Vegan Apple Cider Donut Cake
Vegan Apple Cider Donut Cake
Fluffy • Cinnamon-Sugary • Fall in Every Bite
If you’ve ever wished you could turn a fresh apple cider donut into a whole cake… THIS is the recipe. 🤎✨
Soft, moist, warmly spiced, and coated in that irresistible cinnamon-sugar sparkle, this Vegan Apple Cider Donut Cake tastes like a trip to the orchard — without ever leaving your kitchen. And yes… it’s completely plant-based!
It’s so cozy and flavorful that every time I make it, it disappears faster than I can cut the next slice. Perfect for fall mornings, holidays, potlucks, or honestly just because. 🍂
🍏 Why You’ll Love It
✨ Soft & tender crumb
✨ Bursting with real apple cider flavor
✨ No eggs, no dairy — totally vegan
✨ Easy one-bowl batter
✨ Smells like heaven while baking
This cake literally tastes like a giant apple cider donut!
🌿 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups apple cider (reduced for extra flavor!)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ½ cup plant milk
- ⅓ cup melted coconut oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup melted vegan butter
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Concentrate the cider
Simmer apple cider until it reduces by half.
This step is optional but highly recommended for maximum apple flavor!
2️⃣ Make the batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Add the wet ingredients: applesauce, plant milk, melted oil, vinegar, vanilla, and reduced cider. Mix until smooth — but don’t overmix!
3️⃣ Bake
Pour into a greased bundt pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–42 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
4️⃣ Cinnamon-sugar magic
While the cake is still warm:
- Brush with melted vegan butter
- Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar all over
This gives it that signature “donut” flavor and texture. 🤎
5️⃣ Slice & enjoy
Let cool slightly, slice thick pieces, and savor the warm apple-cinnamon goodness.
🍏 Tips for the BEST Apple Cider Cake
🍎 Reduce the cider — trust me, the flavor intensifies beautifully.
🧁 Don’t skip the cinnamon-sugar coating. It’s the donut effect!
❄️ Keeps great for 3–4 days and tastes even better the next morning.
🔥 Warm it up for that freshly-fried donut vibe.
