A moist and flavorful bundt cake, this Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for any fall gathering or cozy evening. Its warm spices and sweet glaze make it an irresistible treat. Whether for a family dessert, a potluck, or holiday celebrations, this cake stands out with its rich apple cider flavor and delightful cinnamon sugar topping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of apple cider and warm spices creates a comforting taste that embodies fall.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can whip up this delightful cake.
- Versatile Occasions: Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or simply enjoying at home with coffee.
- Beautiful Presentation: The bundt shape and glaze make this cake visually appealing for any table.
- Family Favorite: This recipe is sure to become a beloved addition to your family’s dessert repertoire.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking experience.
Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week!
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 12-cup bundt pan
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Bundt Pan: The unique shape promotes even baking and adds visual appeal to the cake.
- Electric Mixer: A powerful tool that makes creaming butter and sugar easier and faster.
- Wire Rack: Essential for cooling the cake evenly after baking to maintain its texture.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/2 cup
For the Glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10-15 minutes. Let cool completely.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, and salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
Step 5: Incorporate Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing for a tender cake.
Step 7: Add Reduced Apple Cider
Slowly pour in the cooled reduced apple cider while mixing until just incorporated.
Step 8: Pour Batter into Bundt Pan
Evenly pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan.
Step 9: Bake
Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool in Bundt Pan
Let the cake cool in the bundt pan for about 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 11: Prepare Glaze
While cooling, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Aim for a thick but pourable consistency.
Step 12: Make Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In another small bowl, combine granulated sugar with ground cinnamon.
Step 13: Glaze the Cake
Once cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top of your bundt cake allowing it to drip down the sides.
Step 14: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar
Immediately sprinkle your cinnamon sugar mixture over the wet glaze for added sweetness.
Step 15: Serve
Let the glaze set slightly before slicing into your delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake! Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake
Serving Apple Cider Donut Cake can elevate your dessert experience, making it a delightful centerpiece for any occasion. Here are some creative ways to serve this delicious cake that will impress your guests.
With a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm spices in the cake, adding a creamy texture that complements the flavors.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- A rich caramel sauce enhances the sweetness of the Apple Cider Donut Cake, giving it an indulgent touch perfect for fall gatherings.
Topped with Fresh Whipped Cream
- Light and airy whipped cream brings a fresh element to the cake, balancing its richness and making each bite feel luxurious.
Served with Fresh Fruit
- A side of sliced apples or pears can add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake, making for a well-rounded dessert experience.
Accompanied by Hot Beverages
- Pairing this cake with hot cider, coffee, or tea can enhance its flavors and create a cozy atmosphere, especially during chilly autumn days.
[DESERTS]
Apple Cider Donut Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/2 cup
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Reduce 1 cup of apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat until it thickens to 1/2 cup. Let cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
- Cream butter and sugars until fluffy; add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla.
- Gradually combine dry ingredients with wet mixture; mix in cooled apple cider.
- Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 45–55 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Combine sugar and cinnamon for topping; drizzle glaze over cooled cake and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Notes
You can substitute applesauce for half of the butter for a lighter version. Enhance flavor by adding chopped apples or nuts to the batter.
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me and use the hashtag.
