Ultimate Apple Cider Donut Cake: Your Go-To Fall Bundt Cake Recipe
Embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with this extraordinary apple cider donut cake. Imagine the tender, spiced goodness of your favorite apple cider donut, but in the comforting form of a beautifully baked bundt cake. This recipe delivers an incredibly moist and tender texture, infused with apple flavor in not one, not two, but three distinct ways. To top it all off, a delightful cinnamon sugar coating creates that quintessential donut-like crunch and irresistible sweetness, making this bundt cake truly reminiscent of a classic apple cider donut.
This heartwarming fall bundt cake masterfully combines the best elements of a classic apple cake with the spiced, sugary charm of apple cider donut holes. It’s more than just a cake; it’s a celebration of seasonal flavors, perfect for family gatherings, holiday brunches, or simply a treat to enjoy with your morning coffee.
The secret to its intense apple flavor and exceptional moisture lies in a triple-apple infusion: robust apple cider, smooth applesauce, and freshly grated apples. This innovative combination results in an ultra-moist cake that practically melts in your mouth, bursting with bright, authentic apple taste in every single bite. After baking, the bundt cake is brushed with a warm mixture of apple cider and melted butter, then generously sprinkled with a fragrant cinnamon sugar blend. This final touch doesn’t just add flavor; it creates that beloved crunchy texture, elevating the cake to true apple cider donut perfection. Serve it as an elegant dessert after dinner, or indulge in a slice for a delightful breakfast with a steaming cup of coffee or tea.
Why You’ll Adore This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake
There’s a reason this apple cider donut cake quickly becomes a fall favorite. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:
- Triple Apple Flavor: We don’t just add a hint of apple; this cake is packed with apple cider, applesauce, and grated fresh apples for an incredibly rich and authentic fruit flavor.
- Unmatched Moisture: Thanks to the combination of oil, applesauce, and apple cider, this bundt cake stays wonderfully moist and tender for days. No dry cake here!
- Irresistible Donut Coating: The buttery apple cider wash followed by a generous coating of cinnamon sugar creates that iconic sweet and spiced crust, just like a freshly made apple cider donut.
- Simple to Make: Despite its impressive appearance and flavor, this recipe is straightforward and uses common baking ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Fall: The warm spices and apple goodness make this cake the ultimate treat for autumn, whether for a holiday gathering, a cozy weekend, or a special breakfast.
- Versatile Serving: Delicious on its own, with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or simply with a warm beverage.
Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Cider Donut Cake
Crafting this flavorful apple cider donut cake requires a selection of quality ingredients that work in harmony to create its signature taste and texture. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:
- Applesauce: For optimal control over the sweetness of your cake, unsweetened applesauce is highly recommended. It contributes significant moisture without making the cake overly sugary. If you only have sweetened applesauce on hand, simply reduce the amount of granulated sugar in the recipe by 2 to 3 tablespoons to balance the flavor.
- Fresh Apples: The addition of freshly grated or shredded apples is paramount for a pronounced, natural apple flavor and a delightful texture throughout the cake. Varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala are excellent choices for baking due to their firm texture and balanced sweetness.
- Apple Cider: This ingredient is a game-changer, infusing the cake with authentic apple essence and maintaining its incredible moisture. While some recipes suggest reducing apple cider for intensified flavor, this recipe is designed to be easier and just as delicious without that extra step. Choose a good quality, unfiltered apple cider for the best results.
- Sugars: A blend of both granulated sugar and light brown sugar is used. Granulated sugar provides crisp sweetness, while light brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-rich flavor and contributes to the cake’s moistness and tender crumb.
- Oil: Using a neutral-flavored oil like canola, vegetable oil, or melted coconut oil ensures an exceptionally moist cake that stays fresh longer compared to cakes made with melted butter. If opting for coconut oil, ensure all other ingredients are at room temperature to prevent the oil from solidifying when mixed.
- Spices: The aromatic blend of ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves is key to achieving that cozy, warming flavor profile reminiscent of classic fall treats and apple cider donuts. These spices complement the apple notes perfectly.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for the cake’s structure. Make sure to measure it correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off, rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can lead to a dense cake.
