Apple Cider Donut Cake with Cinnamon Sugar
This Apple Cider Donut Cake with Cinnamon Sugar is a cozy, tender fall dessert bursting with warm spices and a sweet, crunchy coating.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9-inch round cake pan or bundt pan
- Cooling rack
- Small Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar for coating
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon for coating
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9-inch cake pan with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust it with flour to prevent sticking. Set aside. Measure out all ingredients so they’re ready to go — this makes the baking process smooth and stress-free.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or a hand whisk to cream the softened butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step adds air, which helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra layer of flavor.
- Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the apple cider to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the cake could become dense.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back lightly when pressed.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack. While still slightly warm, mix the 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush or your hands, gently coat the top and sides of the cake with melted butter, then sprinkle or roll the cake in the cinnamon sugar mixture to create a delightful crust.
Notes
- For a more intense apple flavor, reduce the apple cider by simmering it down to half before adding it to the batter.
- Do not skip the cinnamon sugar coating — it’s what transforms this from simple cake to crave-worthy treat.
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted when creaming with sugar to achieve the perfect texture.