Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake (Bakery-Style)

The Ultimate Apple Cider Donut Cake: A Taste of Fall

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes  |  Prep time: 40 minutes  |  Total time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Key Takeaways

• Incredible Flavor & Texture: This cake boasts a soft, moist, and tender crumb with an intense, tangy apple flavor from a concentrated cider reduction.
• Signature Donut Topping: A generous coating of melted butter and crunchy cinnamon-sugar gives this cake the nostalgic taste and texture of a classic apple cider donut.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: An easy, family-friendly dessert that’s perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a cozy afternoon with a cup of coffee.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The cake base freezes beautifully, making it an excellent choice for planning ahead. Simply thaw and add the topping before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

Imagine capturing the essence of a warm, fresh-from-the-fryer apple cider donut and transforming it into a beautiful, shareable Bundt cake. That’s exactly what you get with this incredible Apple Cider Donut Cake. It’s a simple recipe that delivers a wonderfully moist and tender cake, packed with the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. The secret to its deep, authentic flavor is an apple cider reduction, which concentrates the tangy sweetness of fresh cider into every single bite.

This homemade cake is the perfect centerpiece for any fall occasion, from Thanksgiving dessert tables to casual Sunday brunches. It’s a family-friendly dessert that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to make from scratch. The cake itself is rich and buttery, but the real magic happens after baking when it’s brushed with melted butter and coated in a thick layer of cinnamon-sugar. This creates a slightly crunchy, perfectly sweet crust that mimics the beloved texture of a classic donut. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting, this recipe will quickly become a fall favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Using high-quality, room-temperature ingredients is the key to achieving the perfect texture for this moist Apple Cider Donut Cake. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Apple Cider Reduction:

• 2 cups (480ml) fresh apple cider (unfiltered, not apple juice)

For the Cake:

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (110g) packed light brown sugar
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120g) buttermilk or full-fat sour cream, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup (120ml) of the prepared apple cider reduction, cooled

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Equipment Needed:

• Small saucepan
• 10-cup Bundt pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Medium mixing bowl
• Electric stand mixer with a paddle attachment, or a hand mixer
• Whisk & Rubber spatula
• Measuring cups, spoons, and a kitchen scale
• Wire cooling rack & Pastry brush

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Flavor Base and Pan

1. Step 1: Make the Apple Cider Reduction. Pour the 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the cider has reduced by half, down to 1/2 cup. This step is crucial for a deep, concentrated apple flavor. Set aside to cool completely before using in the batter.
2. Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meticulously grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan, ensuring every nook and cranny is coated to prevent sticking. A baking spray containing flour is a great alternative for an easy release.
3. Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Whisking thoroughly ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed for a uniform bake.

Create the Apple Cider Donut Cake Batter

4. Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars. In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes. The mixture should become light, pale, and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which is essential for a tender cake crumb.
5. Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla. Reduce the mixer speed to medium and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula, then mix in the vanilla extract.
6. Step 6: Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients. With the mixer on its lowest speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the wet ingredients (buttermilk and cooled cider reduction) in two additions. Begin and end with the dry ingredients to prevent over-developing the gluten. Mix only until the last streaks of flour disappear. Do not overmix!

Baking and Finishing the Cake

7. Step 7: Bake the Cake. Pour the thick batter into the prepared Bundt pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake for 45-55 minutes. The cake is done when a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
8. Step 8: Cool the Cake. Place the Bundt pan on a wire rack and let the cake cool in the pan for exactly 15 minutes. This step is critical for a clean release. After 15 minutes, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool further.
9. Step 9: Apply the Topping. While the cake is still warm, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the entire surface of the warm cake with the melted butter. Immediately sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the cake, pressing gently to help it adhere. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Baking Tips, Variations & Substitutions

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Room Temperature is Key: For the smoothest batter and most tender cake, ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are all at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify properly, creating a light and airy texture.
• Don’t Skip the Reduction: The apple cider reduction is the heart of this recipe. Bottled apple juice or un-reduced cider will not provide the necessary depth of flavor. This step creates the signature tangy taste of an Apple Cider Donut Cake.
• Avoid Overmixing: Once you add the flour, mix on the lowest speed and stop as soon as the batter comes together. Overmixing develops gluten, which leads to a tough, dry, and dense cake.
• Master the Bundt Pan: To guarantee your beautiful cake releases cleanly, be thorough when greasing and flouring the pan. Use softened butter or shortening and a pastry brush to get into every detail, then dust with flour.

Easy Variations & Substitutions

• Add Nuts: For extra texture and flavor, fold in 1 cup of toasted, chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter at the very end.
• Maple Glaze: Instead of the cinnamon-sugar topping, you can create a simple maple glaze by whisking 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup and a splash of milk.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The results will be just as delicious.
• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own! Add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Full-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt also work as a 1:1 substitute.

How to Serve & Store Your Apple Cider Donut Cake

This cake is absolutely delightful served warm or at room temperature. Its rich flavor needs little accompaniment, but for an extra-decadent treat, serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream. It pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.

To store your Apple Cider Donut Cake, place it in an airtight container at room temperature, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can refrigerate it to extend its life for up to a week, but the crumb may become slightly firm. To restore its soft texture, simply warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before enjoying.

Watch: How to Make It

Frequently Asked Questions