This apple cider donut cake recipe brings the cozy flavors of fall into a delightful bundt cake, perfect for any gathering or a simple autumn treat. It beautifully captures the essence of homemade apple cider donuts in a moist, spiced cake form, finished with a sweet glaze.
Imagine the warm, comforting aroma of spiced apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen as this beautiful bundt cake bakes. This recipe is designed to be straightforward, allowing even beginner bakers to achieve a stunning and delicious dessert that tastes just like your favorite fall treat.
What is Apple Cider Donut Cake?
An apple cider donut cake is a moist, spiced cake baked in a bundt pan, designed to mimic the flavors and textures of a classic apple cider donut. It’s typically infused with apple cider, cinnamon, and other warm spices, often finished with a cinnamon-sugar coating or a simple glaze for that authentic donut experience. This apple cider donut cake recipe offers all the deliciousness of a traditional donut without the frying, making it a wonderful fall baking project.
This particular cake is celebrated for its incredibly moist crumb and the comforting blend of apple and spice flavors that are synonymous with autumn. It’s a fantastic alternative to individual donuts, especially when you need to serve a crowd or simply want a show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make. The bundt shape also lends itself beautifully to decorative glazes and toppings.
Why This Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe is a Must-Try
This easy apple cider donut cake recipe is a guaranteed hit because it captures the essence of a beloved fall treat in a convenient cake form. The combination of real apple cider, warm spices, and a tender crumb creates a flavor profile that’s both nostalgic and utterly delicious. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the season and impress your guests with minimal fuss.
Unlike some cakes that can be dry, this recipe focuses on moisture and flavor, ensuring every bite is a delight. It’s an ideal choice for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply as a weekend indulgence, and it pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot apple cider or coffee. For more inspiration on fall baking, explore these delightful fall dessert recipes.
Another favorite of ours is the Apple Cider Cake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking this delightful spiced apple cider cake. You’ll find that most of these are pantry staples, with a few key items that bring that signature apple cider donut flavor.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups apple cider (not apple juice), preferably reduced by simmering
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, at room temperature
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping (optional, but highly recommended for that authentic donut taste):
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
For the Apple Cider Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ cup apple cider (use the same reduced cider if possible)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake
Creating this wonderful spiced donut cake is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these steps carefully for a perfectly baked cake.
Preheat and Prepare Your Bundt Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper pan preparation is crucial for an easy release, so grease and flour your bundt pan meticulously. For an extra layer of insurance against sticking, consider using a baking spray that contains flour, ensuring all nooks and crannies are coated. This step is vital for achieving a beautiful, intact cake every time, preventing the common issue of a cake breaking apart upon removal.
Looking for more? Try this delicious Why Did My Cake Sink In The Middle next.
Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisking these ingredients ensures they are evenly distributed, which helps the cake rise uniformly and develop its complex flavors. This simple step prevents pockets of leavening agents or spices, contributing to a consistent texture throughout the cake.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process, known as creaming, incorporates air into the batter, which is essential for a tender crumb and good volume. Aim for a pale yellow color and a significantly increased volume, which typically takes about 3-5 minutes on medium-high speed. You can learn more about this technique in our guide on How To Cream Butter And Sugar.
Beat in Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is mixed evenly. Stir in the vanilla extract until just combined. Adding eggs gradually helps maintain the emulsion of the batter, leading to a smoother, more uniform cake structure.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the reduced apple cider and the sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Reducing the apple cider by simmering it for about 10-15 minutes concentrates its flavor and removes excess water, which can make the cake too dense or wet. This mixture provides both moisture and a tangy depth that complements the spices beautifully.
Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the apple cider and sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined after each addition; do not overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough cake.
Don’t miss out on our guide to Apple Cinnamon Muffins.
Pour Batter into Pan and Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the thickest part of the cake comes out clean. The baking time can vary depending on your oven and the specific bundt pan used, so it’s important to check for doneness starting around the 50-minute mark. A perfectly baked cake will also start to pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.
Cool the Cake
Let the cake cool in the bundt pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes. This initial cooling period allows the cake to set slightly, making it easier to invert without breaking. Trying to remove the cake too soon can cause it to fall apart, while cooling it completely in the pan can sometimes make it stick.
Invert and Glaze
Carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely. Once the cake is entirely cool, prepare the apple cider glaze by whisking together the sifted powdered sugar, apple cider, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish. This glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and apple flavor, enhancing the overall donut experience.
Optional: Add Cinnamon Sugar Coating
For an extra touch reminiscent of freshly made donuts, you can brush the warm, just-inverted cake with melted butter and then sprinkle it generously with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. This step creates a delightful crunchy crust and intensifies the spiced flavor. Ensure the cake is still warm when you apply this coating so the butter adheres well and the sugar crystals stick.
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Donut Cake
Achieving that perfect apple cider donut cake texture and flavor involves a few key techniques and considerations. These tips will help you elevate your baking and ensure a delicious outcome every time.
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- Reduce Your Apple Cider: For a more intense apple flavor and a less watery batter, simmer 2 cups of apple cider until it reduces to about 1 to 1 ¼ cups. Let it cool before using. This concentrates the apple essence and helps create a thicker, more flavorful cake.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream (or yogurt) are at room temperature. This allows them to emulsify better with other ingredients, resulting in a smoother batter and a lighter, more tender cake crumb. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense or unevenly mixed batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you start adding the flour, mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your cake tough and chewy instead of tender and moist.
- Proper Bundt Pan Prep: Don’t skimp on greasing and flouring your bundt pan. Use a pastry brush to get into all the crevices, or use a baking spray specifically designed for cakes. A well-greased pan is the key to a clean release and a beautifully shaped cake. Explore tips on How To Prepare A Cake Pan To Prevent Sticking for more guidance.
- Cooling is Key: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for the recommended time before inverting. This prevents it from breaking apart. Then, let it cool completely on a wire rack before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
Serving and Storage Suggestions
This apple cider donut cake is wonderfully versatile, making it suitable for various occasions and enjoyable at different temperatures. Proper storage will ensure it remains delicious for days.
- Serving Ideas: Serve slices of this spiced apple cider cake plain, or with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even alongside a warm mug of apple cider for the ultimate fall experience. It’s a fantastic dessert for brunches, holiday gatherings, or as an afternoon treat with coffee.
- Make-Ahead: The cake can be baked a day in advance and stored at room temperature. Prepare the glaze just before serving or a few hours ahead and store it covered at room temperature. The cinnamon sugar topping is best applied just before serving to maintain its crispness.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is very warm, you can refrigerate it, but bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. Avoid storing with the cinnamon-sugar topping for too long, as it can become soggy.
- Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap the completely cooled, unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before glazing and serving.
apple cider donut cake recipe
- Total Time: PT1H5M
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and tender cake infused with the warm flavors of apple cider and spices, finished with a cinnamon-sugar glaze that mimics the beloved apple cider donut.
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- For the Glaze:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan or a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider and sour cream (or yogurt).
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple cider mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan or baking pan.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes for a Bundt pan, or 30-35 minutes for a 9×13 inch pan, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- For the Glaze: While the cake is cooling, melt the butter in a small saucepan. Stir in the granulated sugar and cinnamon until well combined.
- Once the cake is completely cool, brush the cinnamon-sugar glaze generously over the top and sides of the cake. Let the glaze set slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For an extra apple flavor, you can add ½ cup of finely diced apples to the batter before baking.
- Ensure your apple cider is good quality for the best flavor.
- This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: PT20M
- Cook Time: PT45M
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
