Description
This Apple Cider Donut Cake brings the beloved flavors of orchard cider donuts into an easy-to-make bundt cake. Using a simple cake mix combined with fresh apple cider and cinnamon apple sauce, this moist and flavorful dessert is topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating for the perfect sweet and spiced finish.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 15.25 ounce box Yellow cake mix or Spice Cake Mix (Betty Crocker Yellow Super Moist or Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix for stronger fall flavor)
- 1 cup apple cider (NOT apple juice or vinegar)
- ½ cup cinnamon apple sauce (smooth, not chunky)
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your bundt pan by greasing and flouring it thoroughly to prevent sticking. Using a baking spray with flour, such as Baker's Joy, is ideal.
- Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, apple cider, cinnamon apple sauce, and eggs. Beat until smooth. Then add the cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated and the batter is uniform.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing out the top gently.
- Bake the Cake: Place the bundt pan on the center oven rack and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Remove from oven once done.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 20 minutes to firm up enough for removal without breaking.
- Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar: While the cake cools, mix together the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl evenly.
- Apply the Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Once the cake has cooled, use a pastry brush to evenly coat the entire surface with the melted butter. Immediately sprinkle and rub the cinnamon sugar mixture all over the cake so it adheres to the butter.
Notes
- Use apple cider for authentic flavor; do not substitute with apple juice or vinegar.
- For a more pronounced fall flavor, opt for a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix.
- Cinnamon amount can be adjusted to taste, add more to batter or topping for extra warmth.
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature to achieve a smooth, even batter.
- Use a bundt pan for best shape and even baking; grease and flour thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Allow the cake to cool sufficiently before adding the cinnamon sugar topping to avoid melting the sugar.