Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

apple cider donut cake recipe

(Warmly spiced, sugar-coated, and nostalgic.)

All the flavor of a fall donut in an easy loaf cake.

INGREDIENTS.

For the Cake.

  • 480ml apple cider (to be reduced)
  • 115g unsalted butter (to be browned)
  • 200g granulated sugar
  • 100g brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 240g all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 120ml buttermilk

For the Frosting.

  • 60g melted butter
  • 100g granulated sugar mixed with 2 teaspoons cinnamon

How to Make This.

    1. Reduce Cider: In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until it has reduced to 120ml (about 15-20 minutes). Let it cool completely.
    2. Brown the Butter: Melt the butter in a pan until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Let it cool slightly.
    3. Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the browned butter, both sugars, and the cooled cider reduction. Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well.
    4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt.
    5. Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients.
    6. Bake: Pour into a parchment-lined 9×5 inch loaf pan. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 55-65 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
    7. The Donut Finish: Let the cake cool for 10 minutes. While still warm, brush the entire loaf with melted butter and roll it in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated.

Tips.

  • Don’t Skip the Reduction: Reducing the cider is essential to concentrate the flavor; otherwise, the cake will just taste like plain vanilla.
  • Brown Butter Depth: Browning the butter adds a toasted, savory note that perfectly complements the apple and spices.
  • Coat While Warm: The cinnamon sugar will only stick properly if the cake is still warm and the butter is freshly brushed on.

Why Make This?

This cake is pure nostalgia. It smells like a crisp autumn day and tastes exactly like a fresh donut from a farm stand. It’s much easier than frying individual donuts but provides all the same cozy, spiced satisfaction.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS.

  1. Serve warm in thick slices.

  2. Pair with a mug of hot apple cider or a spiced latte.

  3. Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.

  4. Perfect for a fall brunch or a cozy afternoon snack.

More Baking Recipes.

moist carrot cake recipe

Moist Carrot Cake.

honey cardamom tart recipe:salted honey dessert

Honey Cardamom Tart.

You Might Also Like.

  1. Creamy, golden, and deeply comforting, the Butternut Squash & Sage Risotto Recipe is a plant-based dinner that never feels like a compromise.
  2. Great baking starts with great basics — explore our Baking Essentials guide for the tools, ingredients, and little details that elevate every single bake.
  3. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or a casual catch-up, our Cozy Entertaining Essentials guide will help you create a table and atmosphere your guests will never forget.

“Serious Eats breaks down the science behind getting every recipe absolutely right.”