comforting start before dessert.
- Apple Salad – Fresh apples mixed with greens create a refreshing palate cleanser.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Apple Cider Doughnut Cake, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using the wrong type of apple product: Ensure you use apple cider, not apple juice or vinegar. This will impact the flavor and texture of your cake.
- Skipping room temperature eggs: Cold eggs can affect how well your batter combines. Always use room temperature eggs for the best results.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not greasing the pan adequately: Make sure your bundt pan is well-greased and floured to prevent sticking. Consider using a non-stick spray with flour built-in for best results.
- Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Start checking your cake around 40 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can dry it out.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep the cake at room temperature if you plan to consume it within 2 days.
Freezing Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
- Wrap slices in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for freezing.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat slices for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm each slice for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making an Apple Cider Doughnut Cake:
Can I use homemade apple cider?
Yes, homemade apple cider works great! Just ensure it’s not too thick or sweet.
What can I substitute for applesauce?
You can use mashed bananas or pureed pumpkin as alternatives.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free cake mix and check that other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I add nuts or other toppings?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a nice crunch, and you can top with caramel sauce if desired.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
Feel free to reduce the sugar in the cinnamon sugar topping if you prefer less sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding nuts or different spices. Its comforting flavors make it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of our Apple Cider Doughnut Cake. This delightful dessert combines the rich taste of apple cider with aromatic cinnamon, creating a moist cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Topped with a sweet apple cider glaze and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar, this treat is ideal for fall gatherings, brunches, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s easy to make and customizable, ensuring everyone will rave about it!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box Yellow or Spice Cake Mix
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup apple sauce
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp cinnamon (for topping)
- ¼ cup sugar (for topping)
- ¼ cup melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce, eggs, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Grease and flour a bundt pan; pour in the batter.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool for 20 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Mix sugar and cinnamon for the topping; coat cooled cake with melted butter and then sprinkle with the mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
