Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe

There’s something magical about the fall season, isn’t there? The crisp air, the golden leaves, and the comforting aroma of apple cider wafting through the house. Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that captures that seasonal charm perfectly: Apple Cider Doughnut Cake. This cake is a delightful twist on the classic apple cider doughnut, combining all the cozy flavors of fall into one delicious, moist cake. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box Yellow cake mix or Spice Cake Mix (e.g., Betty Crocker Yellow Super Moist or Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix)
• 1 cup apple cider
• ½ cup apple sauce (cinnamon-flavored, non-chunky)
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• ¼ tsp cinnamon (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 2 tbsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter

How to Make Apple Cider Doughnut Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Mix the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce, eggs, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend everything together until smooth and well-combined.
3. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
4. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and sugar. Once the cake is cool, brush the melted butter all over the surface of the cake. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the cake, pressing lightly to adhere.

Helpful Tips

• Room Temperature Eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter and better rise.
• Grease Your Pan Well: Bundt cakes can be tricky to release, so ensure every nook and cranny is greased.
• Cooling Time: Let the cake cool sufficiently in the pan before attempting to remove it to prevent sticking and breaking.

Substitutions/Variations

• Cake Mix Options: Feel free to switch up the flavor of the cake mix. Spice cake mix adds extra warmth, while yellow cake mix provides a classic base.
• Apple Sauce: If you don’t have cinnamon-flavored apple sauce, you can use regular apple sauce and add a pinch more cinnamon to the batter.
• Glaze Variation: For a different take, drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the cake instead of the cinnamon sugar topping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade apple cider?

Absolutely! Homemade apple cider will add a richer, more authentic flavor to your cake.

What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?

You can use a regular 9×13-inch baking dish. Just adjust the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick.

How long will this cake stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container, this cake will stay fresh for up to three days at room temperature.

Storage Instructions

To store, keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you need to store it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

More Relevant Recipes

• No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie
• Grandma’s Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
• Buckeye Brownie Bites

Dive in this Apple Cider Doughnut Cake, and let the flavors of fall fill your home and heart. Happy baking!

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