This recipe is my take on a classic, elevated with the unique flavor of apple cider donuts. Imagine the moist texture of a spice cake infused with the warm, comforting taste of fall—that's this cake! I developed this recipe after a friend's disastrous attempt to bake a cake for a fall party; this one's fool-proof!

The secret ingredient? Chopped apple cider donuts baked right into the cake! It adds little pockets of sweetness and a delightful crunch to every bite. This cake isn't just a dessert; it's a nostalgic autumn experience. Its sweet and subtly spiced flavors make it the perfect ending to a cozy night in or the centerpeice of a fall celebration. So gather your ingredients and let's get baking!

Apple Cider Donuts Cake

Name: Apple-Cider-Donuts-Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: Baking
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons Baking soda; 1 teaspoon Baking powder; 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon (or apple pie spice); 1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted butter; 1 3/4 cups Granulated sugar; 2 Large eggs; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; 1 cup Apple cider; 1 cup (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar) Buttermilk; 1 cup Chopped apple cider donuts

This Apple Cider Donuts Cake is a moist, spiced cake with chopped apple cider donuts baked right in! A perfect fall dessert, simple to make, and guaranteed to delight.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 12 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

📖 Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures even baking and easy removal of your delicious cake.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (or your spice combo). Make sure everything is evenly distributed—no clumps allowed!
In a separate bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter and 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy. If using an electric mixer, this step is super easy. If not, grab a spoon and get ready for a little arm workout!
Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, followed by 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Don't rush this step, it is key to a well-mixed batter!
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of apple cider and 1 cup of buttermilk (or 1 cup milk plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar). Make sure to gently whisk it together to avoid any curdling.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. I always say, a little bit of texture adds character!
Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped apple cider donuts into the batter, ensuring they're distributed evenly. It's like a donut treasure hunt inside the cake!
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. This is where a rubber spatula really shines!
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Always check the cake before it reaches the maximum baking time to avoid overbaking!
Let the cake cool completely in the pan before adding your icing. Patience, young padawan! The wait will be worth it.
Once the cake is cool, prepare your glaze (optional) by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2-4 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and dust with extra powdered sugar.

📝 Notes

Make sure your butter is softened before creaming it with the sugar.
Don't overmix the batter, or the cake will be tough.
Let the cake cool completely before glazing.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months!