This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is a tasty twist on your favorite autumn treats. It’s stuffed with apple bits and has a pinch of warm spices for that cozy feeling.
Plus, who can resist a cake that looks this good? I love dusting it with cinnamon sugar before serving—it’s like giving it a warm hug from the kitchen! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is your base for structure. If you want a gluten-free option, try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for best results!
Apple Cider: Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor. If it’s not available, unsweetened apple juice can work, but it’s a bit sweeter, so consider reducing sugar slightly.
Apples: Granny Smith is great for its tartness, but feel free to mix in other apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added sweetness. Just make sure they’re firm so they hold up well during baking.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices give that cozy fall vibe. You can substitute pumpkin pie spice if you want a different twist, but using ground spices brings a lovely warmth to this cake!
How Do I Ensure My Bundt Cake Comes Out Perfectly?
A few tips can make or break your bundt cake. Start by greasing and flouring the pan well. This prevents sticking. Use a non-stick baking spray if you have it.
- Mix your ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture!
- Don’t rush the cooling process; let it rest for 15 minutes after baking to set before you invert it.
- Check doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
With these tips and the delicious ingredients, you’ll create a stunning cake that everyone will enjoy!
Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (Granny Smith recommended)
- For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cake takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, allow for a 15-minute cooling time in the pan before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling. It’s a perfect treat to enjoy any time of the year, especially in fall!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a bundt pan very well. Make sure to also flour it to prevent sticking later on.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This will ensure an even mix of all the dry ingredients. Set the bowl aside for now.
3. Cream Together Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and give it a quick mix.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. Do this in parts—start with the dry mix, then add in the apple cider, alternating between the two until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter using a spatula. This adds fantastic flavor and texture to your cake.
7. Pour into the Bundt Pan:
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared bundt pan and smooth out the top with a spatula to make it nice and even.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. Check it by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
9. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coat:
While waiting for your cake to cool, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl.
11. Coat with Butter and Sugar:
Once the cake is cool, brush the top and sides generously with melted butter. Then, roll or sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the cake until it’s fully coated.
12. Slice and Enjoy:
Now, it’s time to enjoy your masterpiece! Slice the cake and relish the warm, cinnamon-sugar-coated goodness that tastes just like apple cider donuts! Perfect for gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack.
This moist and warmly spiced cake is sure to make everyone smile! 🍏🍂
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness, you can mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added sweetness. Just ensure your apples are firm so they hold up well during baking.
How Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend, which usually includes xanthan gum and works well in cake recipes. This way, you can enjoy the cake without worrying about gluten!
Can I Prepare This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance and store it tightly covered at room temperature. Just wait to add the cinnamon sugar coating until right before serving for maximum freshness!
How Should 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 longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.