Apple Cider Doughnut Cake

Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is a warm, cozy dessert that brings together everything people love about classic apple cider doughnuts in the form of a soft, tender Bundt cake. It has a beautiful golden crumb, a delicate apple flavor, and a generous cinnamon-sugar coating that gives every slice that familiar doughnut-shop finish.

The combination of apple cider and applesauce keeps the cake moist while adding natural fruit flavor. Cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla, and melted butter make the cake rich and comforting without being overly heavy. It is a wonderful dessert for fall gatherings, family dinners, holiday tables, or simply enjoying with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. Using yellow cake mix as the base saves time while still giving you a homemade-style cake with plenty of flavor. Once baked, the cake is brushed with butter and coated with cinnamon sugar, creating a slightly crisp, sweet exterior that tastes just like an apple cider doughnut.

Ingredients

15.25 oz yellow cake mix

1 cup apple cider

1/2 cup applesauce

3 large eggs

2 tablespoons plus 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup butter, melted

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Generously grease and lightly flour a Bundt pan, making sure to coat all the grooves so the cake releases cleanly after baking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, add the yellow cake mix, apple cider, applesauce, eggs, 2 tablespoons of cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
4. Using an electric mixer, beat the ingredients on low speed for about 30 seconds, just until everything begins to come together.
5. Increase the speed to medium and continue mixing for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. The batter should be smooth and evenly combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan.
7. Gently tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles and help the batter settle evenly into the pan.
8. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35–45 minutes.
9. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the thickest part of the cake. It should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached.
10. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes.
11. Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate or wire rack and allow it to cool slightly.

Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

While the cake is still slightly warm, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating.

In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon.

Brush the outside of the warm cake with melted butter, making sure to cover the top and sides.

Generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the entire surface, pressing it gently onto the cake where necessary.

The warm butter helps the sugar mixture cling to the cake and creates the classic apple cider doughnut-style coating.

Serving Suggestions

Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is delicious served warm, at room temperature, or slightly chilled.

For a simple presentation, slice it and serve it exactly as it is with its cinnamon-sugar crust.

For an extra-special dessert, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or warm cinnamon apples.

It also pairs beautifully with hot apple cider, coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.

If you are serving it for breakfast or brunch, a lightly warmed slice makes a wonderful sweet addition alongside fresh fruit, eggs, or other breakfast favorites.

Storage Tips

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

For longer storage, keep it covered in the refrigerator for about 4–5 days.

Before serving refrigerated slices, allow them to come to room temperature or warm them briefly for a softer texture and stronger apple-cinnamon aroma.

The cake can also be frozen in individual slices. Wrap each piece tightly and place them in a freezer-safe container. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is a simple but impressive dessert filled with comforting fall flavors. The moist apple-infused cake, warm cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla, and buttery cinnamon-sugar coating create a wonderful balance of softness, sweetness, and spice.

It has all the charm of a freshly made apple cider doughnut but in an easy Bundt cake that is perfect for sharing. Whether you prepare it for a family gathering, autumn celebration, holiday dessert table, or a quiet afternoon treat, this cake brings a warm homemade feeling to every slice.

Serve it while slightly warm for the most comforting experience, and enjoy the combination of soft apple cake and sweet cinnamon coating in every bite.