Apple Cider Donut Cake

This easy one-bowl Apple Cider Donut Cake is the perfect dessert for fall! All the warm spices of fall are baked into this cake, like apples, cinnamon, and allspice. Slice a piece of this tender, warm cake coated in cinnamon and sugar and you’ll be dreaming of that crisp fall air!

Fall is one of my favorite times of year, and honestly, a large part of that is because I love fall baking! If you’ve been around for a while you probably know that I’m not the biggest fan of pumpkin, but I love all things apple. I have tons of apple recipes here on the blog, like this Apple Crumble Danish recipe, my Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars or my favorite Apple Crumb Cake.

There are just so many ways to bring that apple flavor into delicious, decadent desserts!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

This recipe embraces all the classic fall flavors, meaning your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes!

The tender crumb contrasted with the delicious cinnamon sugar coating makes for a delicious bite!

It will remind you of your favorite apple cider doughnuts (or donuts, if you prefer!)

This easy recipe only takes one bowl to make, which means fewer dishes for you!

Ingredients for Apple Cider Donut Cake

This apple cake is simple to make when you start with a cake mix! Here are all the ingredients you need:

1 box yellow cake mix (I used Betty Crocker Golden Cake Mix)

Ground cinnamon (for the cake and for the topping)

Dark brown sugar (light brown sugar is okay too, but I prefer the richer taste of the dark)

Ground allspice

Apple cider

Apple sauce

Large eggs

Pure vanilla extract

Unsalted butter

Granulated sugar

Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post to see the exact amounts you’ll need for each of the ingredients.

Equipment Needed

You might notice my cake as pictured doesn’t look like your typical Bundt cake. I chose this pan because it reminded me of a large donut! Feel free to use a more decorative Bundt pan, as long as it is a 12-cup pan. Don’t forget to grease and flour it really well so the cake doesn’t stick!

How to make Apple Cider Bundt Cake

Let’s go over the step-by-step directions to make this apple cider cake:

First, preheat oven to 350°F degrees. Grease and flour a 12-cup Bundt cake pan. 

In a large bowl, whisk the cake mix, brown sugar, ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon, and ground all-spice. 

Next, add the apple cider, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla to the dry ingredients and beat with a hand mixer on medium speed for about 1 ½ minutes. You could also use the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.

Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and the cake is lightly golden brown.

Allow the cake to sit in the pan and cool for about 30 minutes before flipping it upside down onto a cooling rack. 

Melt your butter in the microwave and use a pastry brush to spread it evenly over the cake, ensuring all sides are covered. Let the melted butter cool and sink into the cake for 1 minute.

Meanwhile, in a small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle it all over the cake. (Note: you may want to spoon it on and rub it in with your hands, as some areas may take more than others depending on how wet it is from the butter). 

Slice and serve! You can eat this warm or at room temperature, however you prefer! I like my cake with a scoop of ice cream or this 3 Ingredient Whipped Cream.

Tips for the Perfect Bundt Cake

If you’ve ever worried about removing your Bundt cake from its pan, you are not alone! I think I hold my breath every time, even though it’s hardly my first time making one and I’ve followed all the steps below. Here are my tips for the best results and easy removal:

Grease and flour your pan very well, especially if it is more detailed. Get that butter or shortening into every nook and cranny!

Don’t overfill your pan! If the cake rises too much above the pan it is more difficult to remove.

Don’t rush to remove it! Time to cool and set is absolutely necessary. I also like to run a knife around the center tube and along the edges to help loosen the cake.

Pro tip: when it’s time to remove the cake, place your wire rack upside down on top of the bundt cake pan and flip them both at the same time. Then slowly pull the pan away from the cake. I’ll even tap the outside of the pan to help loosen it before pulling it off.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider for this cake?

Yes, you can. Apple juice is a bit sweeter and cleaner, as it has been filtered. Apple cider has not been filtered and typically apple cider flavor is stronger and earthier than juice. Some varieties are spiced as well. Either will work well for Apple Cider Donut Cake. 

My cake is a little dry. How can I avoid this?

This recipe should produce a very moist cake, as the applesauce and apple cider provide lots of moisture. Make sure not to overmix the cake–just stir until the ingredients are combined. And then, don’t overbake; use a cake tester or toothpick to make sure the cake is done, but if you overbake it the cake will dry out.

How do I store leftover Apple Cider Bundt Cake?

This donut cake is best when kept loosely covered at room temperature. If you put it in an airtight container, the cake will absorb a lot of the cinnamon sugar mixture. It will last longer this way, but it does change the texture.

Can I freeze this Bundt cake?

Yes, though I recommend freezing the Apple Cider Donut cake before you put the butter and cinnamon-sugar topping on. When you’re ready to thaw and serve it, you can add the topping then.

To freeze, wrap the whole cake in plastic wrap and place it in a large freezer bag, or double-wrap it in plastic wrap. The cake will last for about 3 months in the freezer when stored properly. Thaw on the counter overnight, then add the topping before serving.

More Apple Desserts!

If you loved this Apple Cider Donut Cake, then you’ll enjoy these apple recipes too! Each one makes a perfect fall treat:

The EASIEST Apple Cream Pie

Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Cookies

Inside Out Caramel Apples

Baked Apple Cinnamon Pancake

Apple Ginger Galette

Apple Streusel Muffins

Apple Crisp

Want to Try Another Bundt Cake?

These Bundt cake recipes are lots of fun and so delicious!

Nutella Swirl Banana Bundt Bread

Gigi’s Easy Lemon Cake

Maple Chiffon Cake

Double Chocolate Coconut Cream Filled Bundt Cake

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