Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is a delightful and moist dessert that captures the essence of fall in every bite. This cake combines the warm flavors of apple cider with a sweet glaze, making it perfect for gatherings, family celebrations, or simply as a treat for yourself. Its unique texture and taste set it apart from traditional cakes, and it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this cake comes together quickly.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of apple cider and cinnamon creates a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it as a standalone dessert or serve it alongside coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 12 servings, making it an ideal choice for parties or potlucks.
- Moist and Flavorful: The addition of apple sauce keeps the cake moist while enhancing its apple flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Apple Cider Doughnut Cake, you will need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Bundt pan
- Toothpick or cake tester
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all your ingredients without making a mess.
- Bundt pan: This special pan gives your cake its beautiful shape, ensuring even cooking and easy removal.
- Toothpick or cake tester: A simple tool to check if your cake is baked through; it helps you avoid undercooking or overcooking.
- Wire rack: Cooling your cake on a wire rack prevents sogginess by allowing air to circulate around it.
Ingredients
Our Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is flavorful and moist with an apple cider glaze and cinnamon sugar to top it off.
For the Cake
- 1 15.25 ounce box Yellow cake mix or Spice Cake Mix
- 1 cup apple cider (NOT apple juice and NOT apple cider vinegar)
- ½ cup apple sauce (we used cinnamon apple sauce, not chunky)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon (more if you like it really cinnamony!)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
For the Topping
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (depending on how much cinnamon you prefer)
- ¼ cup sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
How to Make Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the start.
Step 2: Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Beat together the dry cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce, and eggs until well combined.
2. Add in the cinnamon (¼ tsp), brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into a well-greased and floured bundt pan.
- Place the bundt pan on the center rack of the oven.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.
Step 4: Cool Down
Once baked:
1. Remove from heat and let cool on a wire rack for about 20 minutes before removing from the pan.
Step 5: Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a separate bowl:
1. Mix together cinnamon with sugar until well combined.
Step 6: Coat Your Cake
Once cooled:
1. Brush melted butter over the entire surface of the cake.
2. Rub cinnamon sugar mixture onto the buttered surface until evenly coated.
Now you’re ready to enjoy this delicious Apple Cider Doughnut Cake! It’s perfect for dessert or as an afternoon snack with coffee.
How to Serve Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
This moist and flavorful Apple Cider Doughnut Cake offers a delightful twist on traditional dessert. Here are some creative ways to serve it for maximum enjoyment.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm cake, creating a refreshing contrast.
- Cinnamon or caramel ice cream will add an extra flavor dimension that enhances the cake’s spices.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- A warm caramel drizzle over each slice adds richness and sweetness, making every bite more indulgent.
- You can use store-bought caramel or make your own for a homemade touch.
Accompanied by Fresh Fruit
- Serve slices alongside fresh apple slices to highlight the apple flavors in the cake.
- Berries like strawberries or raspberries can add a tartness that complements the sweetness.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a fluffy texture that balances the dense cake.
- Consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an added flavor burst.
Served as Breakfast
- This cake makes for a delightful breakfast treat with coffee or tea.
- Try pairing it with yogurt for added protein and creaminess.
How to Perfect Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
To achieve the perfect Apple Cider Doughnut Cake, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Quality Apple Cider: Using fresh apple cider enhances the flavor significantly compared to processed options.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter, leading to a fluffier texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light one.
- Use Proper Bundt Pan Preparation: Thoroughly grease and flour your bundt pan to prevent sticking; this ensures a clean release after baking.
- Cool Before Glazing: Let the cake cool completely before brushing on melted butter and cinnamon sugar for better adherence and flavor infusion.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Apple Cider Doughnut Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some ideas:
- Spiced Chai Tea: The warmth of spiced chai complements the flavors of the cake perfectly, making it an ideal pairing.
- Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup adds savory warmth, contrasting nicely with the sweet cake.
- Cheese Platter: Include sharp cheddar or creamy brie to balance the sweetness of the dessert with savory notes.
- Nutty Granola Parfait: Layered yogurt, granola, and seasonal fruits create a refreshing contrast alongside your cake.
- Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide hearty flavors that work well with the sweet elements of the dessert.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers a crisp, refreshing bite that cuts through the richness of the cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, and it’s easy to make mistakes that affect your Apple Cider Doughnut Cake. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Using the wrong type of apple cider – Ensure you use real apple cider, not apple juice or vinegar, for the best flavor and moisture.
- Skipping room temperature eggs – Using cold eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always let your eggs sit at room temperature before adding them to the batter.
- Not greasing the bundt pan properly – If your pan isn’t well-greased and floured, your cake may stick. Use a non-stick spray designed for baking to prevent this issue.
- Overbaking the cake – Keep an eye on your cake in the oven; overbaking can lead to dryness. Check for doneness with a toothpick at around 40 minutes.
- Ignoring cooling time – Allowing the cake to cool properly before removing it from the pan is crucial. This helps maintain its structure and prevents breakage.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Apple Cider Doughnut Cake in an airtight container.
- It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
- Wrap individual slices or whole cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag.
- The cake will freeze well for about 3 months.
Reheating Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat individual slices at medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop – Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making an Apple Cider Doughnut Cake:
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes! You can substitute yellow cake mix with spice cake mix for a more robust flavor.
How can I enhance the flavor of my Apple Cider Doughnut Cake?
Consider adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg to intensify the spice flavors, or incorporate chopped apples into the batter.
What is the best way to serve Apple Cider Doughnut Cake?
This cake is delicious served warm with a cup of coffee or tea, perfect for breakfast or dessert!
How do I store leftover Apple Cider Doughnut Cake?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
The Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is not only moist and flavorful but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it by adding nuts or different spices. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe and share it with family and friends!
Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is a delightful fusion of fall flavors that offers a moist and sweet experience in every bite. This easy-to-make bundt cake features the rich taste of apple cider paired with warming notes of cinnamon, topped off with a sweet cinnamon sugar coating. Ideal for gatherings or as a comforting afternoon treat, this cake not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also brings the cozy essence of autumn to your table. Perfectly versatile, it can be enjoyed plain or served warm with ice cream or fresh fruit, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
Ingredients
- 1 15.25 ounce box Yellow cake mix or Spice Cake Mix
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup apple sauce
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (for topping)
- ¼ cup sugar (for topping)
- ¼ cup melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan and bake for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick.
- Allow to cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes before removing from the pan.
- Brush cooled cake with melted butter and coat with cinnamon sugar mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: For enhanced flavor, consider adding chopped apples or additional spices like nutmeg. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.