This apple cider donut bundt cake is a cozy treat that smells like autumn. With sweet apple cider and warm spices, it brings all the fall vibes to your kitchen!
Honestly, it’s super fun to watch it bake and fill the house with a scrumptious aroma. I love serving it warm with a cup of coffee—perfect for a chilly day! ☕🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cake. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Apple Cider: It’s essential for flavor! If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice, but the taste won’t be quite as rich. You could also try reducing apple juice on the stove to mimic cider.
Sour Cream/Plain Yogurt: This adds moisture and tang. If you’re dairy-free, try using unsweetened almond yogurt or even applesauce for a lighter texture.
Spices: The nutmeg and ginger bring warmth. Feel free to swap out the ginger for more cinnamon if you prefer a less spicy flavor.
Apples: Adding finely chopped apples brings extra texture. If you don’t have fresh apples, consider mixing in dried apples for a chewy contrast.
How Do I Get My Bundt Cake to Come Out Perfectly Every Time?
One key to a successful bundt cake is the preparing of your pan. Make sure to grease and flour it thoroughly to help the cake release easily.
- Use a generous amount of softened butter to coat the pan, then sprinkle in flour, tapping out the excess.
- Cooling is also important. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping it onto a wire rack. This helps it maintain its shape.
- Don’t be afraid to add a toothpick to check for doneness. Remove it when it comes out clean, but if there’s a crumb or two, that’s fine as it will continue to set as it cools.
Following these steps will help you create a bundt cake that is not only beautiful but also delicious!
Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup apple cider
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- Optional: ½ cup finely chopped apples (for extra texture)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful bundt cake requires about 15 minutes for preparation and 40-50 minutes of baking time. After that, allow for a 10-minute cooling period in the pan and a little more until it’s fully cool. Overall, expect about 1.5 hours total to enjoy this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a bundt pan to ensure the cake releases easily when it’s done baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. This mixture will provide structure and flavor to your cake. Set it aside for later.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy—this helps to incorporate air for a fluffy cake.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, adding in a lovely flavor.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Now it’s time to add the dry ingredients and wet ingredients! Alternately add the dry mixture and apple cider to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This helps keep the batter smooth. Gently stir in the sour cream, and if you’re using them, fold in the finely chopped apples until just combined.
6. Pour and Smooth the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top for an even bake.
7. Bake the Cake:
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbly bits.
8. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
While the cake is cooling, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl for the coating.
10. Coat the Cake:
Once the cake is cool, brush it with melted butter and then, generously sprinkle or roll it in the cinnamon sugar mixture until it is well coated.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious apple cider donut bundt cake is now ready! Slice and serve it warm with a cup of hot apple cider or coffee. Enjoy the flavors of fall!
Enjoy your moist, fragrant apple cider donut bundt cake with a crispy cinnamon sugar coating that evokes classic fall flavors!
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Can I Use Whole Wheat Flour Instead of All-Purpose Flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour! However, you may want to use a little less since whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid. You could start with 2 cups and see how thick the batter is before adding more.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider?
If you find yourself without apple cider, apple juice is a suitable substitute. For a richer flavor, you can reduce the apple juice in a saucepan until it thickens, mimicking the taste of cider.
How Do I Store Leftover Cake?
To store leftovers, wrap the cake in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze slices; just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Some blends include xanthan gum, which can help with texture, but check the package for specific instructions.