This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is a cozy treat that’s perfect for fall! It’s moist and packed with flavors of apple, cinnamon, and nutmeg, just like your favorite cider donuts.
It’s super easy to make and looks beautiful when you slice into it! I love to serve it warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top. Trust me, it won’t last long at your table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your cake. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead. I’ve found that it works beautifully without affecting texture too much!
Apple Cider: The star ingredient! If you can’t find apple cider, use apple juice, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor. I love using freshly pressed cider from a local orchard when I can.
Chopped Apples: I prefer using Fuji or Gala for their sweetness and texture. If you want a tart flavor, Granny Smith is a great choice. You can even mix different types of apples for a more complex flavor!
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Essential spices for that warm, cozy taste. Don’t skip them! If you’re not a fan of nutmeg, you can leave it out or replace it with a little extra cinnamon. I sometimes add a pinch of allspice for extra warmth, too!
How Do I Ensure My Cake is Moist and Fluffy?
The secret to a moist and fluffy Bundt cake lies in how you mix your ingredients. Follow these steps:
- Start by creaming the butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, ensuring they’re well combined. This helps incorporate air, keeping your cake light.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients alternately, starting and ending with the dry. This gentle mixing helps prevent overworking the flour, which keeps your cake tender.
- Lastly, gently fold in chopped apples. This helps avoid breaking the apples and keeps them evenly distributed.
Taking these extra steps can make a big difference in the final results, so don’t rush through them! Enjoy the process as much as the delicious cake at the end!
Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Fuji or Gala)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake requires about 20 minutes of prep time and 50-60 minutes of baking time, plus extra time for cooling. So, set aside about 1 hour and 30 minutes to whip up this deliciously cozy cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly. This helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to remove the cake later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt. Set this mixture aside; it will make your cake rise beautifully!
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is key for a soft cake!
4. Incorporate the Eggs:
Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely flavor.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, mix together the apple cider and buttermilk. This will add tang and moisture to your cake.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the apple cider mixture to the butter mixture, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. Mix gently just until everything is combined to avoid overmixing—you want a light, fluffy texture!
7. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in the finely chopped apples into the batter. This adds great flavor and texture to the cake!
8. Pour into the Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula.
9. Bake:
Bake in your preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will be amazing!
10. Cool the Cake:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the cake cools, combine the cinnamon sugar coating ingredients in a shallow dish. This will give your cake a delicious finish!
12. Coat the Cake:
While the cake is still slightly warm, brush it lightly with melted butter (this is optional but helps the sugar stick) and generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the entire surface, coating it well.
13. Serve & Enjoy:
Slice the cake and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the cozy flavors of apple cider and warm spices in every delicious bite!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well in this recipe. Just ensure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding ingredient to help achieve a good texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Substitute Applesauce for the Butter?
If you want a lower-fat option, you can replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce. This will keep the cake moist while adding a hint of apple flavor. However, don’t replace all the butter, as it may affect the texture.
What Type of Apples Should I Use?
For the best flavor and texture, use sweet apples like Fuji or Gala. If you prefer a tart flavor, feel free to use Granny Smith apples. Mixing different varieties can add complexity to the cake!
