Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe: Easy, Spooky & Fun
Story & Intro
Every autumn, my kitchen smelled like apples, cinnamon, and warm sugar. Apple cider donuts were always a tradition, but one year, I decided to bake the same cozy flavors into a cake. That’s how this Apple Cider Doughnut Cake was born. It’s baked in a bundt pan, brushed with butter, and rolled in cinnamon sugar, just like the donuts. My mom loved it at Halloween parties, calling it our “spooky cake.” It’s easy, festive, and perfect for sharing.
Why This Recipe Works
Classic donut taste in cake form
Spices, reduced cider, and cinnamon sugar recreate the classic fall donut flavor.
Easy and shareable
A bundt cake serves a crowd with less effort than making dozens of donuts.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup apple cider (reduced to 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla
For Coating:
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan.
- Reduce cider by simmering until 1/2 cup remains. Let cool.
- Mix dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, soda, spices, salt.
- Cream butter with sugars, then beat in eggs.
- Stir in cider, sour cream, and vanilla. Fold in dry mix.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden.
- Brush warm cake with butter and coat with cinnamon sugar.
Tips & Variations
- Add a cider glaze for extra sweetness.
- Use pumpkin spice for a stronger fall flavor.
- Make it spooky: add Halloween sprinkles or candy eyes.
- Store at room temperature for 2 days, or freeze up to 2 months.
FAQs
Do I need to reduce the cider?
Yes, it adds concentrated flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan butter and yogurt.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container; best within 3–4 days.
What pan works best?
A 10–12 cup bundt pan is ideal.
Conclusion
This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is festive, easy, and full of warm spices. It’s the perfect cake for fall gatherings, Halloween, or Thanksgiving. Each slice tastes like a cozy donut, but in cake form. Bake it once, and it’ll become your new autumn tradition.