🍎🍩 Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
All the cozy flavor of a fresh apple cider doughnut—transformed into an easy, moist, buttery cake! This simple shortcut recipe starts with a yellow cake mix and is infused with apple cider, applesauce, warm cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla.
Finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping, every slice tastes like a soft, tender apple cider doughnut. It’s the perfect fall dessert for breakfast, afternoon coffee, holidays, or cozy gatherings. 🍂🍎
⏱️ Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 10–12
Difficulty: Easy
Method: Oven-Baked
Pan: 9 × 13-inch baking pan or Bundt pan
🛒 Ingredients
For the Apple Cider Cake
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup applesauce
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🍩 For the Cinnamon Doughnut Topping
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 56 g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, optional for extra caramel flavor
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
- ½ cup finely diced apples
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- Pinch of nutmeg
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease a 9 × 13-inch baking pan with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
You can also use a Bundt pan for a more decorative presentation.
2. Mix the Cake Batter
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Yellow cake mix
- Apple cider
- Applesauce
- Eggs
- Cinnamon
- Brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
Beat with an electric mixer for about 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Tip: Don’t overmix. Once the batter is smooth, it’s ready to bake.
3. Pour Into the Pan
Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan.
Use a spatula to spread the batter into an even layer.
If using optional diced apples or nuts, gently fold them into the batter before pouring it into the pan.
4. Bake
Place the cake in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 35–40 minutes, or until:
- The top is lightly golden.
- The center springs back when gently touched.
- A toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
If baking in a Bundt pan, the cake may require 40–50 minutes.
🍂 Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
5. Prepare the Topping
While the cake is baking, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and optional brown sugar in a small bowl.
Mix well.
Melt the butter in a separate bowl.
6. Add the Doughnut Coating
Allow the cake to cool for approximately 10 minutes.
While it is still warm, brush the top generously with melted butter.
Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the buttery surface.
The warm cake helps the sugar topping stick and creates that irresistible apple cider doughnut finish.
7. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool for another 15–20 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
For an extra indulgent dessert, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
⭐ Chef’s Tips
Use real apple cider: Fresh apple cider gives the cake the best autumn flavor.
Don’t confuse cider with apple juice: Apple cider has a deeper, richer apple flavor.
Add more spice if desired: For a stronger fall flavor, add ½ teaspoon apple pie spice.
Apply the topping while warm: The butter and cinnamon sugar adhere much better to a warm cake.
Don’t overbake: Remove the cake as soon as a toothpick comes out clean to keep it moist.
For extra apple flavor: Add finely diced apples or use cinnamon applesauce.
🍎 Easy Variations
🍏 Apple Cider Bundt Cake
Bake the batter in a greased Bundt pan.
Once baked and slightly cooled, brush the entire cake with melted butter and coat generously with cinnamon sugar.
🍯 Brown Sugar Apple Cider Cake
Increase the brown sugar in the batter to ¼ cup for a deeper caramel-like flavor.
🥜 Apple Pecan Doughnut Cake
Fold ½ cup chopped pecans into the batter.
The nutty crunch pairs beautifully with the cinnamon and apple flavors.
🍂 Extra-Spiced Apple Cake
Add:
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
- A pinch of ground cloves
This creates a richer, warmly spiced fall cake.
🍎 Fresh Apple Version
Fold 1 cup finely diced peeled apples into the batter.
Choose firm apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is delicious with:
- Hot coffee ☕
- Apple cider 🍎
- Chai tea
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Maple glaze
It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon treat.
🧊 Storage
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Allow refrigerated slices to come to room temperature before serving, or warm them briefly in the microwave.
❄️ Freezing
Allow the cake to cool completely.
Wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature.
For the freshest doughnut-like finish, you can add a fresh layer of melted butter and cinnamon sugar after thawing.
🍎🍩 Final Result
This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is soft, moist, warmly spiced, and filled with cozy apple flavor.
The buttery cinnamon-sugar topping gives every bite that classic apple cider doughnut taste—without the hassle of making or frying doughnuts!
Easy, comforting, and absolutely perfect for fall. 🍂🍎🍩✨