Apple Cider Donut Cake
Do you know that moment when you want an apple cider donut and then you want a whole cake? Yeah, same. That's where our Apple Cider Donut Cake comes in. The cake batter is infused with shredded apple and cider for a dessert you won't stop thinking about.
Ingredients
Cake:
- 1 box Betty Crocker "Super Moist" Yellow Cake Mix
- ¾ cup apple cider
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup coarsely shredded peeled tart apples (2 medium)
Toppings:
- 3 tbsp of butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider
Instructions
For the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt cake pan or a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- Combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, eggs, apple cider, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg in a large mixing bowl. Mix until all ingredients are well combined, creating a smooth batter.
- Fold in the coarsely shredded peeled tart apples. This step adds a delightful texture and apple flavor to your cake.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes clean.
For the Toppings:
- While the cake is baking, mix the sugar and ground cinnamon for the topping in a small bowl.
- Brush the melted butter evenly over the top once the cake is done and still warm.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously on top of the melted butter. This will create a sweet, cinnamon-spiced crust that adds an extra layer of flavor and texture.
For the Glaze (Optional):
- While the cake is cooking, prepare apple cider glaze. Add powdered sugar and 1/4 cup apple cider to a small bowl and whisk to the desired consistency.
- Serve as apple cider glaze dip (or drizzle glaze on top of the cake).
Notes
When adding the cinnamon sugar and butter topping, I brushed the butter onto the cake and let it set for about a minute. You want it slightly wet to hold the sugar but not so much that it absorbs into the cake.
Mix the cinnamon and sugar after brushing the butter on the cake while waiting for that perfect moisture level. That should give it just the right amount of time. And if needed, add an extra layer of sugar.