Apple Cider Doughnut Cake – Experience the blend of flavors in our Apple Cider Doughnut Cake. This dessert is more than a cake – it takes you on a journey through the kitchens of American homes. Combining the richness of apple cider, butter, and aromatic spices this recipe promises to be the highlight of any meal or celebration.
The first time I tried my hand at making this cake I was instantly transported back to memories. The aroma of simmering apple cider brought back images of autumn days and the warm golden colors of fall. As I patiently waited for the cake to bake I couldn’t help but imagine the smiles it would bring. Boy was I right! My husband, who isn’t typically fond of desserts couldn’t resist having seconds while our little ones’ faces lit up with joy. It was a moment filled with family happiness.
What makes this Apple Cider Doughnut Cake truly stands out?
Our Apple Cider Doughnut Cake stands out in ways. It’s not just another apple cake – it beautifully combines elements from classic doughnuts and moist apple cake to pay homage to the beloved Apple Cider Doughnut treat. By using Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix, as a base this dessert ensures a hassle-free baking experience without compromising on taste. Each mouthful is filled with the juiciness and inherent sweetness of apples blending wonderfully with the comforting spices to bring you a delicious and indulgent taste that evokes memories of the cozy autumn season.
What You Need To Make This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake Recipe?
Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix: Using this particular cake mix is like summoning a trusted baking fairy into your kitchen. It provides a consistent, golden base, ensuring your cake turns out perfect every time.
Apple Cider: Not just your autumnal drink of choice! Apple cider is the soul of this cake, bestowing it with a tangy depth and the nostalgic aroma of orchards in the fall. It’s like sipping on memories while you savor your cake.
Melted Butter: This is where the richness seeps in. The butter not only gives the cake its indulgent mouthfeel but also binds the ingredients, ensuring each slice is a cohesive taste of heaven.
Eggs: The unsung heroes of most baking endeavors! They lend structure to the cake, making sure it rises just right and has that desirable fluffy texture.
Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These aren’t just spices; they’re the aromatic essence of the season. They bring warmth and coziness, enveloping you in a fragrant embrace with each bite.
Shredded Tart Apples: These are the secret agents of moisture in this cake. While subtly present, they amplify the apple flavor, adding a delightful texture contrast and natural sweetness.
Toppings – Butter, Sugar, and More Cinnamon: Think of this trio as the finishing touch, the cherry on top. They lend the cake its signature doughnut feel, with a hint of sugary crunch and a spiced whisper that ties everything together.
Steps To Make Apple Cider Doughnut Cake:
Step 1: Get your oven preheated to a cozy 350°F. Now, while that’s warming up, lovingly coat a 12-cup fluted tube cake pan with baking spray infused with flour. We don’t want our beautiful cake sticking, do we?
Want To Save This Recipe?
Enter your email below and we'll send the recipe straight to your inbox.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, pour in the cake mix, apple cider, that half cup of melted butter, eggs, those lovely 2 tsp of cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix away using an electric mixer at medium speed for about 2 minutes. Feel the aroma? Now, fold in the shredded apples with love and transfer this heavenly batter into your prepped pan.
Step 3: Allow your creation to bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted at the center comes out clean, almost like magic.
Step 4: Once out of the oven, let it cool its heels for about 20 minutes. Gently run a metal spatula around the cake edges to free it from the pan. Transfer it onto a cooling rack. And oh, place some waxed paper underneath that rack!
Step 5: With a soft brush, glaze the top and sides of your cake with the 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix sugar and that 1 tsp of cinnamon in a small bowl. Gently press this mixture onto the cake. Let it stand for another 20 minutes and repeat. Patience, my friend, ensures perfection.
Step 6: Give it about an hour to cool down completely. Remember, good things come to those who wait!
Tip:
When selecting apples, for the Apple Cider Doughnut Cake it’s best to go for varieties such as Granny Smith or Braeburn. These types of apples have a tanginess that helps balance out the sweetness of the cake and brings out the apple flavor even more. Here’s a little tip; when you grate the apples keep the skin on. Not only does it add a pop of color to the cake but it also adds a nice touch of texture and some extra nutritional value. Remember, achieving that blend of flavors and textures is what it’s all, about!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use store-bought apple juice instead of apple cider?
While in a pinch you can substitute apple juice it is recommended to use apple cider for its more robust flavor. Apple cider is less processed compared to apple juice retaining more of the taste and tanginess of the apples, which greatly enhances the flavor profile of the cake.
I don’t have a fluted tube cake pan. Can I use a regular cake pan?
Certainly! Although a fluted tube pan gives this cake its appearance you can absolutely use a round or square cake pan. Just remember to adjust the baking time as different pan sizes and shapes may affect cooking times. Always perform the test to ensure it is fully baked.
How long can I store the Apple Cider Doughnut Cake?
For best enjoyment it is best to consume this cake within 2 to 3 days when stored loosely covered at room temperature. If you need to store it for long periods refrigeration can help maintain its freshness. Just remember to allow it to come back, to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Apple Cider Doughnut Cake
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box Betty Crocker™ Super Moist™ Yellow Cake Mix
- 3/4 c apple cider
- 1/2 c melted butter
- 4 eggs
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 c coarsely shredded peeled tart apples 2 medium
Toppings:
- 3 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 c sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Make sure to coat a 12-cup fluted tube cake pan with baking spray.
- In a mixing bowl mix together the cake mix, apple cider, melted butter, eggs, cinnamon and nutmeg. Beat the mixture on medium speed for around 2 minutes. Gently fold in the apples.
- Pour the batter into the pan. Bake it for approximately 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once baked remove the cake from the oven. Allow it to cool for 20 minutes while still in the pan. Then carefully transfer it onto a cooling rack placed over waxed paper.
- Brush some melted butter, onto the cake surface. Combine sugar and cinnamon together. Gently press this mixture onto both the top and sides of the cake. Let it sit for 20 minutes before repeating this step.
- To keep your creation fresh, make sure to cover it at room temperature.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!