Description
This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is a moist, flavorful twist on classic cake doughnuts, infused with real apple cider and spiced with cinnamon. The cake uses a simple yellow cake mix base enhanced by apple cider and cinnamon applesauce, topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating that perfectly mimics the taste and texture of traditional doughnuts, all baked in a convenient cake form.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cake:
- 1 15.25 ounce box Yellow cake mix or Spice Cake Mix (Betty Crocker Yellow Super Moist recommended)
- 1 cup apple cider (NOT apple juice or apple cider vinegar)
- ½ cup cinnamon applesauce (smooth, not chunky)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (adjust to preference for stronger cinnamon flavor)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan or tube pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple cider, cinnamon applesauce, eggs, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk together until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Mix: Gradually add the yellow cake mix and cinnamon to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light and tender.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar. Separately, melt the butter in a shallow dish or bowl.
- Apply Topping: Once the cake has cooled, brush the cake surface generously with the melted butter, then sprinkle or roll the cake in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat evenly, mimicking the traditional doughnut glaze and topping.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake as a delightful apple cider doughnut-inspired treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.
Notes
- Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; avoid substitutes like apple juice or vinegar.
- Cinnamon applesauce adds moisture and spice; choose smooth for even texture.
- Adjust cinnamon levels in both the batter and topping to suit your taste.
- Make sure cake is completely cooled before applying the butter and cinnamon sugar to prevent melting and sogginess.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Keywords: Apple Cider Cake, Doughnut Cake, Cinnamon Sugar Cake, Fall Dessert, Easy Cake Recipe