Spiced Apple Cider Doughnut Cake with a Cinnamon-Sugar Crust

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of cinnamon and apples mingling in the oven, isn’t there? It whispers of crisp autumn days and cozy evenings. This Spiced Apple Cider Doughnut Cake with a Cinnamon-Sugar Crust isn’t just a dessert; it’s a hug in cake form, capturing all those wonderful, comforting flavors. This Apple Cider Cake brings together the best of a fluffy bundt and a spiced doughnut, creating a treat that feels both familiar and wonderfully special.

I remember spending countless afternoons in my grandmother’s kitchen, her flour-dusted hands guiding mine as we baked. We’d often use apples from her backyard, and the simple act of transforming them into something sweet always felt like pure alchemy. This recipe carries that same spirit of simple ingredients turning into something extraordinary.

What I adore about this particular apple cider cake is how approachable it is, perfect for bakers of all levels, and it always brings a smile to everyone’s face. It’s ideal for a quiet family dessert or a festive gathering. My top tip? Don’t rush the apple cider reduction – that’s where the deep flavor truly comes alive!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

To create this delightful apple cider cake, you’ll gather everyday pantry staples and, of course, some wonderful apple cider that transforms into a rich reduction. I always insist on quality spices – fresh cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves make all the difference, creating that warm, inviting flavor profile. The full list of ingredients and precise measurements for this incredible Apple Cider Cake are waiting for you in the recipe card below.

How to Make Apple Cider Cake

Making this Apple Cider Cake is a journey of sweet anticipation! You’ll begin by reducing fresh apple cider to concentrate its flavor, which is a wonderful little trick. Next, you’ll whisk together the dry ingredients, cream the butter and sugars, then combine everything to form a beautiful, fragrant batter. Into the bundt pan it goes, baking to golden perfection, before being drizzled with a simple, sweet cider glaze. For all the step-by-step magic, check out the full recipe instructions in the card below.

Spiced Apple Cider Bundt Cake with Cider Glaze

A wonderfully moist and fragrant bundt cake deeply infused with reduced apple cider and warm autumn spices, crowned with a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze. This cake is the perfect center piece for fall celebrations or a cozy treat.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Apple Cider Reduction

• 2 cups Apple cider not hard cider

For the Apple Cider Cake

• 2 3/4 cups All-purpose flour
• 2 tsp Baking powder
• 1 tsp Baking soda
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp Ground ginger
• 1/8 tsp Ground cloves optional
• 1 cup Unsalted butter 2 sticks, softened to room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups Granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup Light brown sugar packed
• 3 Large eggs room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup Buttermilk room temperature
• 1/4 cup Apple cider reduction from the prepared reduction

For the Apple Cider Glaze

• 1 1/2 cups Powdered sugar or more, to taste
• 1/4 cup Apple cider reduction remaining from the prepared reduction
• 1-2 tbsp Milk optional, for thinning if needed

Equipment

• 10-12 cup Bundt pan
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Medium Mixing Bowl
• Electric Mixer
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Wire cooling rack

Method

 

Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction

1. Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cider has reduced to about 1/2 cup. This will take approximately 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Divide the reduction into two 1/4-cup portions for later use.

Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan thoroughly, ensuring all crevices are coated. Tap out any excess flour.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and optional cloves. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together on medium-high speed until light, fluffy, and pale in color, about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk and 1/4 cup of the cooled apple cider reduction. Begin and end with the dry ingredients (e.g., add 1/3 dry, then 1/2 wet, then 1/3 dry, then 1/2 wet, then 1/3 dry). Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
6. Pour the cake batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.

Bake and Cool

1. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven.
2. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the Bundt pan on a wire cooling rack for 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to firm up. After 10-15 minutes, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely before glazing. This typically takes at least 1-2 hours.

Make and Apply the Glaze

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and the remaining 1/4 cup of apple cider reduction until smooth and lump-free. If the glaze is too thick, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until it reaches a thick, drizzly consistency.
2. Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle or pour the apple cider glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides of the cake. Let the glaze set for about 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Ensure all cold ingredients like butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature for a smooth, well-emulsified batter. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using. Store the apple cider cake at room temperature, covered, for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best flavor, bring to room temperature before serving if refrigerated.

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  Perfectly Reduced Cider: Don’t skip or rush the apple cider reduction step for this Apple Cider Cake. This concentrates the apple flavor, making it truly shine through the spices. I always reduce it gently until it’s about half its original volume – it takes a little patience, but it’s worth every drop!

