This Apple Cider Donut Snack Cake is just like the best parts of fall baked right into a soft, sweet cake. It’s packed with warm apple cider flavors and has a cinnamon sugar topping that gives it that classic donut crunch and sweetness we all love. The cake is moist and tender, perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or even as a simple dessert.
I love making this cake when the weather starts to turn crisp because it fills the house with that amazing smell of apple and spice. One fun tip I have is to warm it up just a little before serving—makes the cinnamon sugar topping feel extra fresh and gives the cake a cozy hug that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s super easy to slice and share with friends or family.
Whenever I bring this Apple Cider Donut Snack Cake to a get-together, it’s always a hit because it feels both comforting and a little special without any fuss. It’s like having a fresh donut anytime you want, but easier to serve and perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. This cake makes chilly days feel a little warmer and brighter for everyone around the table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: This gives the cake a lovely fruity tang and seasonal flavor. If you don’t have apple cider, you can use diluted apple juice or even pear juice for a twist. Make sure to reduce it as the recipe says to concentrate the taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour works best for this recipe to get a tender crumb. You can try a gluten-free blend if needed, but the texture might be a bit different. Adding a teaspoon of xanthan gum helps if you go gluten-free.
Butter & Sugar: Butter adds richness and moisture. You can swap half the butter for applesauce to lighten it while keeping some moistness. Granulated sugar is important for that cinnamon-sugar coating; brown sugar can add a deeper flavor if mixed into the batter.
Sour Cream: This keeps the cake moist and tender with a slight tang. Plain yogurt is a good substitute if you don’t have sour cream on hand.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic warm spices that bring out the fall feeling. Feel free to add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for more depth if you like.
How Do You Get the Perfect Cinnamon-Sugar Coating on Warm Cake?
The key to that crunchy, flavorful topping is brushing the warm donuts or cake with melted butter right after baking. Here’s how:
- Once the cake or donuts come out of the oven, brush them liberally with melted butter while still warm.
- Immediately roll or sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the surface. The butter helps the sugar stick and form a nice crust.
- Let them cool slightly on a wire rack—this helps the sugar set without making it soggy.
This process gives you a crunchy, sweet coating that contrasts beautifully with the soft, moist cake inside. Don’t skip the warm butter step, as it’s the secret for that classic donut feel in cake form.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Donut pan or bundt pan – I like using a donut pan for that perfect shape and easy handling.
- Small saucepan – to reduce the apple cider and intensify its flavor.
- Mixing bowls – for whisking the dry ingredients and mixing the batter.
- Whisk and spatula – helpful for mixing everything smoothly and scraping the bowls clean.
- Pastry brush – to brush the baked cake or donuts with melted butter for that tasty cinnamon-sugar coating.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions.
- Wire cooling rack – to cool the cake or donuts evenly and set the topping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts in the batter for crunch and extra flavor.
- Add a handful of dried cranberries or chopped apples into the batter for added fruitiness.
- Mix in a teaspoon of ginger or allspice to boost the spice profile and make it more autumnal.
- Swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a different warm spice twist.
Apple Cider Donut Snack Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cake:
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
For The Topping:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, then 15-18 minutes baking for donuts or 35-40 minutes for a snack cake. You’ll also want a few minutes to cool and finish the cinnamon-sugar topping. Overall, expect about 45 minutes to enjoy this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat. Lower the heat and let it simmer until it reduces to about ¼ cup. This concentrates the flavor so your cake tastes rich and full of apple goodness. Set it aside to cool.
2. Prepare Your Oven and Bakeware:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your donut pan or bundt pan well to prevent sticking, so your snack cake or donuts come out perfectly.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until combined. This ensures even distribution of spices and leaveners.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer or a sturdy spoon to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This adds air to the batter for a tender crumb.
5. Add Egg and Vanilla:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth and fully mixed.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Alternately add the dry ingredients and sour cream to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently after each addition to avoid overmixing. Then, stir in the cooled reduced apple cider until the batter is smooth.
7. Fill the Pan and Bake:
Divide the batter evenly into your prepared pan, filling each well about ¾ full if using a donut pan, or pour all into a bundt pan. Bake for 15-18 minutes for donuts, or 35-40 minutes for the snack cake. The cake is done when a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean.
8. Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping:
While the cake bakes, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow dish for easy coating later.
9. Coat the Warm Cake:
As soon as you remove the cake or donuts from the oven, brush them generously with melted butter. Then, roll or sprinkle them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture until fully coated. This creates that irresistible sweet crust that’s like biting into a fresh apple cider donut.
10. Cool and Serve:
Place your coated cake or donuts on a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite hot beverage, and enjoy a cozy treat full of fall flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Apple Cider for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just thaw the apple cider fully in the fridge before reducing it on the stove. This ensures the best concentrated flavor for your cake.
Can I Make This Donut Snack Cake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Bake the cake or donuts, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat lightly in the microwave or oven and you can brush on a little extra melted butter and cinnamon sugar to refresh the coating.
What If I Don’t Have a Donut Pan?
No problem! You can use a bundt pan or even an 8×8-inch square pan. Just adjust the baking time—donuts bake faster (~15-18 mins), while a bundt or square cake will take closer to 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week. Refresh by warming gently and reapplying cinnamon sugar if needed for extra texture and flavor.
