Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake with Cinnamon Sugar

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of warm spices and sweet apples wafting from the kitchen, isn’t there? This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake brings all those comforting, nostalgic feelings right to your home, transforming simple ingredients into a show-stopping dessert. It’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a crisp autumn day, but in cake form – moist, tender, and kissed with that unmistakable cinnamon-sugar crunch.

I remember countless childhood afternoons in Grandma’s kitchen, the air thick with the scent of apples from her orchard, her hands deftly peeling and slicing while I eagerly waited for a taste. This cake reminds me of those cherished moments, the joy of turning everyday fruits into something extraordinary that brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

This delightful Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is not only incredibly easy to bake, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels, but it also shines as a beautiful centerpiece for any gathering, from casual brunches to festive holiday tables. A little tip from my own experience: always make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature; it makes for the silkiest batter and a wonderfully even bake!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Crafting this delightful dessert relies on a few pantry staples, like all-purpose flour and granulated sugar, but the real stars are the apple cider and warm spices — cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves — which infuse every bite of this Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake with cozy autumn flavor. The full list of ingredients and precise measurements can be found in the recipe card below, ready for your baking adventure.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

Whipping up this lovely Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is a wonderfully straightforward process that starts with reducing some apple cider to concentrate its flavor, then moves on to creating the moist, spiced bundt cake batter. Finally, the baked cake is generously coated in a delightful cinnamon-sugar mixture, transforming it into a truly irresistible treat that mimics the beloved flavors of an apple cider donut.

Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

This moist and flavorful bundt cake captures all the warm, spiced essence of a classic apple cider donut, complete with a delightful cinnamon-sugar coating. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy dessert.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 16 pieces

Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Reduced Apple Cider

• 2 cups apple cider unfiltered recommended

For the Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves optional, for deeper spice
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter 2 sticks, softened to room temperature
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream full-fat, room temperature (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 1/2 cup reduced apple cider from the first step
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp ground cinnamon

Equipment

• Large Bundt Pan (10-12 cup)
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Medium Mixing Bowl
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Electric stand mixer or hand mixer
• Rubber Spatula
• Wire Rack
• Pastry brush (optional)

Method

 

Prepare the Reduced Apple Cider

1. Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the cider has reduced to about 1/2 cup (this takes approximately 15-20 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool completely before using.

Prepare the Bundt Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 10-12 cup bundt pan, ensuring all nooks and crannies are coated. Tap out any excess flour.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves (if using), and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl with an electric mixer (stand or hand-held), cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 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. Beat in the sour cream and vanilla extract until just combined.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the cooled 1/2 cup of reduced apple cider, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients (e.g., 1/3 dry, 1/2 cider, 1/3 dry, 1/2 cider, 1/3 dry). Mix until just combined and no streaks of flour remain; be careful not to overmix.
6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Tap the pan gently on the counter a few times to release any air bubbles.
7. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
8. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to set before inverting.

Apply the Cinnamon Sugar Coating

1. While the cake is cooling, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon. In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the 1/2 cup unsalted butter.
2. After the initial cooling time, carefully invert the bundt cake onto the wire rack. Place the wire rack over a baking sheet or parchment paper to catch any drips from the coating.
3. While the cake is still warm, brush the entire surface of the cake liberally with the melted butter. You can use a pastry brush or spoon it over. Once buttered, immediately sprinkle or spoon the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the entire cake, rotating to ensure all sides are coated. Repeat with any remaining butter and cinnamon sugar until the cake is fully coated.
4. Let the cake cool completely on the wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the coating to set and the flavors to fully meld.

Notes

For best results, ensure all cold ingredients (butter, eggs, sour cream) are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better and creates a smoother, more uniform batter. If your kitchen is cool, you can warm eggs by placing them in warm water for 5-10 minutes. Store leftover cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. For extra flavor, toast the spices briefly before adding them to the flour mixture.

Pro Tips for Making This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

Getting that perfect, tender crumb and irresistible flavor for your Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is all about a few loving touches and attention to detail.

