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Easy to Make: Skip the fuss of frying donuts—this cake comes together with minimal effort, using basic ingredients you likely already have. Packed with Fall Flavors: With the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, and the rich taste of apple cider, every bite is bursting with autumn goodness. Perfect for Sharing & Customizing: Baked in a bundt pan, this cake is ideal for gatherings or brunches and is extra indulgent with vanilla ice cream and salted caramel sauce. Tested to Perfection: This recipe was meticulously tested to ensure it delivers the same satisfying taste as the beloved fall donuts from your favorite local farm.
“This cake is delicious! It tastes exactly as named – Apple Cider Donuts! I made this cake exactly as printed. It turned out perfect!” — Marie “My friends and I agreed that this tasted just like an apple cider donut. It is nice to have an option that is lightly spiced.” — Ferrin IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 10/1/2024, to include explanations of key ingredients, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and more Pro Chef Tips.
Table of Contents
What is an Apple Cider Donut Cake? Tools You Need Key Ingredients of Apple Cider Donut Cake How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips Make Ahead & Storage Instructions How to Prevent a Cake From Sticking to the Bundt Pan? More Allple Cake Recipes
What is an Apple Cider Donut Cake?
An apple cider donut cake is more than just apple cider doughnuts made in a bundt pan:
Warm Fall Flavors: Apple flavor infused with the season’s signature spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice—this donut embodies the essence of fall. Rich Apple Notes: Apple cider adds a natural sweetness and depth, making these donuts a true celebration of autumn’s flavors.
These elements create a delicious treat that perfectly captures the taste of fall.
Tools You Need
Measuring cups and spoons Mixing bowls Whisk or mixer 12-cup bundt pan Saucepan Wire rack
Key Ingredients
Apple Cider
Provides the primary flavor and sweetness. The reducing process concentrates its flavor, making it a key element in achieving the signature taste of the apple cider cake.
Eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients together, add richness, and provide structure to the cake. They also help the cake rise by trapping air in the batter.
Granulated sugar
Sweetens the cake and contributes to its texture. It helps create a tender crumb by breaking down into smaller particles during mixing.
Dark brown sugar
Adds a deeper, molasses-like flavor and moisture to the cake. It helps enhance the cake’s richness and complexity. If you only have light brown sugar, check out our recipe to make it richer.
Whole milk
Adds moisture and helps dissolve the sugars and spices. Cold milk is used to cool the hot cider quickly, ensuring an even texture in the cake.
Vegetable oil
Provides moisture and tenderness. It helps keep the cake from becoming dry and adds a light, airy texture.
Vanilla extract
Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor that compliments the spices and apple cider.
All-purpose flour
The primary structure-building ingredient. It provides the framework for the cake, and its gluten content affects the texture.
Baking powder
A leavening agent that helps the cake rise by producing carbon dioxide gas. It works with the baking soda to create a light and fluffy texture.
Baking soda
Another leavening agent that helps the cake rise and contributes to the overall texture. It neutralizes acidic ingredients and helps balance the cake’s pH.
Ground nutmeg
Adds warm, aromatic flavor. Nutmeg complements the apple cider and other spices, enhancing the cake’s overall taste. You can use Pumpkin Spice or Mixed Spice instead.
Salt
Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the sweetness. It also strengthens the cake’s structure by affecting the gluten.
Cinnamon sugar mixture
Sprinkle the cake after baking. It adds a sweet and spiced outer layer, mimicking the classic donut flavor.
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake
Prep
Make the apple cider
Make the donut cake batter
Bake
Gemma’s Pro Chef Tips For Making Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake
Again, for cakes, all ingredients should be at room temperature. This recipe calls for cold milk, though, in order to help cool the hot cider down faster. If you can’t find apple cider, you can use unsweetened pure apple juice instead. Granulated sugar can liquefy on the cake when defrosting, so if you plan to make this cake in advance and freeze it, do so before you coat the cake with sugar. This is a very casual snacking cake but you can dress it up by serving it with my homemade vanilla ice cream and salted caramel sauce! This cake would make a perfect addition to a special brunch!
Make Ahead & Storage Instructions
Make Ahead:
This cake freezes well! To freeze, skip the cinnamon sugar coating, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, then brush with melted butter and coat with cinnamon sugar before serving.
Room Temperature Storage:
Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
How to Prevent a Cake From Sticking to the Bundt Pan?
Here are some tips to ensure your apple cider bundt cake comes out of the bundt pan cleanly and beautifully with careful preparation and handling:
Proper Greasing and Flour Dusting
Butter or Oil: Thoroughly coat every nook and cranny of the bundt pan with softened butter or oil. Use a pastry brush to reach all the intricate designs of the pan. We do NOT recommend using baking spray with flour due to the residue. Flour Dusting: After greasing, dust the pan with flour. Hold the pan over the sink and rotate it, tapping the sides gently to ensure an even coating. Shake out the excess flour to prevent clumps.
Use a Non-Stick Bundt Pan
Invest in a high-quality non-stick bundt pan. The non-stick coating, combined with proper greasing, provides the best chance of a clean release.
Let the Cake Cool Properly
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes after baking. This cooling time helps the cake firm up slightly and reduces the risk of it breaking when inverted. Don’t let the cake cool completely in the pan, as it may stick more as it cools down.
Loosen the Edges Before Inverting
Gently run a thin, flexible spatula or knife around the edges of the cake, including the inner ring, to loosen it from the pan. Be careful not to scratch the pan. Invert the Pan with Confidence: Place a cooling rack or plate on top of the bundt pan. Firmly grip the pan and the rack together, and flip them in one smooth motion. Give the pan a gentle shake or tap to help release the cake. Use a Wet Towel Trick: If the cake is still sticking, place a damp kitchen towel over the inverted bundt pan. The steam created can help loosen the cake from the pan’s surface.
Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains a binder like xanthan gum to help with texture. Or, try our Easy Alomnd Flour Baking Mix. How can I make this cake dairy-free? Substitute the whole milk with a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk, almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. Ensure all other ingredients are also dairy-free. Can I make this apple cider cake donut recipe without a bundt pan? Yes, you can use a regular cake pan, but the cooking time may vary. The bundt pan’s shape helps the cake cook evenly and gives it its signature look. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour? You can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be denser. Use a mix of half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for better results. Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake? Yes, feel free to fold in toasted chopped nuts, raisins, or even dried cranberries for added texture and flavor. How do I know when the cake is done? Insert a wooden skewer into the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done. A toothpick will be too short. Why did my cake turn out dense? Overmixing the batter can cause a dense cake. Mix until just combined, and avoid overworking the flour. What can I serve with Apple Cider Donut Cake? Serve the cake with vanilla ice cream, salted caramel sauce, apple butter, or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. How do I prevent the cinnamon sugar from melting into the cake? Coat the cake with the cinnamon sugar while it’s still warm but not hot. If freezing, add the cinnamon sugar after defrosting.
More Apple Cake Recipes:
My Mum’s Irish Apple Cake Spiced Apple Cake With Honey Caramel Sauce Apple Snack Cake Decadent Caramel Apple Upside Down Cake One Bowl Applesauce Cake Recipe
And don’t forget to buy my Bigger Bolder Baking Cookbook! IMPORTANT NOTE: This recipe was improved and updated on 10/1/2024, to include explanations of key ingredients, answers to the most frequently asked questions, and more Pro Chef Tips.
