Apple cider donuts are a staple of autumn, evoking memories of crisp mornings, apple picking, and hayrides. Ella Chef first fell in love with these delightful treats during a fall trip to a charming orchard. After tasting the warm, spiced donuts dusted with cinnamon sugar, she was inspired to create an apple cider donut cake that could capture the essence of this autumn favorite in every bite. The combination of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a soft, moist cake creates a comforting dessert that brings the flavors of fall into your home. Ella Chef’s apple cider donut cake quickly became a cherished recipe in her kitchen.
Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

Apple Cider Donut Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once the cake is done, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before sprinkling with cinnamon sugar. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition
Notes
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake
Making Apple Cider Donut Cake is an easy and delightful process, beginning with preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These spices are essential for creating the warm, autumn flavors that define this cake.
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will give the cake a moist and tender crumb. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the apple cider and vanilla extract. The apple cider gives this cake its distinct flavor, making it reminiscent of classic apple cider donuts.
Next, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until everything is combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in a denser cake. Once the batter is ready, pour it into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. After baking, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
To finish, sprinkle the warm cake with cinnamon sugar to mimic the classic apple cider donut coating. The cinnamon sugar adds a sweet, crunchy texture to the soft, spiced cake. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and enjoy a perfect slice of fall with every bite.
Conclusion
Apple Cider Donut Cake is the ultimate fall dessert, capturing the essence of autumn in every bite. With its soft, spiced cake and crunchy cinnamon sugar topping, this dessert is perfect for family gatherings, fall picnics, or simply enjoying with a warm drink on a chilly afternoon. Whether you’re a fan of apple cider donuts or simply looking for a comforting seasonal cake, this recipe will surely become a fall favorite. Treat yourself to the warm, inviting flavors of this cake and embrace the joys of the season.