Description

This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is a moist and flavorful cake inspired by classic apple cider doughnuts. Using a yellow or spice cake mix combined with apple cider and cinnamon applesauce, it captures the delicious fall flavors in an easy-to-make cake. The cake is finished with a luscious cinnamon sugar topping that mimics the traditional doughnut coating, making it perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

1 15.25 ounce box Yellow cake mix or Spice Cake Mix (Betty Crocker Yellow Super Moist recommended)
1 cup apple cider (NOT apple juice or apple cider vinegar)
½ cup cinnamon applesauce (not chunky)
3 large eggs (room temperature)
¼ teaspoon cinnamon (add more for stronger cinnamon flavor)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

2 tablespoons cinnamon (adjust to taste)
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup melted butter

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan or a similar cake pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
Mix Cake Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow or spice cake mix, apple cider, cinnamon applesauce, eggs, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend everything until the batter is smooth and well combined.
Pour Batter and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. Place the pan in the oven and bake at 350°F for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the cinnamon and granulated sugar. Dip the cake carefully into melted butter, then immediately coat with the cinnamon sugar mixture, ensuring the cake is evenly covered. You can also brush the melted butter onto the cake and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar on top if preferred.
Serve: Once coated, slice the cake and serve. The cake is delicious slightly warm or at room temperature and pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.

Notes

Use real apple cider for the best authentic flavor; avoid substitutes like apple juice or vinegar.
Cinnamon applesauce adds moisture and a hint of spice, but regular applesauce can be used if unavailable.
The cinnamon sugar topping can be doubled for a thicker coating if desired.
You can substitute the cake mix with a homemade yellow or spice cake batter if preferred.
Make sure the cake is completely cooled before applying the topping to prevent it from melting excessively.

Keywords: apple cider cake, doughnut cake, cinnamon sugar topping, fall dessert, easy cake recipe, autumn cake