• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • My Story
  • Contact Me
  • Income Reports

Stephanie's Sweet Treats

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • My Story
  • Contact Me
  • Income Reports
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • My Story
    • Contact Me
    • Income Reports
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Cake

    Oct 6, 2021 by Stephanie Rutherford · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads

    Apple Cider Donut Cake

    4475 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest pin for apple cider donut cake.

    This apple cider donut cake tastes just like an apple cider donut from an orchard, but in cake form. It is a moist apple cider bundt cake coated in brown butter apple cider and cinnamon sugar coating. Then, it is topped with an apple cider glaze. This recipe is perfect for fall.

    Apple cider donut cake on a plate.
    Slice of apple cider donut cake next to cake.

    This apple cider cake is the definition of fall for me. During fall, I love to get an apple cider donut from an orchard. There is nothing better! This cake tastes just like that. Even better because it also has a glaze!

    If you are looking for more bundt cake recipes, try confetti bundt cake, red velvet bundt cake, and mini lemon bundt cakes.

    Why You Will Love This Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

    • Fall cake- This cake is perfect for fall with apple cider in season.
    • Moist apple cider cake- This cake uses a cup of apple cider plus apple sauce! It is incredibly moist and full of flavor.
    • Brown butter apple cider- The cake is coated with brown butter mixed with apple cider.
    • Cinnamon sugar- The cake gets coated in cinnamon sugar twice!
    • Apple cider glaze- The glaze uses powdered sugar and apple cider to make a stronger apple cider flavor.
    Three slices of apple cider donut cake.

    Ingredient Notes For Apple Cider Cake

    • Oil- Use canola or vegetable. I don't recommend olive oil.
    • Brown sugar- I used light brown sugar.
    • Apple sauce- Make sure it is unsweetened. Otherwise the cake will be way too sweet.
    • Apple cider- I buy a jug of apple cider from my local grocery store during fall.

    Ingredient Substitutions

    • Dairy free- You can use your favorite dairy free options for this recipe!
    • Gluten free- I haven't tested this gluten free. Let me know if you do.

    Step By Step Instructions

    Here are the steps to make and bake the cake.

    STEP 1: Spray the bundt pan. Use a flour baking spray and spray the bundt pan very well. This is the one I used.

    STEP 2: Mix dry ingredients together. Make sure to use a sifter to prevent flour lumps from getting into the batter.

    STEP 3: Mix the wet ingredients. Then, mix the oil, eggs, brown sugar, sugar, apple sauce, apple cider, and vanilla together. It will be watery.

    STEP 4: Mix both together. Mix the dry ingredients into the wet, mix until just combined. Over mixing the batter will lead to a tough cake.

    Mixing wet ingredients in a glass bowl.
    Dry ingredients added.
    Mixing batter in a glass bowl.

    STEP 5: Bake the cake. Pour the batter into the bundt pan. Bake for 45-55 minutes. Cool the cake for 10 minutes in the pan to help keep the cake from sticking to the pan.

    Batter in a bundt pan.
    Cake baked in bundt pan.

    Decorating Tips

    First, brown the butter until the milk deposits separate and turn amber in color. Mix with the apple cider.

    Coat the cake with the brown butter. Be generous!

    Next, use your hands to coat the cake in half of the cinnamon sugar. Let it sit for a few minutes for cinnamon sugar to soak into the butter.

    Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on to a cookie sheet. Roll the cake into the cinnamon sugar to generously coat the cake. It needs the two layers of cinnamon sugar!

    Now, top the cake with the apple cider glaze. I used all of the glaze. It should be thin enough to pour on to the cake.

    Pouring glaze on top of cake.

    FAQ

    Can I use a 12 cup bundt pan?

    Yes you can. It will just make a smaller in cake. It will taste the same!

    Can I make this into donuts?

    Yes you can. Use a donut pan and bake for 10 minutes.

    Can I make this into muffins?

    Yes you can. Bake for 20-22 minutes.

    Can I use apple juice?

    I have not recipe tested this. If you use it, make sure it is unsweetened.

    Top view of donut cake.

    Recipe Variations

    • To save time, you can skip the apple cider glaze.
    • You can also make this using mini bundt pan.

    Special Tools

    • Baking spray: I use the nonstick spray that has flour in it.
    • Offset spatula: I use this to easily spread the frosting or fillings.
    • Bundt pan: I use this bundt pan.

    Storing and Freezing

    Store this apple cider donut cake at room temperature in an air tight container. Store up to 5 days.

