There’s something special about the cozy, warm flavors of fall—crisp air, crunchy leaves, and the smell of apple cider donuts cake at your favorite orchard. Inspired by this classic autumn treat, the Apple Cider Donut Cake combines all the flavors we love into one tender, spiced cake drizzled with a sweet cider glaze.
I still remember my first visit to the apple orchard as a kid—holding a paper bag filled with warm apple cider donuts cake dusted in cinnamon sugar. The experience was pure magic, and that taste became a core memory. As a baker and a mom, I wanted to recreate that nostalgia at home, but in cake form. This Apple Cider Donut Cake brings all those fall flavors together with a soft, moist crumb and a fragrant apple cider glaze that ties it all perfectly. It’s simple to make and incredibly satisfying to serve to friends and family.
Why You Will Love Apple Cider Donut Cake
Our Apple Cider Donut Cake is an irresistible dessert that delivers all the cozy flavors of a donut shop favorite, minus the frying.
- Full of fall flavors: Apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg come together for a perfectly spiced cake.
- Moist and tender crumb: Greek yogurt and melted butter keep the cake soft and flavorful.
- Easy to make: With just one pan and minimal prep, this cake is beginner-friendly.
Ingredients Notes for Apple Cider Donut Cake
Each ingredient in this Apple Cider Donut Cake has a purpose, ensuring it’s perfectly spiced, tender, and delicious.
For the Cake:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides the structure for a light and fluffy cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and balances the warm spices.
- 1 tsp baking powder & 1/2 tsp baking soda – Gives the cake a nice rise and tender texture.
- 1/2 tsp salt – Enhances the overall flavors.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and coziness.
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg – Complements the cinnamon with earthy spice notes.
- 1/2 cup apple cider – The star of the show! Use fresh apple cider for the richest flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Adds moisture and buttery richness.
- 2 large eggs – Provides structure and helps bind the cake together.
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt – Keeps the cake moist and tender with a slight tang.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – Creates the perfect sweet glaze.
- 2 tbsp apple cider – Adds flavor and thins out the glaze.
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon – Brings a final touch of warmth to the glaze.
Kitchen Equipment Needed for Apple Cider Donut Cake
To make this Apple Cider Donut Cake, you’ll need the following kitchen essentials:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray. For extra insurance, line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Make sure everything is evenly combined for consistent flavor.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, melted butter, eggs, and Greek yogurt until smooth.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cake light and tender.
5. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Glaze
While the cake is cooling, make the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider, and cinnamon until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to cling to the cake.
8. Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake, letting it drip beautifully down the sides. For an extra touch, sprinkle some cinnamon sugar on top before the glaze sets. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips For Apple Cider Donut Cake
- Serving: This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or a warm mug of apple cider. For a fall-themed dessert, serve it alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: The cake (without the glaze) can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, add the glaze, and enjoy.
Variations and Substitutions
This Apple Cider Donut Cake is wonderfully versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences.
- Make it gluten-free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Add crunch: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
- Spice it up: Add 1/4 tsp ground cloves or allspice for a deeper spice profile.
Whether you stick to the original or experiment with your favorite flavors, this cake is always a crowd-pleaser.
Helpful Notes
- Fresh Apple Cider: Use high-quality, fresh apple cider for the best flavor. Avoid apple juice, as it won’t give the same depth of taste.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined to keep the cake light and tender.
- Extra Decoration: Dust the finished cake with a little cinnamon sugar for a bakery-style finish.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ina Garten: “Using full-fat Greek yogurt adds moisture and richness to any cake batter—it’s a baker’s best friend.”
- Sally McKenney (from Sally’s Baking Addiction): “To intensify the flavor, simmer the apple cider first to reduce it and concentrate the taste.”
- Claire Saffitz: “Always allow cakes to cool completely before glazing to avoid a runny mess.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Apple juice works in a pinch, but apple cider adds a deeper, more complex flavor.
2. What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
You can use sour cream or buttermilk instead of Greek yogurt.
3. How can I make this cake more like a donut?
Bake the batter in a bundt pan for a donut-like shape and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar while still warm.
4. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! Bake it a day in advance and store it at room temperature. Glaze it just before serving.
5. How do I prevent the glaze from being too thin?
Add the apple cider to the powdered sugar slowly, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Conclusion
The Apple Cider Donut Cake is the ultimate fall dessert—a perfect combination of warm spices, apple cider flavor, and tender texture, all drizzled with a sweet cinnamon glaze. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy family gathering, a holiday brunch, or a quiet weekend treat, this cake will fill your home with irresistible autumn aromas and become an instant favorite. Simple, delicious, and comforting—what more could you ask for in a fall dessert?
