Introduction

Enjoy the cozy flavors of fall with this Spiced Apple Cider Donut Cake. Moist, tender, and topped with cinnamon sugar, it’s the perfect treat for cider season or any time you crave a warm, comforting dessert.

A single-layer Bundt cake with a golden brown exterior and a soft, yellow crumb inside is shown on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The cake's ridges are coated in a layer of granulated sugar, giving it a sparkling texture. A small wedge is cut out from the front, revealing the moist, dense inside. In the background, there are blurred red apples and cinnamon sticks, adding warm, cozy tones to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 box yellow cake mix (Betty Crocker preferred)
3/4 cup apple cider
1/2 cup sweetened applesauce
3 large eggs
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup butter (for topping)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 10 or 12 cup bundt pan to prevent sticking. Set it aside while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer on low speed to combine the cake mix, apple cider, applesauce, eggs, and melted butter until just incorporated. Add the brown sugar and vanilla extract, then mix until the batter is smooth and uniform. Avoid overmixing for a fluffier cake.
Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula if needed. Bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check around 45 minutes as baking times may vary.
Step 4: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Carefully invert the pan onto a cooling rack or parchment paper to release the cake. Let it cool completely before adding the topping.
Step 5: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined. This creates the classic cinnamon sugar topping.
Step 6: Brush the cooled cake with melted butter, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar all over the top and sides. For extra flavor, brush a bit more butter and add additional cinnamon sugar if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor. If unavailable, concentrate or non-alcoholic apple juice can be a substitute.
Try adding a teaspoon of ground nutmeg or allspice to the batter for a deeper spice profile.
For a glazed version, drizzle a simple cinnamon glaze made with powdered sugar and cider instead of the cinnamon sugar topping.
If you prefer a richer cake, replace applesauce with equal parts butter or oil, but this will change the moistness and flavor.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm slices gently in the microwave or oven to revive the buttery topping.

How to Serve

A bundt cake with a golden-brown crust covered in a layer of coarse sugar is placed on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. One slice is cut and slightly pulled out, showing the soft, moist, yellow inside with a slightly crumbly texture. The cake has ridged, curved sides creating a ring shape with a hole in the center. In the background, there are blurred red apples and cinnamon sticks adding a warm, cozy feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cake mix?

Yes, you can substitute with a white or spice cake mix, but yellow cake mix gives the best base flavor to complement the apple cider and cinnamon.

Is it necessary to flour the bundt pan after greasing?

Yes, flouring after greasing helps prevent the cake from sticking, ensuring a clean release and preserving the cake’s shape.

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 145 reviews

This Spiced Apple Cider Donut Cake is a moist and flavorful bundt cake infused with apple cider and warm spices. Perfect for fall gatherings, it has a tender crumb made from a yellow cake mix combined with apple cider, applesauce, and cinnamon sugar topping that mimics the classic donut flavor. The cake is finished with a generous brushing of melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for a sweet and spiced crust.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 42 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the cake batter:

1 box yellow cake mix (Betty Crocker preferred)
3/4 cup apple cider
1/2 cup sweetened applesauce
3 large eggs
2 tbsp melted butter
1 tbsp packed brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the topping:

1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 10 or 12 cup bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking, then set it aside while you prepare the batter.
Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer on low speed to combine the yellow cake mix, apple cider, sweetened applesauce, eggs, and melted butter until just incorporated. Then add the packed brown sugar and vanilla extract and mix well until the batter is smooth and uniform, being careful not to overmix for a fluffier cake.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, checking at 45 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; the cake is done when the toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and Remove the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then carefully invert the bundt pan onto a cooling rack or parchment paper to release the cake. Allow it to cool completely before adding the topping.
Mix the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined to create the classic cinnamon sugar topping.
Brush with Butter and Add Cinnamon Sugar: Once the cake is completely cooled, brush the entire surface with melted butter, then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top and sides of the cake. For extra flavor, brush a little extra melted butter on the cake before adding more cinnamon sugar.

Notes

For a fluffier texture, avoid overmixing the batter after adding all ingredients.
Use a toothpick to test doneness around 45 minutes to prevent overbaking.
Ensure the cake is completely cooled before adding the cinnamon sugar topping to prevent melting.
You can use either a 10 or 12 cup bundt pan; just adjust baking time as needed.
Brush extra melted butter on the cake before the final sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an extra tasty crust.

Keywords: apple cider cake, spiced cake, bundt cake, fall dessert, cinnamon sugar topping, donut cake, apple dessert