Apple Cider Donut Cake

Apple Cider Donut Cake brings the cozy flavors of fall right to your kitchen. This moist, spiced cake captures all the magic of those beloved Apple Cider Donut Cake you get at orchards, but in an easy-to-make bundt cake form.

Picture this: You walk into a warm kitchen filled with the scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apple cider. That’s exactly what happens when you bake this incredible apple donut cake. It’s like autumn decided to become a dessert.

This Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe transforms simple ingredients into something special. The secret lies in reducing fresh apple cider to concentrate those fall flavors. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of spice and sweetness that makes Apple Cider Donut Cake so irresistible.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Donut Cake

For the Apple Cider Reduction:

• 2 cups fresh apple cider (unfiltered works best)
• 1 medium apple, peeled and diced

For the Cake:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup buttermilk

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

• ¼ cup melted butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

The key to this apple cider cake recipe is using real apple cider, not apple juice. The cider provides that authentic fall flavor that makes this cake so special.

Instructions for Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Make the Apple Cider Reduction

Start by combining apple cider and diced apple in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.

Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should reduce to about 1 cup. The apple pieces will become very soft.

Mash the cooked apple into the reduced cider using a fork. This creates a chunky apple sauce that adds incredible flavor and moisture to your cake donuts.

Set aside to cool completely. This step is crucial for the best apple donut bundt cake.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 12-cup bundt pan with butter or cooking spray.

Dust with flour, tapping out any excess. This prevents your cider bundt cake from sticking.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all spices.

This spice blend is what gives your apple cider doughnut cake that signature flavor. Don’t skip any of the spices.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the cooled apple cider reduction, melted butter, oil, both sugars, eggs, and vanilla.

Mix until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and fragrant.

Step 5: Bring It Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.

Add buttermilk and fold in carefully. Don’t overmix – this keeps your fall bundt cake recipes tender.

Step 6: Bake Your Apple Donut Cake

Pour batter into your prepared bundt pan. Spread evenly.

Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.

Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touch

While the cake is still slightly warm, brush with melted butter.

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll or sprinkle the buttered cake with the cinnamon sugar mixture.

This coating gives you that authentic apple cider donuts experience.

Pro Tips and Variations for Fall Donut Recipes

Professional Baking Tips

Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Cold ingredients can cause your batter to curdle or mix unevenly.

Don’t skip the apple cider reduction step. This concentrates the flavor and creates the signature taste of baked apple cider donuts recipe.

Test your cake with a toothpick, but remember that this moist cake will have a few crumbs clinging to the tester when done.

Delicious Variations

Try these twists on your apple cider bundt cake recipes:

Glazed Version: Skip the cinnamon sugar coating and drizzle with maple glaze or cream cheese frosting.

Mini Cakes: Use a mini bundt pan and reduce baking time to 25-30 minutes. Perfect for parties.

Add Texture: Fold in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for more complex flavor.

Storage Tips

This apple cider recipes desserts stays fresh for up to 4 days at room temperature when covered.

For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Cider Donut Cake

This versatile cake works for many occasions. Serve thick slices with hot coffee for a perfect fall morning treat.

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert. The warm spices pair beautifully with cold, creamy ice cream.

Try it with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream. These additions complement the apple and cinnamon flavors.

For special occasions, dust with powdered sugar just before serving. It creates an elegant presentation for your bundt cakes recipes.

Pack slices for lunch boxes or picnics. This cake travels well and tastes even better the next day.

Pair with herbal tea, especially chai or cinnamon spice blends. The flavors enhance each other perfectly.

Conclusion

This Apple Cider Donut Cake delivers all the cozy flavors you love about fall in an easy bundt cake format. The apple cider reduction creates intense flavor, while the spice blend provides warmth and comfort in every bite. Unlike traditional cake donuts that require frying, this baked version is simpler but just as delicious. The moist texture and cinnamon sugar coating make it irresistible to anyone who tries it.

Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof. The ingredients are simple, the method is straightforward, and the results are spectacular. Make this apple donut cake your go-to fall dessert. Your family and friends will ask for the recipe every time you serve it. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and create lasting memories around your table.

FAQs

Can I use regular apple juice instead of apple cider?

Apple cider works best because it has a stronger, more complex flavor than juice. If you must use juice, choose unfiltered and reduce it longer to concentrate the flavor.

How do I know when my apple cider bundt cake is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center. It should come out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. The cake will also start to pull away slightly from the pan edges.

Can I make this as a regular cake instead of bundt?

Yes! Use two 9-inch round pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or one 9×13 pan for 35-40 minutes. Adjust timing as needed.

Why is my cake sticking to the bundt pan?

Make sure to generously grease every nook and cranny of the pan. Use butter or cooking spray, then dust with flour. Let the cake cool for exactly 10 minutes before turning out.

How long will this apple cider doughnut cake stay fresh?

Covered at room temperature, it stays fresh for 4 days. You can also freeze wrapped slices for up to 3 months.

Can I make the apple cider reduction ahead of time?

Absolutely! Make it up to 3 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before using in your cake batter.

What’s the best apple variety to use?

Sweet varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work well. Avoid very tart apples like Granny Smith, which can make the cake too tangy.