This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is a fun twist on a classic treat! It’s soft, moist, and packed with the warm flavors of cinnamon and apples—perfect for fall.
Who doesn’t love a donut? Now you can enjoy one in cake form! I like to top mine with a sweet glaze and enjoy it with a warm cup of cider. It’s a cozy way to celebrate the season!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your batter, giving it structure. You can use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend if needed, though the texture may differ slightly.
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider adds a unique flavor. If you don’t have any, apple juice works in a pinch, though it may be a bit sweeter. Homemade cider is wonderful if you have the time!
Unsalted Butter: I always use unsalted butter to control the saltiness. You can swap with margarine or coconut oil for a dairy-free option, just note that it may change the flavor slightly.
Chopped Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweetness. If they’re out of season, diced pears also work well!
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Both add moisture and richness. For a dairy-free choice, try using almond yogurt or a plant-based sour cream alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Cream Butter and Sugar?
Creaming butter and sugar is key to fluffiness and lift in your cake. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use softened butter. It should be easy to press with your finger but not melted.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Scrape down the sides of your bowl occasionally to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
Properly creamed butter helps incorporate air into the batter, making your cake light and soft.
How Can I Ensure My Bundt Cake Releases Easily?
No one wants to struggle with a sticking cake! Here’s how to keep your bundt cake intact:
- Grease your bundt pan generously with softened butter or cooking spray. Pay attention to crevices!
- Dust the greased pan with flour, shaking out the excess. Cocoa powder is another good option if you want a chocolatey twist.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Taking these steps helps prevent any sticking and ensures your cake looks beautiful when served.
Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider (preferably fresh)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup peeled and finely chopped apples (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake takes about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 50-60 minutes to bake, and it requires a bit of cooling time. Plan for a total of about 1.5 to 2 hours before you can enjoy your delicious cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Bundt Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your bundt pan is ready—grease it well with softened butter and lightly dust it with flour, or use a non-stick spray. This helps the cake release easily after baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
Take a large mixing bowl and cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat this mixture until it’s light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial for a soft cake!
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, beat in the eggs one at a time and mix well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract until everything is fully combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to mix your dry ingredients with the butter mixture. Alternately add the dry ingredients and the apple cider in three parts, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the cake nice and fluffy.
6. Fold in Sour Cream and Apples:
Gently fold in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and the finely chopped apples until they are evenly mixed throughout the batter.
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed to ensure even baking.
8. Bake the Cake:
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Make sure to check it around the 50-minute mark!
9. Let It Cool:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Brush with Butter:
While the cake is still warm, brush the outside generously with melted butter. This step will make it even more delicious!
11. Add the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon together for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture over the buttered cake so it sticks nicely.
12. Serve and Enjoy!
Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake with a warm cup of spiced tea or cider for a cozy fall treat!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work best, you can use any apple variety you like. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may make the cake a bit sweeter overall, so adjust the sugar if needed.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, but it’s best to enjoy it fresh!
Can I Freeze This Cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator overnight or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-ins?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a lovely addition for some extra crunch. Just fold them in along with the chopped apples for a delightful texture contrast!
