Introduction
As the crisp autumn air rolls in, there’s nothing better than indulging in a comforting dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall. Ella Chef brings you the ultimate seasonal treat: Apple Cider Donut Cake. This cake is packed with the warm, aromatic flavors of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg, making it the perfect indulgence for the fall season. Its moist, fluffy texture combined with a crunchy cinnamon topping makes each bite feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether served for a cozy breakfast, a fall gathering, or an afternoon treat, this cake is sure to become a new autumn favorite.
Recipe

Apple Cider Donut Cake with Cinnamon Topping
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a small saucepan, heat the apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about half its volume, approximately 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the reduced apple cider and milk. Mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar topping by combining cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake is still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping evenly over the top for a sweet, crunchy finish.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy your moist and flavorful apple cider donut cake!
Nutrition
Notes
How to Make the Recipe
To make the Apple Cider Donut Cake, begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan. In a small saucepan, heat the apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about half its volume, which should take about 10 minutes. Set the reduced cider aside to cool. This step concentrates the flavors of the apple cider, which is the essence of the cake.
While the cider is cooling, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. These spices give the cake its signature fall flavor.
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, and stir in the vanilla extract. Then, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the reduced apple cider and milk, until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the cake is baking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar topping by mixing the cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl.
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake is still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top to give it that perfect sweet, crunchy topping.
Slice and serve this moist, flavorful apple cider donut cake for a true taste of fall.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this Apple Cider Donut Cake is the perfect fall dessert. With its rich apple cider flavor, warm spices, and sweet, crunchy cinnamon topping, it embodies all the best elements of autumn. It’s simple to make yet indulgent, making it perfect for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a cozy treat at home. Whether served at Thanksgiving or any fall get-together, this cake will surely become a beloved favorite. Enjoy a slice of fall with every bite!