    Freezing

    Freeze the cake into individual cake slices. Wrap them in cling wrap and store in the freezer up to 30 days.

    Thaw for 1 hour before eating.

    Side view of the cake.

    Other Fall Recipes To Try

    • Ghost cupcake on a metal pan.
      Ghost Cupcakes
    • Caramel chocolate chip cookie with caramel on top.
      Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies
    • Cinnamon roll cheesecake pulling a slice out.
      Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake
    • Pecan pie cheesecake slice on a plate.
      Pecan Pie Cheesecake

    Try These Apple Cider Recipes

    • Apple cider cookies
    • Apple cider muffins
    • Apple cider cinnamon rolls
    • Apple cider cheesecake
    • Apple cinnamon rolls

    Make sure to leave me a star review below!

    Make sure to tag me on Instagram @stephaniesweettreats. I hope you loved it! To get more ideas follow me on Pinterest.

    📖 Recipe

    Apple cider donut cake on a plate.

    Apple Cider Donut Cake

    Stephanie Rutherford
    This apple cider donut cake is made in a bundt pan. It is a super moist cake coated in apple cider browned butter and cinnamon sugar mixture. It is topped with apple cider glaze.
    5 from 48 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 30 minutes mins
    Cook Time 50 minutes mins
    Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16 slices
    Calories 354 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    The Cake

    • 1 cup Oil canola or vegetable
    • 1 ¼ cups Brown sugar packed light or dark
    • ½ cup White granulated sugar
    • ¾ cup Apple sauce unsweetened room temperature
    • 2 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract
    • 3 Large eggs room temperature
    • 2 ¾ cups All-purpose flour
    • 3 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
    • 1 ¼ tablespoon Baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon Salt
    • 1 cup Apple cider room temperature

    Apple Cider Browned Butter

    • 2 tablespoon Butter
    • 1 tablespoon Apple cider

    Cinnamon Sugar Coating

    • â…” cup White granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
    • Pinch Of salt

    Apple Cider Glaze

    • 1 cup Powdered sugar sifted
    • 2-2 ½ tablespoon Apple cider

    Instructions
     

    Apple Cider Donut Cake

    • Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a large 10 cup bundt pan with baking non-stick spray. Spray very very well to prevent the cake from sticking.
    • In a medium mixing bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder. Set aside.
      2 ¾ cups All-purpose flour, 3 teaspoon Ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon Ground nutmeg, 1 ¼ tablespoon Baking powder, 1 teaspoon Salt
    • In a separate bowl, mix the oil, brown sugar, sugar, vanilla, eggs, apple sauce, and apple cider.
      1 cup Oil, 1 ¼ cups Brown sugar, ½ cup White granulated sugar, ¾ cup Apple sauce, 2 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract, 3 Large eggs, 1 cup Apple cider
    • Add in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Pour into bundt pan.
    • Bake for 45-50 minutes. Bake until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer to a cooling rack. It should come out clean. Let it cool completely before decorating.

    Apple Cider Browned Butter

    • In a frying pan on medium, heat the butter until it melts. Keep whisking. It should become bubbly and then foamy. Next, the milk deposits will separate and the butter will start to brown. Once it starts to brown, take off the heat.
      2 tablespoon Butter
    • Mix in the apple cider and set aside.
      1 tablespoon Apple cider

    Cinnamon Sugar Coating

    • In a small bowl, mix together sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
      ⅔ cup White granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon Ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon Ground nutmeg, Pinch Of salt
    • Place the bundt cake on a cooling rack with a cookie sheet underneath it to catch the mess. Coat the cooled bundt cake with the brown butter by using a pastry brush. Coat it completely. Then, immediately coat the cake with cinnamon sugar. Use half of the sugar. Then, let it dry for 5 minutes. Coat again in cinnamon sugar.

    Apple Cider Glaze

    • Right before serving, mix the sifted powdered sugar and 2 tablespoon of apple cider with a whisk. It should be a light and pourable consistency but not too thin. Slowly add in 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach the best consistency.
      1 cup Powdered sugar, 2-2 ½ tablespoon Apple cider
    • Pour glaze all over the cake. Keep cake at room temperature or chilled in fridge. Let cake get to room temperature before serving.

