Here’s a Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe that combines the flavors of apple cider donuts into a moist, spiced cake with a lovely glaze on top. Perfect for fall or any time you want those cozy flavors.
Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 ½ tsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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½ tsp ground nutmeg
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¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
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¼ tsp salt
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1 cup granulated sugar
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½ cup packed brown sugar
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½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
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2 large eggs
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1 cup apple cider (fresh or store-bought)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2-3 tbsp apple cider (adjust for consistency)
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½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan or a tube pan. Alternatively, you can use a regular 9×13-inch cake pan but the bundt shape adds a nice presentation.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter & Sugars
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In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes) using an electric mixer.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
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Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Wet & Dry
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the apple cider.
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Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined after each addition—avoid overmixing.
6. Bake
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Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
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Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Glaze
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In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, cinnamon, and enough apple cider (start with 2 tablespoons) to make a pourable glaze.
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Adjust with more cider or powdered sugar as needed for thickness.
8. Glaze & Serve
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Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
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Slice and serve!
Tips & Variations:
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You can add chopped apples or toasted nuts (like walnuts or pecans) to the batter for extra texture.
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For a more intense apple flavor, reduce the cider slightly in the batter and simmer it to concentrate before adding.
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Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.