- Leavening Agents: Baking powder and baking soda work together to give the cake its beautiful rise and light texture.
- Eggs: Large eggs bind the ingredients, add richness, and contribute to the cake’s structure. Ensure they are at room temperature for better emulsion with the other wet ingredients.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, adding a touch of warmth and complexity.
- Salt: A small amount of salt balances the sweetness and brings out the full flavor of the other ingredients.
Step-by-Step: How To Make The Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake
Creating this delicious apple cider donut cake is a rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect bake every time:
- Prepare Your Wet Ingredients: In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the oil, apple cider, both granulated and light brown sugars, unsweetened applesauce, room temperature eggs, and pure vanilla extract. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are completely smooth and well-incorporated. Afterward, gently fold in the freshly grated apples. Set this mixture aside.
- Combine Your Dry Ingredients: In a separate, equally large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk vigorously to ensure all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour. This step is crucial for an even rise and consistent flavor in your cake.
- Integrate Wet and Dry Mixtures: Carefully add the dry ingredient mixture into the bowl containing your wet ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently stir until the ingredients are just combined. It is paramount at this stage to avoid overmixing the batter, as this can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tough or dry cake. A few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Bake the Cake: Pour the prepared batter evenly into a thoroughly greased and floured 10-inch bundt pan (a 12-cup capacity pan is ideal). Ensure the pan is properly prepared to prevent sticking. Bake the cake in your preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick or cake tester inserted into the deepest part of the cake comes out clean. If the top of the cake begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
- Cooling Process: Once baked, remove the bundt cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 30 minutes. This resting period helps the cake set and prevents it from breaking when inverted. After 30 minutes, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely. This full cooling process is essential before applying the coating to ensure it adheres properly.
- Prepare the Signature Donut Coating: While the cake cools, prepare your two coating mixtures. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter and additional apple cider until well combined. In a separate, shallow bowl, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, mixing them thoroughly to create your aromatic cinnamon sugar blend.
- Coat the Cake for Donut Perfection: Once the bundt cake is entirely cool, gently brush the apple cider butter mixture evenly over the entire surface of the cake, ensuring every crevice is coated. Immediately after, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the buttered cake. For best adhesion and a beautiful, even coating, use your hands to gently press the cinnamon sugar into the cake. This technique ensures that the sweet, spiced crust sticks perfectly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once coated, your ultimate apple cider donut cake is ready to be sliced and served! Enjoy this delightful fall treat with family and friends.
Expert Tips for Apple Cider Donut Cake Success
- Accurate Apple Measurement: When measuring your grated apples, lightly pack them into your measuring cup. Tightly packing them can result in adding too much apple, altering the cake’s moisture balance. Aim for a fluffy, light measure.
- Bundt Pan Versatility: This recipe is designed for a standard 10-inch (12-cup capacity) bundt pan. Feel free to use any shape of bundt pan you possess, especially those charming fall-themed designs! Just be aware that different pan shapes and materials can affect baking time, so keep an eye on your cake and adjust accordingly. Always grease your bundt pan meticulously with baking spray or a butter/flour coating to ensure a clean release.
- Coating Adhesion: After applying the butter mixture and sprinkling the cinnamon sugar, actively press the cinnamon sugar into the cake with your hands. This simple trick significantly improves adhesion, ensuring that delicious crunchy coating stays put and doesn’t fall off when slicing.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth, well-emulsified batter, ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more easily with the other wet ingredients, leading to a more uniform crumb.
- Don’t Overmix: As with most cakes, overmixing the batter after adding the dry ingredients can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined; a few small lumps are perfectly acceptable.
- Cool Completely: Resist the urge to coat the cake while it’s still warm. The cake must be completely cool before brushing on the butter mixture and sprinkling the cinnamon sugar. If the cake is warm, the butter will soak in too much, and the sugar will melt, preventing that delightful crisp crust.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Donut Cake
While a bundt pan gives this apple cider donut cake its signature elegant shape, it’s not strictly necessary. If you don’t own one, you can easily use a 9×13-inch baking pan. Keep in mind that the baking time will likely decrease to around 35-45 minutes. Always perform the toothpick test to check for doneness. Regardless of the pan shape, it’s crucial to let the cake cool completely on a wire rack before brushing it with the butter mixture and sprinkling the cinnamon sugar on top.