My top tip: Don’t rush the cider reduction! Simmering it gently until it’s thick and syrupy truly intensifies that apple flavor, making all the difference in the cake. It’s a small step that yields big rewards for your Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake.

My Secret Trick: I always brush the warm cake with a little extra melted butter before tossing it in the cinnamon sugar. This helps the coating adhere beautifully and gives it that authentic, rich donut-like crust.

When mixing your batter, be careful not to overmix! Once the dry ingredients are just combined with the wet, stop. Overmixing can develop the gluten too much, leading to a tough cake, and we want a light, tender crumb.

And finally, always make sure your bundt pan is thoroughly greased and floured. I even use a baking spray with flour to ensure a clean release every single time – there’s nothing more disheartening than a beautiful cake sticking to the pan!

Fun Variations for Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

I adore how versatile baking can be, and this Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is a fantastic canvas for your own creative twists! Don’t be shy about experimenting – that’s where some of the most delicious discoveries are made.

• Maple Glaze Marvel: For an extra layer of autumn comfort, swap the cinnamon sugar coating for a simple maple glaze. Whisk powdered sugar with a few tablespoons of pure maple syrup and a splash of milk until smooth, then drizzle it generously over the cooled Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake. My sister always asks me to do this version when she visits!
• Chai Spice Infusion: Elevate the spice profile by adding a teaspoon of ground cardamom and a pinch of ground ginger to the dry ingredients. This gives the Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake a wonderfully warm and aromatic chai-like twist that’s utterly delightful.
• Nutty Crunch: For those who love a bit of texture, consider folding in ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter just before baking. The nuts add a lovely crunch and a subtle nutty flavor that complements the apple and spice beautifully.

What to Serve With Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

This delicious Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is truly a star on its own, but it also plays wonderfully with a few simple accompaniments that make it feel even more special.

I love serving it alongside a warm mug of spiced chai or a robust cup of freshly brewed coffee – the bitterness balances the sweetness perfectly. For a decadent touch, a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream melting over a warm slice of Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is pure bliss. My mom always pairs it with hot cocoa in winter, which adds to the cozy vibe. If you’re looking for something lighter, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scattering of toasted pecans can elevate this already amazing dessert.

How to Store Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

Keeping your Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake fresh and delicious is quite simple, ensuring you can enjoy its sweet, spiced goodness for days.

To keep it at its best, store leftover Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. I like to use an airtight cake dome or wrap individual slices in plastic wrap to prevent them from drying out. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating for Freshness

When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen slice, let it thaw at room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. A quick personal tip: if the cinnamon-sugar coating has lost some of its crunch, a light dusting of fresh cinnamon sugar or even just a warm-up in a toaster oven for a few minutes can bring it right back to life!

Nutritional Benefits

While undoubtedly a treat, this Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake incorporates wholesome apple cider, offering a hint of natural sweetness and fruit essence. It’s a dessert that’s both satisfying and nourishing in spirit, reminding us that homemade treats, made with simple ingredients and love, can be a delightful part of a balanced life.

FAQs

Can I use regular apple juice instead of apple cider?

Yes, you can, but for the best flavor in your Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake, I truly recommend using apple cider. It has a richer, more complex taste that really shines through, especially once reduced. Apple juice tends to be sweeter and less nuanced.

How do I know when the bundt cake is done baking?

Your Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is perfectly baked when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the thickest part comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the edges will start to pull away slightly from the pan.

Can I make this cake ahead of time for an event?

Absolutely! This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is wonderful made a day in advance. Store it at room temperature, covered loosely with plastic wrap to protect the cinnamon sugar coating, and it will be perfectly delicious.

What’s the secret to getting a good cinnamon-sugar coating?

The key is to apply the coating while the Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is still warm, but not piping hot. This allows the residual heat to slightly melt the butter, helping the cinnamon sugar adhere beautifully without becoming soggy.

Conclusion

Baking this Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating warmth, joy, and memories in your kitchen. I hope this recipe inspires you to embrace the sweet satisfaction of homemade treats. With every tender, spiced bite and sugary crunch, you’ll taste the love you poured into it, bringing people together around your table, just as desserts always have for me. Happy baking, sweet friends!