This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is a cozy treat that’s perfect for fall! With warm spices and real apple cider, it’s like a hug in cake form.
It smells amazing while baking, and I can never resist a slice with my coffee! Trust me, everyone will be coming back for seconds. 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: This is key for flavor! For a non-alcoholic option, choose 100% apple juice or unsweetened apple juice. If you’re looking for a less sweet profile, try using unsweetened apple cider vinegar for a zingy touch.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for controlling saltiness in the cake. If dairy-free, use coconut oil or a good-quality margarine. I personally love the flavor that real butter brings, but the alternatives work well too!
Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: Both add moisture and richness. If you don’t have either, use buttermilk or even a plant-based yogurt if you’re vegan. Greek yogurt is my go-to for a thicker texture and extra protein.
Spices: The mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates warm flavors. If cloves aren’t in your spice cabinet, just leave them out or use a dash of allspice as a substitute. This combination really warms up the cake!
How Can I Ensure My Cake is Moist and Fluffy?
Getting the right texture is crucial for this Bundt cake! Here’s how to ensure it’s moist and fluffy:
- Start by creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air, helping the cake rise.
- Don’t overmix once you add dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Using both sour cream (or yogurt) and apple cider adds moisture. You can even replace some of the liquid with pureed apples for added flavor!
- Make sure to let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to remove without breaking.
Following these tips will help you create a cake that’s soft and delicious every time! Enjoy! 🍏🍰
Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
From start to finish, this Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake will take about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You’ll spend about 20 minutes preparing and mixing the ingredients, 45-55 minutes baking, and then a short time cooling before it’s ready to serve. It’s easy and well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking later. This step is important for a smooth release of your beautiful Bundt cake!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This blend of spices gives the cake its warm autumn flavor. Once mixed, set it aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy—this really helps to incorporate air into the batter!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully combined before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract for that lovely aromatic flavor.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the apple cider, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), apple cider vinegar, and vegetable oil. This mixture will keep your cake moist and add richness.
6. Combine All Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the apple cider mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, folding in gently until just combined. Remember, no overmixing here!
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure it bakes evenly.
8. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as oven times can vary!
9. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key for perfect texture.
10. Prepare the Coating:
While the cake cools, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a shallow dish and melt the butter in another dish.
11. Coat the Cake:
Once the cake is cooled but still slightly warm, brush it gently with the melted butter and sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Make sure to coat it evenly for that delicious donut-like finish!
12. Slice and Serve:
It’s time to enjoy! Slice the cake and serve it with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat. This cake will surely delight everyone at your gathering!
This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake combines the tender crumb and flavors of classic apple cider donuts, all wrapped up in an easy-to-make Bundt cake. Perfect for fall or any cozy gathering. Enjoy your baking! 🍏🍰
Can I Use a Different Pan for This Recipe?
Yes! If you don’t have a Bundt pan, you can use a 9×13-inch cake pan. Just keep an eye on baking time, as it might be slightly shorter—around 30-40 minutes in total.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be refrigerated for about a week or frozen for up to 2 months. Just ensure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for freezing!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance. Simply let it cool completely, then store it covered at room temperature. Right before serving, you can add the cinnamon sugar coating to keep it fresh and tasty!
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider?
No problem! You can substitute with an equal amount of apple juice. For a tangier flavor, try mixing half apple juice with half water plus a splash of vinegar to mimic the acidity of apple cider.