  
  
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  Room Temperature Ingredients: My top tip for any cake, and especially for this bundt, is to ensure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are all at room temperature. This helps them emulsify properly, creating a smoother batter and a finer crumb for your finished cake.

  
  
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  Don’t Overmix: Once you’ve added the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tough cake. I prefer a light hand, ensuring a tender, moist crumb every time.

  
  
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  My Secret Trick: To ensure a perfect release from the bundt pan, I always use a baking spray that contains flour, or thoroughly grease and flour the pan myself. Then, once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for exactly 10-15 minutes before inverting. This allows the cake to firm up slightly and release beautifully.

  
  

Fun Variations for Apple Cider Cake

A Zesty Twist

If you love a little brightness, consider adding a teaspoon of orange zest to your Apple Cider Cake batter. It complements the apple and spice flavors beautifully, adding a subtle citrusy lift. My friend Emily always asks me to do this – she says it makes it extra special!

Nutty Crunch

For those who enjoy a bit of texture, gently fold in a half cup of finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the batter before baking. They add a lovely crunch and a rich, earthy note that pairs wonderfully with the spiced apple.

Caramel Drizzle

Instead of, or in addition to, the cider glaze, a warm drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce would elevate this apple cider cake to another level of decadence. My cousin loves when I do this for our family gatherings – it’s an irresistible combination!

What to Serve With Apple Cider Cake

This delightful Apple Cider Cake is wonderful on its own, but a few simple additions can make it an even more memorable experience!

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  Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream melting slightly over a warm slice of this cake is pure bliss. The coolness of the ice cream and the warmth of the cake create a heavenly contrast. I love serving it this way for a cozy dessert!

  
  
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  Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream, lightly sweetened and perhaps with a hint of cinnamon, adds an airy, elegant touch. It’s light and perfectly complements the rich spices.

  
  
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  Hot Coffee or Tea: For an afternoon treat, I often pair a slice of this bundt cake with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or a comforting spiced tea. It’s a simple pleasure that feels incredibly indulgent.

  
  

How to Store Apple Cider Cake

Room Temperature Storage

Your delicious Apple Cider Cake will stay fresh and moist at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. I like storing cakes in an airtight cake dome or container to keep them from drying out and to preserve that lovely cinnamon-sugar crust.

Freezer Friendly

If you want to enjoy this treat longer, the cake (without the glaze) freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before glazing and serving.

Reheating for Freshness

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen slice of this Apple Cider Cake, simply warm it gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. A light dusting of fresh powdered sugar after reheating truly brings it back to life, making it taste freshly baked!

Nutritional Benefits

While our focus is always on joy and flavor, this Apple Cider Cake offers a delightful balance. With natural fruit from the cider and warm spices like cinnamon, it’s a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing in its own sweet way. It’s a wonderful example of how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together for a delicious dessert.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I use fresh apple cider instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! Freshly pressed apple cider will lend an even brighter, more authentic apple flavor to your Apple Cider Cake. Just ensure it’s a pure, unsweetened cider to best control the sweetness in the recipe. The reduction process will still concentrate its delightful essence.

Faq 2

How do I get a perfectly moist Apple Cider Cake?
The secret to a moist Apple Cider Cake lies in not overbaking and using room-temperature ingredients. The buttermilk also contributes significantly to its tender crumb. Always check for doneness with a skewer – it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.

Faq 3

Can I make this Apple Cider Cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Many bakers have great success substituting a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour in recipes like this Apple Cider Cake. Ensure your blend contains xanthan gum for structure. The baking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on it.

Faq 4

What’s the best way to prevent my bundt cake from sticking?
My favorite tip for a perfect release is to use a high-quality non-stick bundt pan. Thoroughly grease every crevice with softened butter or baking spray with flour, then dust with flour. Tap out any excess. This ensures your beautiful Apple Cider Cake slides out flawlessly every time!

Conclusion

There you have it, friends – a recipe for a Spiced Apple Cider Doughnut Cake that’s truly more than just a dessert. It’s an invitation to fill your home with warmth, create something beautiful with your own hands, and share moments of pure sweetness. This Apple Cider Cake embodies the simple joy of baking from scratch, proving that a little love and patience can turn simple ingredients into magical treats that bring people together and create lasting memories. I truly hope you enjoy baking and sharing this delightful cake as much as I do!