Apple Cider Doughnut Cake

If you love the warm, spiced flavor of apple cider doughnuts, this Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is the perfect treat for you! It’s an easy, moist, and flavorful cake that captures the essence of fall with every bite. The combination of apple cider, cinnamon, and brown sugar makes this cake a deliciously comforting dessert or snack. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress!

Ingredients

To make this delightful Apple Cider Doughnut Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

• 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 (preferably cinnamon apple sauce, not chunky)
• 3 large eggs (room temperature)
• ¼ tsp cinnamon (or more, depending on your preference)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons cinnamon (adjust to your taste)
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ cup melted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce, and eggs. Add ¼ tsp of cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the batter. Mix everything together until smooth.
3. Grease and flour a bundt pan (Baker’s Joy works great for this). Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
4. Bake the cake on the center rack for 40-45 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, it’s ready! Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 20 minutes on a wire rack.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining cinnamon and sugar.
6. Once the cake has cooled, brush the entire surface with melted butter. Then, generously rub the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cake until it’s evenly coated.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips
This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to make it even more delightful:

• Serve Warm: For an extra comforting treat, serve the cake slightly warmed. You can pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy it warm and cozy.
• Pair with Coffee or Tea: The spiced flavor of this cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or your favorite tea, making it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
• Top with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert. The cool creaminess balances out the warm, spiced cake beautifully.
• Add a Drizzle of Caramel Sauce: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some warm caramel sauce over the top of the cake.

Storage Tips
To keep your Apple Cider Doughnut Cake fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This helps retain its moisture and keeps the flavors intact.
• Refrigeration: If you’d like to store the cake for a longer period, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. Be sure to let the cake come to room temperature before serving, as it tastes best when fresh.
• Freezing: You can also freeze slices of the cake for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. To thaw, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few hours or reheat in the microwave.

With these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Apple Cider Doughnut Cake for days to come!

Variations

This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is already a crowd-pleaser, but you can make it even more exciting with a few simple variations. Whether you’re looking to change up the flavor or add some fun twists, these variations are sure to delight:

1. Apple Cinnamon Streusel Topping
For an extra layer of sweetness and texture, add a crunchy apple cinnamon streusel topping. Simply mix ½ cup of flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of melted butter, and 1 tsp of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture over the batter before baking for a delicious streusel crunch on top.

2. Add Chopped Apples
Add some diced fresh apples to the cake batter for more fruitiness and texture. Use 1-2 medium apples, peeled and chopped, and fold them gently into the batter before pouring it into the bundt pan.

3. Spiced Apple Cider Glaze
Create a spiced apple cider glaze for an extra boost of flavor. Combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider, a pinch of cinnamon, and a little vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for a sweet and tangy finish.

4. Use a Different Cake Mix
Switch up the base by using a different cake mix. A carrot cake mix or pumpkin spice cake mix can add even more fall-inspired flavors to the cake. The apple cider and cinnamon will still shine through, making it a delicious twist.

5. Add Walnuts or Pecans
For a nutty crunch, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter. The nuts add a savory element that complements the sweetness of the apple cider and cinnamon.

6. Maple Cinnamon Coating
Instead of the traditional cinnamon-sugar coating, make a maple glaze by combining ¼ cup maple syrup with 2 tbsp melted butter, and ¼ cup powdered sugar. Brush it onto the cooled cake and sprinkle with cinnamon for a maple-cinnamon twist.

7. Swap the Apple Sauce for Pumpkin Puree
For a seasonal twist, swap the apple sauce with pumpkin puree for a pumpkin apple cider doughnut cake. This variation adds a rich, velvety texture and a unique pumpkin flavor, perfect for fall!

8. Vegan Version
To make this cake vegan, substitute the eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use a plant-based apple sauce (or a non-dairy option). You can also swap the butter for coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.

With these variations, you can easily customize your Apple Cider Doughnut Cake to suit your personal taste and make it even more exciting! Enjoy experimenting with different combinations!

FAQs

1. Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
No, apple cider is recommended for this recipe as it has a richer, more concentrated apple flavor than apple juice. Apple cider gives the cake its distinctive taste, while apple juice will make it too sweet and less flavorful.

2. Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes! While yellow cake mix is the traditional choice, you can use spice cake mix, carrot cake mix, or even a pumpkin spice mix for added flavor. Just make sure the mix is similar in consistency for the best results.

3. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this Apple Cider Doughnut Cake gluten-free, substitute the yellow or spice cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free, including the apple sauce and cinnamon.

4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or refrigerate it if you’d like to keep it fresh longer.

5. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the bundt pan?
To prevent sticking, generously grease and flour the bundt pan before pouring in the batter. You can also use a non-stick spray like Baker’s Joy, which has flour in it to ensure the cake slides out smoothly.

6. Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?
Yes, if you don’t have a bundt pan, you can bake this cake in a regular 9-inch round cake pan or a 9×13-inch baking dish. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, and check for doneness with a toothpick.

7. How can I make this cake more moist?
To add more moisture, try adding an extra ¼ cup of apple sauce or a few tablespoons of buttermilk to the batter. You can also brush the cake with a bit of apple cider after baking to keep it moist.

8. Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze this Apple Cider Doughnut Cake. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let it thaw at room temperature or reheat in the microwave.

9. Can I use homemade apple cider instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade apple cider works great in this recipe. Just make sure it’s fresh and not too sweet or too diluted for the best flavor.

10. How can I adjust the sweetness of this cake?
If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the amount of sugar in the batter or the cinnamon-sugar coating. You can also try using a sugar substitute, such as stevia or monk fruit, for a lower-sugar version.

These FAQs will help you troubleshoot and customize your Apple Cider Doughnut Cake to your liking, making it even more enjoyable!

This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is a delightful combination of flavors that will have you coming back for seconds! It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion. The cinnamon-sugar coating adds the finishing touch, making every bite feel like a warm hug. Try it for your next fall gathering or enjoy a slice with a cup of hot cider. You won’t regret it!

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