Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

If you love the warm, sweet flavor of a fresh apple cider donut, this Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is about to become your new favorite fall dessert! It has all the cozy flavors of a classic apple cider donut in one beautiful Bundt cake, complete with apple cider, applesauce, warm spices, and a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating.

The cake is soft, tender, and full of apple flavor, with hints of nutmeg, ginger, and allspice in every bite. After baking, it’s brushed with melted butter and reduced apple cider, then generously coated in cinnamon sugar for that irresistible donut-inspired finish.

It’s perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving dessert tables, weekend baking, or serving alongside a hot cup of coffee. Although it takes a little time to prepare, the result is well worth the effort!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

• Classic apple cider donut flavor: Enjoy the familiar taste of an apple cider donut in an easy-to-slice Bundt cake.
• Packed with fall spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice create a warm, cozy flavor.
• Real apple cider: Reducing the cider concentrates its flavor and gives the cake a delicious apple-forward taste.
• Buttery cinnamon-sugar topping: The finished cake gets brushed with butter and cider before being coated in cinnamon sugar.
• Perfect for sharing: This recipe makes 12–14 servings, making it ideal for holiday gatherings and family celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Apple Cider Bundt Cake

• Unsalted butter: You’ll need 1 cup melted butter for the cake and an additional 2 tablespoons for the topping. It adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the Bundt cake. Spoon and level the flour for accurate measuring.
• Fresh apple cider: The star ingredient! Reducing the cider concentrates its apple flavor and gives the cake its signature taste.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and enhances the apple flavor without making the cake overly heavy.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complements the apple and spices.
• Large eggs and egg yolk: Two whole eggs plus one extra yolk help create a rich, tender cake.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise.
• Baking soda: Works with the other ingredients to support a light texture.
• Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a warm, slightly nutty spice flavor.
• Ground ginger: Gives the cake a subtle spicy warmth.
• Ground allspice: Adds depth and a cozy fall flavor.
• Light brown sugar: Brings a hint of molasses flavor and extra moisture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and is also used in the cinnamon-sugar coating.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds classic apple cider donut flavor to both the cake and topping.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

• Granulated sugar: Creates the sweet coating on the outside of the cake.
• Ground cinnamon: Gives the topping its familiar donut-inspired flavor.
• Unsalted butter: Helps the cinnamon sugar stick to the warm cake.
• Reduced apple cider: Adds another layer of apple flavor to the buttery coating.

Equipment Needed

• 12-cup Bundt pan
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wire cooling rack
• Pastry brush
• Paring knife or small offset spatula

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C), positioning the oven rack in the middle.

Generously butter and flour a 12-cup Bundt pan, making sure to coat all the grooves and details. This is especially important because Bundt cakes can stick easily if the pan isn’t prepared properly.

Tap out any excess flour and set the pan aside.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

Pour the apple cider into a medium saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.

Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, or until the cider has reduced from 2 1/4 cups to 1 cup and 2 tablespoons.

Measure out 1 cup of the reduced cider and transfer it to a bowl. Let it cool slightly for about 5 minutes.

Reserve the remaining 2 tablespoons for the buttery topping.

Reducing the cider is an important step because it concentrates the apple flavor, giving the cake its signature taste.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

To the bowl containing 1 cup of reduced apple cider, add the unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, whole eggs, egg yolk, and 1 cup of melted butter.

Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.

Set the mixture aside while you prepare the dry ingredients.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, ground nutmeg, ground ginger, allspice, brown sugar, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon.

Make sure the spices and sugars are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.

Step 5: Make the Cake Batter

Pour the apple cider mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients.

Whisk gently until everything is just combined and no dry streaks remain.

Avoid overmixing the batter. Mixing just until combined helps keep the finished cake soft and tender.

Step 6: Fill the Bundt Pan

Transfer the batter into your prepared Bundt pan.

Spread it evenly around the pan, making sure the batter reaches all the grooves.

Gently smooth the top so the cake bakes evenly.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes.

Step 8: Remove the Cake from the Pan

After 15 minutes, carefully run a paring knife or small offset spatula around the outer edges and center of the cake to loosen it.

Place a wire rack over the Bundt pan and carefully invert the cake onto the rack.

Lift the pan away and allow the cake to cool slightly while you prepare the topping.

