This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is like a warm hug in cake form! It’s moist, full of yummy spiced apple flavor, and has a sweet glaze that makes it irresistible.
Whenever I make this cake, my kitchen fills with the smell of fall. Pair it with a cup of coffee, and you’ve got the perfect cozy treat for any day! 🍏☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flour: All-purpose flour is essential for structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, substitute it with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider adds flavor. If it’s not available, use bottled apple juice or make your own by simmering apples with water and spices.
Sour Cream: This gives moisture. Plain yogurt works well too, or for a lower-fat option, you can use applesauce in similar amounts.
Spices: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves evokes fall. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your taste—more cinnamon if you love it!
How Do I Ensure My Bundt Cake Comes Out of the Pan Easily?
Bundt cakes can be tricky to remove without sticking. Here’s a foolproof method:
- Make sure to grease the pan thoroughly with butter or oil. Don’t skip this step!
- Dust the greased pan with flour, shaking out any excess. This creates a barrier that helps.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, but don’t leave it too long; it needs to be warm when you turn it out.
- Invert the cake onto a wire rack gently. If it resists, tap it lightly on the counter to loosen.
Taking these steps makes a huge difference, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, intact cake! Happy baking!
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 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider (preferably fresh)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bundt cake takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. It’s best to let it cool for about 15 minutes in the pan before serving. In total, you’ll need around 1 hour and 30 minutes, including cooling time, before you can enjoy a slice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial, so make sure to get it started while you’re preparing the batter!
2. Prepare the Bundt Pan:
Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly. This will help the cake release easily once it’s baked. You can use a kitchen brush or your hands to spread a generous amount of butter and then coat it with flour, tapping out any excess.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This helps ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices. Once mixed, set it aside for later.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened butter and 2 cups of sugar together. Beat for about 3-5 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the butter, making your cake fluffy!
5. Add the Eggs:
Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract. The eggs add moisture and richness, so this step is crucial!
6. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate container, mix the apple cider, sour cream (or yogurt), and vegetable oil. This will keep your cake moist and flavorful.
7. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the cider mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep your cake tender!
8. Fill the Bundt Pan:
Carefully pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, using a spatula to smooth the top evenly. This ensures uniform baking.
9. Bake the Cake:
Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen during this time!
10. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Coat with Cinnamon Sugar:
While the cake is still warm, generously brush the entire surface with melted butter. In a shallow bowl, mix the sugar and cinnamon together, then sprinkle and press this mixture all over the buttery cake to create a sugary crust reminiscent of cider donuts.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the Bundt cake to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy it with a hot cup of apple cider or coffee, and share with friends and family!
This bundt cake combines the warm spices and rich apple cider flavor of classic apple cider donuts, but in a moist, soft cake form that’s perfect for sharing! Enjoy the delicious flavor of fall in every bite!
Can I Substitute Apple Cider with Another Liquid?
Yes, if fresh apple cider isn’t available, you can use apple juice as a substitute. It might be a bit sweeter, so adjust the sugar in the recipe if necessary.
How Can I Store Leftover Bundt Cake?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week.
Can I Freeze This Cake?
Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving!
What Should I Do If My Bundt Cake Sticks to the Pan?
If your cake does stick, run a plastic knife or a small spatula around the edges of the pan to gently loosen it. If it’s still stubborn, try placing the pan in a warm water bath for a minute to help release the cake.
