This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is a sweet treat that combines the cozy flavors of apple cider and spices. It’s perfect for fall and tastes just like those yummy donuts!
I love how easy this cake is to make and the fun shape it takes in a bundt pan. It’s a hit at gatherings, and I always have to resist eating the whole thing myself! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your cake. If you want a gluten-free option, try an all-purpose gluten-free blend. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best texture.
Apple Cider: The star of the show! Fresh apple cider gives the best flavor. If you can’t find it, white grape juice works surprisingly well in a pinch.
Spices: The cozy spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves provide warmth. If you’re out of cloves, you can simply increase the nutmeg or cinnamon to taste. I find nutmeg adds a lovely creaminess!
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and richness. If you’re in a hurry, plain yogurt or even buttermilk can be used instead for a slightly different tang.
How Do I Get the Perfect Bundt Cake Texture?
To ensure your bundt cake is soft and moist, here’s what to keep in mind:
- Mix wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them. This helps avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
- Don’t overbake! Start checking for doneness at 50 minutes. The cake should spring back when touched and a toothpick should come out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, as this helps it firm up enough to prevent breaking when inverted.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a beautiful bundt cake that’s sure to impress!
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 3 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 50-60 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll want to let it cool for about 15 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. So, in total, plan for about 1.5 hours before you can dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your bundt pan and grease it generously with butter or non-stick spray. This will help the cake release smoothly once it’s baked.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until everything is evenly combined. This ensures that the baking powder and spices are distributed well throughout the batter.
3. Creating the Wet Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until it’s smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure everything is fully blended. Then stir in the apple cider, sour cream, and vanilla extract until the mixture is combined.
4. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Use a spatula to incorporate them gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cake dense.
5. Baking the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and smooth the top so it’s even. Place it in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cooling the Cake:
Once baked, take the cake out and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, carefully turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it firm up and makes serving easier.
7. Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the cake cools, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. This will be the delicious topping for our cake!
8. Coating the Cake:
When the cake is fully cooled, brush the melted butter over the surface. Then, generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top, making sure it covers the cake evenly.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is ready! Slice it up and share with friends and family or enjoy a piece yourself. The cake is soft, moist, and has a delightful cinnamon-sugar crust that tastes just like those classic apple cider donuts!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s not flavored with spices, as that can alter the final taste of the cake.
What Can I Use Instead of Sour Cream?
If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or buttermilk. Both will provide the moisture you need while still keeping the cake tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Other Ingredients, Like Nuts or Apples?
Of course! Chopped nuts or diced apples can be a delicious addition. Just be careful not to add too much extra moisture, which could affect the cake’s texture. A half-cup of finely chopped apples or nuts should work great!