Nothing captures the cozy flavors of fall quite like an Apple Cider Donut Cake. Inspired by the beloved apple cider donuts found at orchards and farmers’ markets, this moist and tender bundt cake is infused with reduced apple cider, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar, then finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating that tastes just like your favorite donut.
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon coffee, or dessert, this cake delivers all the nostalgic flavors of autumn in an easy-to-make recipe. Every slice is soft, buttery, and packed with apple spice goodness, making it an instant favorite for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and cozy weekends at home.
Whether served warm with a cup of coffee or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this Apple Cider Donut Cake is guaranteed to become a seasonal tradition.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Donut Cake
This cake has everything you love about classic apple cider donuts in a beautiful sliceable dessert.
Rich Apple Flavor
Reducing the apple cider intensifies its natural sweetness and creates a deeper apple flavor throughout the cake.
Soft and Moist
Sour cream and butter keep every bite incredibly tender and rich.
Cinnamon Sugar Finish
A buttery coating followed by cinnamon sugar gives the cake its signature donut-like exterior.
Easy to Make
No frying required—simply bake, coat, and enjoy.
Perfect for Fall
Ideal for Thanksgiving, Halloween, brunches, bake sales, or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 cups apple cider
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon apple pie spice
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Optional Garnishes
- Powdered sugar
- Caramel sauce
- Thin apple slices
- Chopped pecans
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
Kitchen Equipment
- 10-cup Bundt pan
- Large mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Small saucepan
- Cooling rack
- Pastry brush
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan.
Bring it to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce to a simmer and cook until it reduces to about 1 cup, approximately 20–25 minutes.
Allow it to cool completely before using.
Step 2: Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Grease and flour a Bundt pan thoroughly.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Cloves
- Apple pie spice
Set aside.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
Add the brown sugar and granulated sugar.
Beat for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add the Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time.
Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Combine the Batter
Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the reduced apple cider and sour cream.
Begin and end with the flour mixture.
Mix just until combined.
Do not overmix.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan.
Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Carefully invert onto a wire rack.
Step 8: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
While the cake is still slightly warm, brush it generously with melted butter.
Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together.
Sprinkle or gently press the cinnamon sugar all over the cake until evenly coated.
Step 9: Serve
Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or hot apple cider.
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Donut Cake
Reduce the Apple Cider
Reducing the cider concentrates its flavor, giving the cake a richer apple taste.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Butter, eggs, and sour cream blend more smoothly and create a better texture.
Grease the Bundt Pan Well
Thoroughly coat every crevice to ensure the cake releases cleanly.
Don’t Overmix
Mix only until the ingredients are combined to keep the crumb soft and tender.
Delicious Variations
Maple Apple Cake
Drizzle the finished cake with maple glaze.
Caramel Apple Version
Serve with warm caramel sauce and diced apples.
Walnut Crunch
Fold chopped walnuts into the batter.
Streusel Filled Cake
Add a cinnamon streusel layer in the middle before baking.
Cream Cheese Glaze
Replace the cinnamon sugar coating with a smooth cream cheese glaze.
What to Serve with Apple Cider Donut Cake
This cake pairs beautifully with:
- Hot coffee
- Apple cider
- Chai tea
- Pumpkin spice latte
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- Caramel apples
- Fresh pears
- Cinnamon roasted nuts
- Sharp cheddar cheese
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator
Keep refrigerated for up to 1 week.
Bring to room temperature before serving.
Freezer
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the Apple Cider Reduction
Using unreduced cider can dilute the batter and weaken the apple flavor.
Overbaking
Bake just until a toothpick comes out clean to keep the cake moist.
Removing the Cake Too Early
Let it cool for about 15 minutes before inverting to prevent it from breaking.
Using Cold Ingredients
Room-temperature ingredients mix more evenly and create a lighter crumb.
Forgetting the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
The buttery cinnamon-sugar finish is what gives this cake its signature apple cider donut flavor.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 34g
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on the ingredients used.
Expert Tips
- Reduce the cider a day ahead to save time on baking day.
- Use fresh apple cider instead of filtered apple juice for the richest flavor.
- Brush the butter onto the cake while it’s still warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks well.
- Sift the dry ingredients for a lighter, more tender texture.
- Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a subtle citrus note.
- Toast chopped pecans before adding them to the batter for extra flavor.
- Let the cake cool completely before wrapping it for storage to prevent condensation.
- Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
- Pair with homemade whipped cream for an extra-special dessert.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, but apple cider provides a deeper, richer flavor. If using apple juice, reduce it the same way to concentrate its sweetness.
Why do I need to reduce the apple cider?
Reducing the cider removes excess water and intensifies the apple flavor, giving the cake its signature taste.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. The cake stays moist for several days and is an excellent make-ahead dessert for holidays and gatherings.
Can I freeze Apple Cider Donut Cake?
Yes. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight before serving.
What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
You can bake the batter in two standard loaf pans or a 9×13-inch baking pan. Adjust the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick.
Can I add fresh apples?
Yes. Fold 1 to 1½ cups of peeled, finely diced apples into the batter for extra texture and flavor.
How do I keep the cake from sticking?
Grease and flour every part of the Bundt pan, making sure to coat all the grooves and center tube thoroughly.
Can I make this into muffins?
Yes. Divide the batter into lined muffin cups and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cider Donut Cake transforms the beloved flavors of classic apple cider donuts into a soft, buttery cake that’s perfect for every fall occasion. Infused with concentrated apple cider, warm spices, and finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating, it’s a simple yet impressive dessert that’s equally delicious for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with coffee. Whether you’re celebrating apple season or simply craving comforting homemade baking, this cake is sure to become a favorite recipe you’ll return to year after year.