Apple Cider Donut Cake – A Cozy Fall Dessert!

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is everything you love about fall wrapped into one deliciously spiced, moist, and tender cake! 🍎✨ It’s packed with apple cider flavor, coated in a buttery cinnamon-sugar crust, and has the nostalgic taste of those warm apple cider donuts from the orchard.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dessert, a festive holiday treat, or just because you love apple-flavored goodies, this cake is a must-try! 🎃🔥

---

🍁 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Tastes Like Fall in Every Bite – Warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider goodness! 🍏
✅ Super Moist & Tender – Thanks to the apple cider reduction and buttermilk. 🍰
✅ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and no-fuss instructions. 🥄
✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Breakfast, dessert, or a snack with coffee! ☕
✅ No Yeast, No Frying! – Get all the flavor of apple cider donuts without the hassle. 🍩

---

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to create this irresistible apple cider donut cake:

🍏 For the Cake:

• 2 cups apple cider 🍎
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt 🧂
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs 🥚
• ½ cup buttermilk 🥛
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

🍯 For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup melted butter 🧈
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

---

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

🔥 Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

1️⃣ Pour the apple cider into a saucepan over medium heat.
2️⃣ Simmer until it reduces to about ¾ cup (this concentrates the flavor).
3️⃣ Let it cool while you prepare the cake batter.

💡 Reducing the cider is key to getting that deep apple flavor! 🍏

---

🥄 Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
2️⃣ In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted butter, sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
3️⃣ Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
4️⃣ Stir in the vanilla, buttermilk, and reduced apple cider.
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until smooth.

💡 The batter will be thick—that’s normal!

---

🍰 Step 3: Bake the Cake

1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2️⃣ Grease and flour a bundt pan (or use baking spray).
3️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
4️⃣ Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

💡 Bundt pans give this cake the perfect donut-like shape! 🍩

---

🧈 Step 4: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1️⃣ Once the cake is slightly cooled, brush the melted butter all over it.
2️⃣ Mix sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
3️⃣ Sprinkle (or roll) the cake in the cinnamon sugar until fully coated.

💡 This coating gives the cake that iconic apple cider donut texture!

---

🍽️ How to Serve

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is amazing on its own, but you can level it up with:

🍏 A dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.
🍯 A drizzle of warm caramel sauce for a decadent twist.
🍨 A scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert.
☕ Paired with hot apple cider or coffee for cozy fall vibes!

---

🧊 Storage & Reheating

📦 Storing Leftovers:

• Keep at room temp in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week (but let it come to room temp before serving).

🔥 Reheating Tips:

• Microwave slices for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel!
• Warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.

---

❓ FAQs – Your Questions Answered!

1️⃣ Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?

Yes! Just make sure it’s not apple juice—you need the spiced, tangy flavor of cider.

2️⃣ Can I Skip Reducing the Apple Cider?

You can, but reducing it gives the cake a stronger apple flavor. Totally worth the extra step! 🍏

3️⃣ What If I Don’t Have a Bundt Pan?

No problem! You can use a 9×13” pan (adjust baking time) or muffin tins for mini cakes!

4️⃣ How Do I Make It Even More Moist?

Try adding ½ cup applesauce or an extra tablespoon of butter for extra richness.

5️⃣ Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Bake it a day ahead and add the cinnamon sugar before serving for best results.

---

🍎 The Perfect Fall Treat!

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is soft, flavorful, and bursting with cozy autumn vibes! 🍂 Whether you’re making it for a fall gathering, Thanksgiving dessert, or just because—it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

🔥 Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments! Happy baking! 🍏🍰