![An apple cider donut cake covered in cinnamon sugar.](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 2048 1365"></svg>)
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Hi Bold Bakers!
WHAT YOU GET IN THIS RECIPE: A cake that tastes exactly like an apple cider donut! It’s a simple cake recipe that leverages all of the flavors you’d find in an apple cider donut, like cinnamon sugar and (of course) apple cider with all of its lovely spices.
Sometimes, and hear me out here, it’s OK to not want to make a whole batch of donuts. The only problem with that, then, is that you don’t get any donuts and your craving for them might drive you mad. That’s why I created this Apple Cider Doughnut Cake recipe. It’s not a donut recipe, but rather an easy cake recipe that tastes just like an Apple Cider Donut.
It’s soft, spiced, and amazing while warm. You get all the flavor from one of the most popular fall donuts but without the fuss!
Let me walk you through the simple process — and should a question pop up without an answer here in the article, please leave it in the comments down below. We answer every single one!
![An apple cider donut cake, sliced.](data:image/svg+xml,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 1365 2048"></svg> "Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe baked and sliced.")
What Is An Apple Cider Donut?
Common sense would tell you that it’s simply a donut made with apple cider, but it’s so much more than that. They’re filled with fall’s warmest spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice — in addition to the inclusion of apple cider. Honestly, forget pumpkin spice (Actually, don’t, you can make your own here, and your own Pumpkin Spice Lattes, too.), because apple cider is the true king of fall.
The Apple Cider
Feel free to use storebought, even though you can easily make your own with my Apple Cider recipe. If you can’t find any at the store, feel free to use unsweetened pure apple juice instead. You can even use your cider to make Apple Cider Caramels, too, which are very popular!
Room Temperature Ingredients
For cakes, all ingredients should be room temperature, but this recipe calls for cold milk in order to help cool the hot cider down faster. Make note of that, it’s important!
Tools You Need To Make Apple Cider Donut Cake
Making Apple Cider Donut Cake
I test recipes so you don’t have to — but this one was pretty simple from start to finish. Part of the process was figuring out how to top the cake — I went with the classic cinnamon sugar, just like a donut, but I also suggest giving it ago with ice cream and salted caramel sauce for decadence.
Make sure you don’t overmix when it comes to cake, too, as it can toughen your cake!
And if you decide that you want to give making your own Apple Cider Donuts a go after making this cake, I’ve simplified the process for you here!
Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips Fro Making Apple Cider Donut Cake
- Again, for cakes, all ingredients should be room temperature. This recipe calls for cold milk, though, in order to help cool the hot cider down faster.
- If you can’t find apple cider, you can use unsweetened pure apple juice instead.
- Granulated sugar can liquefy on the cake when defrosting, so if you plan to make this cake in advance and freeze it, do so before you coat the cake with sugar.
- This is a very casual snacking cake but you can dress it up by serving it with my homemade vanilla ice cream and salted caramel sauce!
- This cake would make a perfect addition to a special brunch!
- For longer storage, freeze before coating with cinnamon sugar in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature for 2 hours, then brush with melted butter and coat with cinnamon sugar before serving.
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And don’t forget to buy my Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook!