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Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

This Apple Cider Donut Cake combines the warm, spiced flavors of traditional apple cider donuts into a moist and tender bundt cake. Infused with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and apple cider, this cake is topped with a cinnamon sugar glaze that brings a delightful crunch and sweetness. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you’re craving cozy autumn flavors in a simple, elegant cake.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • ½ cup applesauce or apple butter
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Topping

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Whipped cream, caramel sauce (optional for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center. Set aside a 10-cup bundt pan but do not grease it yet.
  2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
  3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the apple cider and your choice of applesauce or apple butter. Set aside.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.
  6. Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients: Add the dry flour mixture and the apple cider mixture alternately to the batter, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Do this in three additions of flour and two additions of cider, mixing well after each addition. Stir the batter gently with a rubber spatula to ensure uniformity without overmixing.
  7. Prepare Bundt Pan and Bake: Generously grease the bundt pan with baking spray containing flour or butter and flour. Pour the batter into the pan and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool the Cake: Remove the bundt pan from the oven and place it on a cooling rack for 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto the rack, using parchment paper or foil underneath to catch any sugar topping later applied.
  9. Make the Topping: While the cake is still warm, brush the melted butter evenly over the surface of the cake. Mix the granulated sugar with ground cinnamon and immediately sprinkle it liberally over the buttered cake. Tilt the rack gently to distribute sugar into the crevices and lightly press some sugar into the surface if desired. Be gentle as the cake is delicate when warm.
  10. Cool Completely and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. Serve plain or topped with whipped cream and caramel sauce if desired for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor, and reduce it if a more concentrated cider taste is desired.
  • The applesauce or apple butter adds moisture and apple flavor; use unsweetened applesauce if you want less sweetness.
  • Greasing the bundt pan thoroughly is essential to prevent sticking.
  • Do not overmix the batter once dry and wet ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
  • The cinnamon sugar topping is best applied while the cake is warm, but let the cake cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.
  • This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
  • Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce for extra sweetness and presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donut cake, fall cake, spiced cake, homemade bundt cake, cinnamon sugar cake, apple cake, autumn dessert

Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/apple-cider-donut-cake-recipe/