This is truly a matter of personal preference! I typically prefer to peel my apples first for a smoother texture in the cake. However, leaving the skin on is perfectly fine, especially if you enjoy the added texture and nutrients. Just ensure the apples are thoroughly washed before grating.
If apple cider is unavailable, you could likely replace it with an equal amount of good quality apple juice. However, apple juice tends to be sweeter and less tart than cider, and its flavor might not be as robust. If you do make this substitution, I would recommend increasing the amount of ground cinnamon and nutmeg slightly (by about ¼ teaspoon each) to boost the spiced flavor. If you’re looking for other delicious apple-based cake recipes without apple cider, my caramel apple upside-down cake, applesauce cake, or apple fritter cake are all fantastic alternatives!
To keep your apple cider donut cake fresh and delicious, store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay wonderfully moist for up to four days. For longer storage, this cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it to room temperature before serving.
Absolutely! Toasted chopped walnuts or pecans would make a wonderful addition to this cake, adding a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apple and spice. You can fold about ½ to ¾ cup of nuts into the batter with the grated apples, or sprinkle them into the bottom of your greased bundt pan before pouring in the batter.
While this recipe has not been specifically tested with gluten-free flour, many readers have had success substituting regular all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum. Ensure your chosen blend is suitable for baking cakes, and follow the package instructions, as some blends might require minor adjustments to liquid. The texture might vary slightly, but the delicious apple and spice flavors will still shine through!
Serving Suggestions for Your Fall Masterpiece
This ultimate apple cider donut cake is incredibly versatile and delightful in many ways. While it’s utterly delicious on its own, here are some ideas to elevate your serving experience:
- Classic Dessert: Serve warm or at room temperature as a comforting dessert. A scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream melting over a warm slice is pure bliss.
- Breakfast or Brunch Treat: Pair a slice with your morning coffee, a hot cup of tea, or a tall glass of cold milk. It’s a wonderful way to start a crisp autumn day.
- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the cake’s rich texture and complements its spiced flavors beautifully.
- Caramel Drizzle: For an extra touch of indulgence, a light drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over each slice would be divine.
- Powdered Sugar Dusting: If you prefer a less intense coating, a simple dusting of powdered sugar can be a beautiful and tasty alternative to the full cinnamon sugar experience.
- Fall Gatherings: This bundt cake is a showstopper for Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or any fall-themed celebration. It feeds a crowd and is always a hit!
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this apple cider donut cake is sure to become a cherished part of your fall baking traditions.
Apple Cider Donut cake
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Ingredients
For the cake
- 1 cup canola or vegetable oil (240 ml)
- 1 cup apple cider (240 ml)
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar (200 grams)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100 grams)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce (125 grams)
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups lightly packed freshly grated apples (185 grams; I used honeycrisp)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled (375 grams)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the coating
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted (30 grams)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider (30 ml)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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To make the cake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, apple cider, brown sugar, granulated sugar, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined and smooth. Gently stir in the grated apples. Set this wet mixture aside.
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In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure all dry ingredients are well combined.
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Add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix carefully until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
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Thoroughly spray a 10-inch (12-cup capacity) bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray, ensuring all crevices are coated. Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan.
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Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too much, loosely cover the cake with aluminum foil.
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Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the bundt pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack and allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
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To make the coating: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter and apple cider. Whisk until well combined.
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until fully mixed.
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Once the cake is completely cool, brush the apple cider butter mixture evenly over the entire cake, ensuring full coverage. Immediately after, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture all over the cake, using your hands to gently press it into the surface for best adhesion.
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Slice your beautiful apple cider donut cake into pieces, serve, and savor every delicious bite!
Notes
Freezing Instructions: This cake freezes exceptionally well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cake to room temperature before serving.