Apple Cider Donut Cake: A Moist, Spiced Bundt Packed with Fall Flavor

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Introduction: Apple Cider Donut Cake—A Cozy Fall Classic in Every Slice 🍎🍂

From Orchard Treat to Bundt Pan Beauty

Few fall traditions are as cherished as the first bite of a warm, sugar-dusted apple cider donut at a roadside orchard. Originally popularized across New England in the early 1900s, cider donuts quickly became synonymous with autumn in the Northeast, thanks to regional orchards that pressed their own cider and flavored baked goods with its sweet-tart essence.

But why stop at the donut? The evolution of this seasonal treat has led to the beloved Apple Cider Donut Cake—a soft, spiced bundt cake that captures all the rustic warmth of the original, minus the frying. It’s the same nostalgic flavor, reimagined for easy home baking and crowd-pleasing presentation.

A Rising Fall Favorite Across North America 🍁

The Apple Cider Donut Cake has gained popularity far beyond New England. Today, it’s a staple in homes, bakeries, and holiday tables throughout the United States and Canada, especially from September through November. Packed with ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, applesauce, and real apple cider, it checks every box for a moist, tender, flavor-packed dessert.

And the best part? It’s as easy as mix, bake, brush, and sprinkle—making it a must-bake even for beginners.

Want more fall-inspired baking ideas? Check out our French Toast Casserole, a cinnamon-spiced favorite that’s perfect for chilly mornings or dessert platters.

What You’ll Need 🧰🍎

Essential Equipment for Bundt Cake Success 🧁

You don’t need fancy tools to pull off this cozy fall favorite—just a few kitchen staples to ensure a smooth baking process and beautiful bundt presentation:

Bundt pan (12-cup capacity) – A must for achieving that classic ring shape and crisp, golden edges.
Mixing bowls (at least 2) – One for dry ingredients, one for wet.
Electric mixer or whisk – To blend sugar, oil, and eggs into a light, fluffy base.
Measuring cups and spoons – Accuracy is key in baking.
Cooling rack – Helps the cake cool evenly and avoids sogginess on the bottom.

🧈 Pro Tip: Use a pastry brush to grease and flour the bundt pan thoroughly, getting into all the nooks to prevent sticking.

Pantry & Fridge Ingredients 🍂

Here’s what gives this apple cider bundt cake its rich, spiced flavor and tender texture:

All-purpose flour – The structural base.
Baking powder & baking soda – Help the cake rise and hold its shape.
Ground cinnamon & nutmeg – Warm spices that define fall baking.
Salt – Balances the sweetness and deepens flavor.
Granulated sugar & brown sugar – A blend adds complexity and moisture.
Vegetable oil – Keeps the crumb moist and light.
Eggs – Provide lift and structure.
Unsweetened applesauce – Adds natural moisture and subtle apple flavor.
Apple cider – The star ingredient for that signature sweet-tart apple note.
Vanilla extract – Enhances all the warm flavors.

📝 Ingredient Tip: Use fresh, local apple cider if available—it’s more flavorful and aromatic than shelf-stable versions.

🍰 Looking for more comforting fall bakes? Try our High-Fiber Apple Cranberry Baked Oats—a hearty, make-ahead option with cozy orchard vibes.

Ingredients 🧾🍏

This apple cider bundt cake delivers the flavors of a cider donut in every bite—with simple pantry staples and a cozy blend of spices. Below is everything you’ll need to create the cake and its signature cinnamon sugar finish.

For the Cake 🎂

3 cups all-purpose flour – Scoop and level to avoid a dense crumb.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – The signature spice of cider donuts.
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds warm depth and pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
1 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
1½ tablespoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise evenly.
1½ cups granulated sugar – For sweetness and structure.
½ cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and caramel-like undertones.
1 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
3 large eggs – At room temperature for better blending.
1 cup unsweetened applesauce – Adds moisture and subtle apple flavor without overwhelming the cake.
1 cup apple cider – Use fresh, unfiltered cider for the boldest taste.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the spiced flavor profile.

🧁 Moisture Tip: The applesauce and oil combo ensures the cake stays soft for days—no dry crumbs here.

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating 🍥

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted – Helps the cinnamon sugar stick to every crevice.
¼ cup granulated sugar – Classic coating sweetness.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – For that unmistakable donut vibe.

🍩 Optional Add-On: Mix in a pinch of cardamom or cloves to the sugar coating for an even spicier finish.

🥣 Craving a similar cozy treat with bold apple flavor? Try our Raspberry Oatmeal Muffins—perfect for fall brunches and snack breaks.

Instructions 👨‍🍳🍰

Step-by-Step Baking Directions for the Perfect Apple Cider Bundt Cake

This cake is incredibly easy to put together, and the result is a moist, aromatic bundt that tastes just like your favorite apple cider donut—only bigger, bolder, and baked.

1. Prepare the Pan and Oven 🔧

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
Generously grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan, making sure to coat every ridge to prevent sticking.

🧈 Pro Tip: Use a baking spray with flour or a silicone brush dipped in butter + flour for even coverage.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients 🥣

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
3 cups all-purpose flour,
2 tsp ground cinnamon,
¼ tsp ground nutmeg,
1 tsp salt,
1½ tbsp baking powder.

This spiced mix is the foundation of your donut cake’s warm, cozy flavor.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients 🧁

In a large mixing bowl, blend:
1½ cups granulated sugar,
½ cup brown sugar,
and 1 cup vegetable oil until smooth.
Add 3 eggs, one at a time, beating well after each.
Mix in 1 cup applesauce and 1 tsp vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

4. Alternate Dry Ingredients and Cider 🍎

Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet bowl, alternating with 1 cup of apple cider, starting and ending with dry.
Stir just until combined—do not overmix.