    Notes

    Flour- Make sure flour is spooned and leveled or use a scale. Compacted flour can cause a dry cake.
    High altitude baking- Add 3 extra tablespoon of flour
    Cake- Make sure eggs and apple cider are room temperature before baking.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 354kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 2gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 264mgPotassium: 78mgFiber: 1gSugar: 34gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 84mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword apple, apple cider, apple cider cake, apple cider donut, apple cider glaze, best, brown butter, bundt cake, moist
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    More Cake Recipes

    • Top view of grinch cake.
      Grinch Cake
    • Top 20 Halloween desserts.
      Top 20 Halloween Desserts
    • Bite missing from banana snack cake.
      Banana Snack Cake
    • One slice of mint chocolate chip ice cream cake on its side.
      Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake

    About Stephanie Rutherford

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Tracy says

      October 31, 2023 at 5:16 pm

      5 stars
      This is a really delicious, moist bundt cake. I made a different apple cider bundt cake before making this one and this recipe has a stronger flavor, which, I was looking for. I've made this recipe twice and have had trouble moving the cake off of the cooling rack. The first time it completely broke in half. The second time I greased the cooling rack first but still had to use a spatula to help pry it off and it still was a struggle to keep it intact. I've never run into this issue before. Next time I may put parchment paper down. Outside of that, this is an easy to follow recipe and a very tasty treat!

      Reply
    2. Maureen says

      September 25, 2023 at 8:33 am

      5 stars
      Great cake recipe. Added 1 cup of grated apple. Left cinnamon sugar off. Came out delicious. Great with a hot cup of coffee. Everyone loved it.

      Reply
    3. Kirsten says

      September 24, 2023 at 8:46 am

      5 stars
      So delicious!!! Literally tastes just like the donuts from the pumpkin farms but even better if you can believe it!

      I just started my baking journey and this has been the best one I’ve done so far! Thank you for the recipe!

      Reply
    4. Fidelia says

      November 06, 2022 at 12:42 pm

      5 stars
      Really delicious recipe and super easy to make.

      Reply
    5. Home Baker says

      October 21, 2022 at 10:11 am

      5 stars
      This was hands down the best recipe I have made this fall! It was so easy to make the the cake was so moist with a fantastic crumb. I will definitely make this again!

      Reply
    6. Home Baker says

      October 21, 2022 at 10:11 am

      5 stars
      This was hands down the best recipes I have made this fall! It was so easy to make the the cake was so moist with a fantastic crumb. I will definitely make this again!

      Reply
    7. Bri says

      October 21, 2022 at 10:09 am

      5 stars
      One of the easiest recipes I have ever made! Amazing! My family loved it!! Next time I’m going to make a little more brown butter so I can really coat the cake!

      Reply
    8. Nicole says

      October 16, 2022 at 5:30 pm

      5 stars
      This cake was so good and so easy to make. I ended up eating two slices once it cooled down! It’s even better than apple cider donuts

      Reply
    9. Michelle says

      October 15, 2022 at 10:07 am

      5 stars
      I made this to bring to my sisters birthday yesterday, and it was so popular!
      I know it says that this is a perfect fall recipe, but for me, this just tastes like Christmas! And I will definitely makes this as a Christmas treat.
      Definitely 5 stars! Again!

      Reply
    10. Chad says

      October 21, 2021 at 8:35 pm

      5 stars
      This cake had incredible flavor and so moist!

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Pinterest pin for apple cider donut cake.
    Picture of me.

    Hi New Friends!

    HI! I am Stephanie!

    I am the founder, recipe developer, and food photographer for Stephanie's Sweet Treats. Here you will find all the decadent dessert recipes that anyone can make!

    Learn more about me →

    Trending Recipes

    • Moist Triple chocolate cake covered in chocolate drip.
      Moist Triple Chocolate Cake
    • Chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake on a cake stand.
      Cookie Dough Cheesecake
    • Giant fluffy cinnamon rolls in a pan with a spatula beside it.
      Giant Cinnamon Rolls
    • Apple cider cookies with an apple cider glaze on top.
      Apple Cider Cookies

    New Recipes

    • One slice on chocolate peppermint cheesecake on a wood board.
      Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake
    • 25 Thanksgiving Recipes
      Top 25 Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes
    • Top view of pecan pie cinnamon rolls.
      Pecan Pie Cinnamon Rolls
    • Side view of apple pie cheesecake.
      Apple Pie Cheesecake

    As Featured In

    Logos for being featured in.
    Web Stories

    Privacy Policy

    Footer

    Pinterest pin for apple cider donut cake.

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Stephanie's Sweet Treats

    • Facebook
    • Pinterest
    • Tumblr