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Apple Cider Donut Cake
CakeMedium

Apple Cider Donut Cake

Recipe by lounarecipes

From the Blog Author

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is one of my favorites because it turned a simple weeknight into a cozy, sweet highlight of the day. I love how the warm, spicy notes of fresh apple cider mingle with the buttery crumb, creating a dessert that feels like a hug from the inside out. What I love most is how the cake rises into thick, donut‑like domes, then cools into a glossy, lightly sugared surface that’s almost too pretty to eat. The addition of real butter and a splash of vanilla extract keeps the flavor deep and comforting, while a touch of brown sugar and cinnamon gives it that classic fall snack feel. The glaze—just a quick drizzle of maple syrup with a pinch of nutmeg—adds a sparkling sweet finish that melts in your mouth. A little tip from my experience: chill the batter in the fridge for about 20 minutes before baking. That reduces oven shock, keeps the donuts from flattening, and gives them a perfectly golden crust. Also, if you like a nostalgic donut flavor, sprinkle a little coarse sea salt on top before serving—just a pinch balances the sweetness wonderfully. If you try this, I’d love to hear what you think—drop me a quick note about how it turned out and any tweaks you made. It’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen, too.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Servings
12
Difficulty
Medium

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup apple cider
  • 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

Directions

1

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan.

2

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

3

In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then beat in eggs one at a time.

4

Stir in apple cider, milk, and vanilla. Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture until just combined.

5

Pour batter into the prepared Bundt pan and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6

Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool slightly.

7

While the cake is still warm, brush it with melted butter and generously coat with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

8

Serve warm or at room temperature, donut-style.

Recommended Kitchen Tools

1
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2
Air Fryer Oven Large 20 QT, 10-in-1 Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo with Window for Family, Airfryer Oven with Rotisserie, 3 Dehydrating Racks
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3
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• 6.5 QT Pro XL Capacity lets you bake cookies or cake layers for the whole party in one go. • 6-in-1 Max Crisp mixes air fry, bake, and dehydrate, so fewer appliances and more baking freedom. • Nonstick Basket & Crisper Plate releases desserts cleanly, cutting cleanup time. • Recipe Guide gives fool‑proof dessert tips for first‑time bakers. Why We Love It: We love the big capacity for crowd‑sized treats. And Max Crisp gives every cookie a perfect edge.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store leftover Apple Cider Donut Cake to keep it fresh?

For best texture, store the cooled Apple Cider Donut Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you plan to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it, but allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor, especially if it has a glaze.

Can I substitute the ground cinnamon or nutmeg if I don't have them for this cake?

While cinnamon and nutmeg are key to the donut flavor, you can substitute the 2 teaspoons of cinnamon with 1.5 teaspoons of apple pie spice blend. If you omit the nutmeg entirely, the flavor will still be good, but adding a tiny pinch of allspice can help mimic the warmth.

What is the best way to ensure my Apple Cider Donut Cake comes out moist and doesn't stick to the Bundt pan?

To guarantee a moist cake, ensure you cream the 1/2 cup of softened butter and sugar properly until light and fluffy before adding eggs. For easy release from the 10-cup Bundt pan, thoroughly grease and flour the pan, making sure to get into all the crevices before pouring in the batter.