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Cozy Brown Butter Apple Cider Donut Cake Easy Cinnamon Sugar Recipe

brown butter apple cider donut cake - featured image

A warm, nutty brown butter apple cider donut cake with a cinnamon sugar crust that is moist, tender, and perfect for fall gatherings. This baked donut cake combines comforting flavors with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Cinnamon sugar topping:
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch Bundt pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter. Stir frequently as it foams and then turns golden brown with nutty aromas, about 4-6 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (320 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp baking soda, 2 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg, and ½ tsp salt.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider, 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, ¼ cup (50 g) brown sugar, 2 large eggs, and 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract. Stir in the cooled browned butter until evenly incorporated.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; some small lumps are okay.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack.
  8. While still warm but not hot, gently brush the surface with about 2 tbsp melted butter and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture (½ cup granulated sugar + 1 tbsp cinnamon).

Notes

Watch the brown butter carefully to avoid burning; stir constantly and remove from heat once browned. Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender. Use fresh apple cider for best flavor; if unavailable, mix apple juice with a splash of lemon juice. Let the cake rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing to allow flavors to settle. If the cake browns too quickly, tent with foil midway through baking. For dairy-free, substitute butter with browned coconut oil. For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, apple cider, donut cake, cinnamon sugar, fall dessert, baked donut, cozy cake, autumn recipe