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Apple Cider Donut Cake

May 21, 2026
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Delicious homemade apple cider donut cake topped with cinnamon sugar.

Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful twist on a classic treat, combining warm spices and a luscious apple flavor that makes it perfect for autumn or any special occasion. This cake is moist, tender, and packed with deliciousness. The heavenly scent filling your kitchen will make everyone feel right at home, making it a wonderful choice for gatherings or family dessert nights. You may also find Brown Sugar Pineapple Chicken useful.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Donut Cake

  • Bursting with the classic flavors of fall, such as apple and cinnamon.
  • Simple and quick to prepare, making it a great option for weeknight baking.
  • Moist texture, thanks to ingredients like sour cream and coconut milk.
  • Family-friendly dessert that everyone will love, from kids to adults.
  • Perfect served warm with a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of ice cream.


Apple Cider Donut Cake
You may also find Caramel Swirled Cheesecake Caramel Cheesecake useful.

Ingredients Needed

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups Almond flour
  • 1/3 cup Coconut flour
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (spices)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg (spices)
  • 2 teaspoons Baking powder (spices)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (spices)

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Browned butter (for that nutty richness)
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream (to keep things moist)
  • 1/2 cup Coconut milk or almond milk (from a carton)
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar sweetener or molasses mixed with white sweetener (½ tsp molasses mixed in if using)
  • 4 Eggs (to bind it all together)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon Caramel extract (for flavor depth)

Add-Ins

  • 2 cups Peeled and sliced Macintosh apples or chayote squash (if keto)

Frosting Ingredients

  • 8 oz Cream cheese (for frosting)
  • 3 tablespoons Salted butter (for frosting)
  • 1 cup Powdered sweetener (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon (for frosting)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Xanthan gum (for frosting)

Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt cake pan or 9×13 inch pan.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt until combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the browned butter, sour cream, coconut milk, brown sugar sweetener, eggs, vanilla, and caramel extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the sliced apples.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Make the Frosting

While the cake cools, beat the cream cheese and salted butter together. Gradually add the powdered sweetener, cinnamon, and xanthan gum until smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Frost the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, remove it from the pan and frost the top with the cream cheese mixture.

Step 8: Serve

Slice and serve your Apple Cider Donut Cake warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Apple Cider Donut Cake

  • Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake for an extra indulgent treat.
  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert combo.
  • Pair with warm chai tea or spiced apple cider for a cozy experience.
  • Garnish with additional apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for presentation.

Tips for Success Apple Cider Donut Cake

  • For a richer flavor, let the browned butter cool slightly before adding it to the mixture.
  • Be careful not to overmix when combining wet and dry ingredients to maintain a tender texture.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • If you prefer a gluten-free option, ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.

Variations

Here are a few easy ways to change it up:

  • Substitute the Macintosh apples for pears or pumpkin for a different flavor profile.
  • For a dairy-free version, replace the cream cheese and butter in the frosting with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and coconut oil.
  • Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
  • Spice it up by using pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg.

Apple Cider Donut Cake

Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas.

What makes this cake moist?

The combination of sour cream and coconut milk adds moisture and a tender crumb to the cake.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, using almond and coconut flour makes this recipe gluten-free.

What type of apples work best?

Macintosh apples are recommended for their sweetness and softness when baked.

How do I store leftover cake?

Store leftover Apple Cider Donut Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Delicious homemade apple cider donut cake topped with cinnamon sugar.

Apple Cider Donut Cake

A delightful cake combining warm spices and apple flavor, perfect for autumn or any special occasion. Moist and tender, this family-friendly dessert is sure to please everyone.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Baked Goods
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups Almond flour
  • 1/3 cup Coconut flour
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon spices
  • 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg spices
  • 2 teaspoons Baking powder spices
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt spices
Wet Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Browned butter for that nutty richness
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream to keep things moist
  • 1/2 cup Coconut milk or almond milk from a carton
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar sweetener or molasses mixed with white sweetener ½ tsp molasses mixed in if using
  • 4 Eggs to bind it all together
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon Caramel extract for flavor depth
Add-Ins
  • 2 cups Peeled and sliced Macintosh apples or chayote squash if keto
Frosting Ingredients
  • 8 oz Cream cheese for frosting
  • 3 tablespoons Salted butter for frosting
  • 1 cup Powdered sweetener for frosting
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon for frosting
  • 1/4 teaspoon Xanthan gum for frosting

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt cake pan or 9×13 inch pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt until combined.
  3. In another bowl, mix the browned butter, sour cream, coconut milk, brown sugar sweetener, eggs, vanilla, and caramel extract until smooth.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Gently fold in the sliced apples.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Frosting
  1. While the cake cools, beat the cream cheese and salted butter together. Gradually add the powdered sweetener, cinnamon, and xanthan gum until smooth and creamy.
Serving
  1. Once the cake is completely cool, remove it from the pan and frost the top with the cream cheese mixture.
  2. Slice and serve your Apple Cider Donut Cake warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Notes

For a richer flavor, let the browned butter cool slightly before adding it to the mixture. Be careful not to overmix when combining wet and dry ingredients to maintain a tender texture. Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you prefer a gluten-free option, ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.
Written By

Stephanie Mitchell

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