Lasagna Soup Recipe

If you’re craving something that tastes like the coziest fall morning, this Apple Cider Donut Cake is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love this recipe because it captures the warmth and spice you expect from classic apple cider donuts — but in a soft, tender cake form that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you’re making it for a weekend brunch with friends or a comforting afternoon treat, you’ll find this cake hits just the right note of sweet and spicy with that irresistible cinnamon sugar finish.

When I first tried this Apple Cider Donut Cake, I was amazed at how moist and flavorful it turned out without being overly dense. The applesauce and apple cider bring a natural sweetness and slight tang that livens up the batter beautifully. If you enjoy comforting, nostalgic flavors but want a fuss-free way to serve a crowd, this recipe is absolutely worth trying — plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser with leftovers that stay fresh for days.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, but the combination here really creates something special. I recommend using fresh apple cider (not vinegar!) for the best flavor and room-temperature eggs for a smooth batter.

• All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure without making the cake too dense.
• Ground cinnamon: The star warm spice that gives this cake its classic flavor.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch adds depth and complexity to the spice blend.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully to a light, fluffy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and caramelizes nicely in the oven.
• Brown sugar: Adds a touch of molasses flavor and richness.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and build structure.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness, plus it’s a great way to keep the cake soft.
• Apple cider juice: Infuses the cake with that unmistakable fruity tang.
• Vanilla extract: Round out the flavors and add warmth.
• Unsalted butter (for coating): Makes the cinnamon sugar stick and gives a lovely richness.
• Cinnamon and granulated sugar (for coating): The finishing touch that mimics that beloved donut crust.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on the season or mood — this cake is surprisingly versatile! Feel free to tailor it to what you have on hand or your dietary needs.

• Gluten-free option: I once swapped the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend and the cake still came out moist and flavorful.
• Apple chunks: Adding small diced apples into the batter gives a nice texture and extra apple punch.
• Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of cloves or ginger if you want a deeper fall spice profile.
• Maple twist: Replace some of the granulated sugar with maple sugar or drizzle maple syrup over the top for a new flavor vibe.

How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. I like to spray my bundt pan generously with non-stick spray and then dust it with flour — this little extra step helps the cake come out cleanly without sticking to the edges, which can be tricky with bundt pans.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl until well mixed. This ensures your spices are evenly distributed for consistent flavor throughout the cake.

Step 3: Mix Sugars and Oil

In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil on medium speed. This blends the sugars nicely into the oil, creating a smooth base that helps keep the cake tender and moist.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavorings

Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating for about two minutes. Then add the applesauce and vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. You’ll notice the batter getting creamier and more fragrant at this stage — it’s a comforting smell I always look forward to!

Step 5: Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients

With your mixer on low, add one-third of the flour mixture, then half of the apple cider. Keep alternating flour and cider, finishing with the flour. This technique helps keep the batter from getting lumpy and ensures everything is mixed evenly. The batter will be thinner than some cakes — that’s exactly what you want for this recipe.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and bake for about 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean but still moist with a few crumbs attached. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least an hour — this helps it set and prevents it from breaking when you turn it out.

Step 7: Add the Signature Cinnamon Sugar Coating

Once the cake is cool, brush it all over with melted butter. Then, mix granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl and sprinkle generously over the cake. To coat the sides well, I find it easiest to grab a handful and pat the mixture gently onto the cake, making sure every inch gets that sweet, crunchy finish.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with the cinnamon sugar coating, but sometimes I like to serve individual slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of toasted pecans on top adds a great crunch and nutty flavor that pairs nicely with the apple spices.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own but you can also pair it with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or even hot apple cider for a completely cozy experience. A light salad with autumn fruits or a cheese platter works well if you’re serving it as part of a brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, I like slicing this cake and serving it in pretty little ramekins topped with extra cinnamon sugar and a cinnamon stick garnish. It’s unexpected and adds a bit of whimsy to the table. Another fun idea is layering warm cake pieces in a trifle bowl with whipped cream and stewed apples for a layered dessert twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake keeps beautifully at room temperature for up to two days when covered tightly with plastic wrap. After that, I move it to an airtight container in the fridge, which keeps it fresh for about a week. I’ve found that the cinnamon sugar crust remains delightfully crisp if it’s not refrigerated immediately.

Freezing

This cake freezes well, which is great if you want to make it ahead. I wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. It can freeze for up to 3 months without losing much flavor or texture. Just thaw slices overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. The toaster oven method brings back a bit of that fresh-baked crispiness on the outside — I definitely prefer that when I have the time!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake has become one of my go-to recipes when I want that nostalgic donut flavor without the fuss of frying. It’s comforting, easy, and perfect for sharing with friends or family chilly mornings. I hope you enjoy it as much as my loved ones and I do — trust me, once you try it, this cake will become a fall staple in your kitchen too!

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