Apple Cider Donut Snack Cake is like having all the best parts of an autumn treat rolled into one easy-to-share dessert. It’s packed with the warm, spicy flavors of apple cider and cinnamon, and it has that soft, cakey texture that reminds me of fresh apple cider donuts from a fall festival. The top usually has a light dusting of cinnamon sugar that adds the perfect touch of sweetness and crunch.
I love how this snack cake feels both cozy and fun to eat—kind of like a hug in cake form. Whenever I make it, the whole kitchen smells amazing, and it always makes me think about cool, crisp days spent outside, then coming inside to something warm and comforting. One of my favorite tricks is to use fresh apple cider in the batter to really boost the flavor and keep the cake moist and tender.
This cake is perfect for sharing with friends over a cup of tea or coffee, or just as an afternoon treat when you want something sweet without the fuss of individual donuts. I like to cut it into squares and pack it for picnics or snacks, and it always gets a thumbs up. It’s a simple way to bring some fall magic into your day, no matter the season!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: This gives the cake its signature flavor and moisture. I prefer using fresh apple cider for the best taste. If it’s not available, you can substitute with apple juice mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice for acidity.
Buttermilk: Adds tenderness and helps the cake rise. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/4 cup milk with 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Butter: Melted butter brings richness and helps keep the cake soft. You could swap with melted coconut oil for a dairy-free option, which adds a subtle flavor to the cake.
Spices (Cinnamon & Nutmeg): These warm spices give that classic fall flavor. Feel free to adjust cinnamon to your taste or add a pinch of cloves or ginger for a slightly different twist.
Sweeteners: Granulated sugar is standard, but light brown sugar could add a mild caramel note if you want a deeper flavor.
How Do You Get the Perfect Cinnamon-Sugar Coating?
The cinnamon-sugar coating is what makes these donut cakes feel special. Here’s how I make it stick perfectly every time:
- Warm the melted butter so it’s easy to dip and coats evenly.
- Right after baking, while the donuts are still warm, dip them in the melted butter. This helps the sugar stick better.
- Roll each donut in a mix of cinnamon and sugar right away. The warmth helps the sugar clamp to the surface.
- Gently shake off any extra sugar so it’s not too thick or messy.
This simple dip-and-roll step gives you that classic apple cider donut finish without frying. It adds a nice sweet crunch to contrast the soft cake inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mini donut pan or regular baking pan – I like using a mini donut pan because it gives that authentic donut shape, but a regular pan works fine for a cake style.
- Mixing bowls – a couple of medium and large bowls make whisking and combining ingredients easy.
- Whisk or hand mixer – for blending wet ingredients smoothly and avoiding lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your ingredients just right.
- Baking sheet or cooling rack – for letting the donuts cool evenly after baking.
- Small bowl for melting butter – so you can easily dip the donuts in the cinnamon sugar coating.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap apple cider with pear or pumpkin spice for a different seasonal twist.
- Add chopped nuts or apple chunks into the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Use cream cheese icing or drizzles instead of cinnamon sugar for a richer topping.
- Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla bean paste or almond extract into the batter for a deeper flavor profile.
Apple Cider Donut Snack Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup apple cider (preferably fresh)
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for dipping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12 to 15 minutes to bake. Allow a few extra minutes for cooling and dipping in the cinnamon sugar coating. Overall, you should have your delicious snack cake ready in roughly 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare to Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your mini donut pan well, or line a regular baking pan if you’re making this as a traditional snack cake.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This ensures your spices and leavening mix evenly.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a larger bowl, mix the melted and cooled butter with the granulated sugar until combined. Beat in the eggs one at a time, stirring well each time. Then add the apple cider, buttermilk, and vanilla extract – stir gently until smooth.
4. Bring It All Together:
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing carefully until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender and light.
5. Fill the Pan and Bake:
Spoon or pipe the batter into the donut pan wells, filling them about 3/4 full. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Coat the Donuts:
Let the donuts cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. While they’re still warm, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon for coating.
7. Finish with Cinnamon Sugar:
Dip each donut in the melted butter, then coat thoroughly in the cinnamon sugar mix. Shake off any excess coating and let them cool a bit before serving.
Enjoy your soft, moist apple cider donut snack cakes warm or at room temperature – they’re perfect for who loves the sweet, spicy flavors of fall in an easy, shareable treat!
Can I Use Frozen Apple Cider?
Yes! Just thaw the apple cider in the fridge overnight or gently warm it before adding to the batter. Using fresh or thawed cider helps keep the flavors bright and the cake moist.
What If I Don’t Have a Donut Pan?
No problem! You can bake this recipe in a regular 8×8-inch baking pan for a snack cake version. Just pour the batter in, bake about 25-30 minutes, and then cut into squares before coating with the cinnamon sugar.
How Should I Store Leftover Donut Snack Cakes?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Warm gently before enjoying to refresh the flavors.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Definitely! Bake the cakes and let them cool completely. Store them uncoated in an airtight container and coat with cinnamon sugar just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.