Step 9: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

In a small bowl, stir together the remaining 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon.

In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 2 tablespoons melted butter with the reserved 2 tablespoons of reduced apple cider.

Stir until combined.

Step 10: Brush and Coat the Cake

While the cake is still warm, brush the butter-and-cider mixture all over the surface using a pastry brush.

Generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the top and sides of the cake, allowing it to stick to the buttery coating.

Make sure to cover as much of the cake as possible for that classic apple cider donut finish.

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely on the wire rack for about 2 hours before slicing.

Once cooled, transfer it to a serving plate, cut into slices, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

• Reduce the cider properly: Don’t skip this step. Concentrating the apple cider gives the cake its distinctive flavor.
• Measure the reduced cider carefully: Use 1 cup for the cake batter and reserve the remaining 2 tablespoons for the topping.
• Prepare the Bundt pan thoroughly: Butter and flour every groove to help prevent sticking.
• Use room-temperature eggs: They mix more easily with the other ingredients and help create a smooth batter.
• Don’t overmix: Whisk only until the dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid a dense cake.
• Let the cake rest before removing it: Cooling for 15 minutes helps the cake release more easily from the pan.
• Apply the topping while warm: The butter-and-cider mixture helps the cinnamon sugar adhere to the cake.
• Allow enough cooling time: Letting the cake cool completely helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Variations and Substitutions

Add More Apple Flavor

For an even stronger apple-inspired dessert, serve each slice with a spoonful of applesauce or a little warm apple butter.

Adjust the Spices

If you love cinnamon, you can experiment with adding a little more to the cake batter. You can also adjust the ginger and nutmeg to suit your taste.

Make Mini Bundt Cakes

You can use the batter to make smaller Bundt cakes, but baking time will vary depending on the size of your pans. Keep an eye on them and test with a wooden pick for doneness.

Add a Simple Glaze

If you prefer a sweeter finish, drizzle a simple powdered sugar glaze over the completely cooled cake. Keep in mind that this will create a different finish from the traditional cinnamon-sugar coating.

How to Store Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

Once completely cooled, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature. Keeping it covered helps prevent it from drying out.

For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake in an airtight container. Allow slices to come closer to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Can You Freeze Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake?

Yes! Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing.

Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly and place in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving.

For the best cinnamon-sugar texture, you can refresh the coating before serving if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does apple cider do in this Bundt cake?

Apple cider gives the cake its signature apple flavor. Reducing it on the stovetop concentrates that flavor, making it more noticeable throughout the cake and in the buttery topping.

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

Apple cider is recommended because it provides the classic flavor associated with apple cider donuts. Apple juice may work as an alternative, but the taste and overall result may be different.

Why do I need to reduce the apple cider?

Reducing the cider removes some of its water while concentrating its flavor. This helps give the cake a stronger apple taste without adding too much liquid to the batter.

How do I prevent my Bundt cake from sticking?

Generously butter and flour the entire Bundt pan, including all the grooves. After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully loosening the edges and inverting it onto a wire rack.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake is a lovely make-ahead dessert for fall gatherings. Bake it in advance and allow it to cool completely before storing it covered.

Why is the cake coated while it’s warm?

The warm cake helps the melted butter and reduced cider spread easily over the surface. The cinnamon sugar then sticks to the coating, creating that delicious donut-inspired finish.

Can I skip the cinnamon-sugar topping?

You can, but the topping is one of the best parts of this recipe! It gives the cake its signature apple cider donut flavor and texture. If you prefer, you can serve it plain with a light dusting of powdered sugar instead.

What to Serve with Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

This cake is delicious on its own, but it pairs especially well with warm drinks and other cozy fall favorites.

Try serving it with:

• A hot cup of coffee or espresso
• Chai tea or black tea
• Hot apple cider
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Fresh apple slices
• A dollop of whipped cream

It’s especially lovely as an afternoon treat or as the centerpiece of a fall dessert table.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake brings all the delicious flavors of a fresh apple cider donut into one beautiful homemade cake. With concentrated apple cider, tender applesauce-rich cake, warm spices, and a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating, every slice tastes like fall.

Serve it with a hot cup of coffee, share it at your next autumn gathering, or bake it whenever you’re craving a cozy seasonal dessert. It’s a sweet, comforting treat that’s sure to disappear slice by slice!

Print