🎯 Texture Tip: Overmixing can make the cake dense. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.

5. Bake the Cake ⏲️

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan.
Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to finish cooling.

🍂 Fragrance Bonus: Your kitchen will smell like an apple orchard in October!

6. Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating ✨

While the cake is still warm, brush the surface with ¼ cup melted unsalted butter.
In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup granulated sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon.
Sprinkle or press the cinnamon sugar mixture onto the cake until it clings to the entire exterior.

🍰 Finish Tip: For maximum coverage, use your hands or a spoon to gently press the sugar mix into the cake’s surface.

🍎 For another warmly spiced dessert with seasonal flair, check out our Sticky Toffee Chia Pudding—a modern twist on classic comfort.

Nutrition Score 🧮🥄

Estimated Per Serving (based on 12 slices)

This cozy fall treat delivers big flavor with seasonal ingredients, and while it’s an indulgence, it’s made with real apple cider and applesauce to keep things balanced. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per slice:

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 50g
Sugars: 30g
Protein: 4g

🍏 Smart Swap Tip: For a lighter version, substitute half the oil with Greek yogurt or use a sugar substitute in part.

🧁 Want a lighter fall-friendly treat to balance things out? Try our Zesty Roasted Beet and Orange Salad—it’s vibrant, refreshing, and rich in fiber and antioxidants.

Serving & Storage 🍽️📦

Slices of Apple Cider Donut Cake served with hot cider on a cozy fall table

Serving Suggestions ☕🍰

This apple cider bundt cake is rich in fall flavor and shines on its own or dressed up for special occasions. Here’s how to serve it like a seasonal showstopper:

Serve warm or at room temperature to enhance the cake’s moist texture and apple-cinnamon aroma.
Pair it with a mug of hot apple cider, chai tea, or freshly brewed coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.
For an indulgent twist, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream.
Dress it up with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze for special occasions or holiday tables.

🍂 Serving Tip: Slice the cake with a serrated knife to preserve its beautiful bundt shape and cinnamon sugar coating.

Storage Tips 🧊

Keep your cake fresh and flavorful with these storage guidelines:

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Extend freshness for up to 1 week—just bring slices to room temp before serving for optimal softness.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.

📝 Reheat Tip: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive the cinnamon-sugar aroma and soft crumb.

🍰 Love fall bakes that store well? Don’t miss our Macadamia Nut & Coconut Pancakes with Honey—freezer-friendly and perfect for crisp autumn mornings.

Variations 🔄🍎

Flavor Enhancements 🍯🌰

This recipe is a fall classic, but with a few simple tweaks, you can make it your own or tailor it to different palates and occasions:

Glazed Version 🍥 – Instead of cinnamon sugar, top the cooled cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider. Let it drizzle down the sides for bakery-style presentation.
Nutty Addition 🌰 – Fold in ½ cup chopped toasted pecans or walnuts to add texture and depth.
Spiced Twist 🍂 – Intensify the flavor with a pinch of clove, cardamom, or ginger added to the dry ingredients for a bolder spice profile.

🧁 Flavor Boost Tip: Add a splash of spiced rum or bourbon to the batter for a grown-up dessert with warm undertones.

Ingredient Substitutions 🌿

Want to accommodate dietary preferences? These easy swaps make the cake more accessible without losing its signature flavor:

Gluten-Free 🌾 – Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Vegan Option 🌱 – Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use plant-based butter or oil. Applesauce and cider already make this a moist, dairy-free-friendly base.
Low-Sugar 🍬 – Cut the sugar by 25–30% or use a natural alternative like coconut sugar or a baking blend with stevia or monk fruit.

💡 Looking for more creative spins on seasonal baking? Try our Peanut Butter Banana Toast—a quick breakfast with endless topping variations.

FAQs ❓🍰

What makes this cake taste like an apple cider donut?

The flavor comes from the combination of fresh apple cider, warm fall spices (like cinnamon and nutmeg), and the cinnamon-sugar coating applied while the cake is still warm. The use of applesauce and brown sugar adds moisture and richness that mimics the texture of a classic cider donut.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Technically yes, but it won’t deliver the same depth of flavor. Apple cider is unfiltered and often more tart and aromatic than apple juice. If you substitute, opt for unsweetened, unfiltered juice and consider reducing the sugar slightly to avoid making the cake too sweet.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the bundt pan?

Grease every nook of your bundt pan thoroughly with butter or baking spray, then dust it with flour.
Let the cake cool for 15 minutes in the pan before inverting—too soon and it may fall apart; too late and it may stick.

🧈 Pan Tip: Silicone or nonstick pans can help, but always coat them just as carefully.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! It actually gets better the next day as the flavors settle and intensify.

Store it tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
If you want to make it days ahead, freeze the baked (uncoated) cake, then thaw and coat with cinnamon sugar before serving.

🍽️ For another make-ahead-friendly dessert, try our Chocolate Chess Pie—it’s rich, silky, and perfect for slicing in advance.

Conclusion 🍂🎂

Apple Cider Donut Cake: A Slice of Fall in Every Bite

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is more than a dessert—it’s an experience. With its tender crumb, spiced aroma, and sugar-crusted exterior, it captures the essence of autumn orchards and cozy kitchens in every bite.

It’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again—for weekend baking, holiday tables, or whenever you crave a little seasonal nostalgia without the mess of deep frying. Simple to make and endlessly adaptable, it’s everything we love about fall—warm, comforting, and meant to be shared.

🍁 Love bundt cakes that celebrate the season? Be sure to try our Pumpkin Spice Bundt Cake—a cinnamon-rich alternative perfect for Thanksgiving brunch or a spiced morning treat.