Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe
This Apple Cider Donut Cake is a moist and flavorful bundt cake infused with warm spices and rich apple cider, topped with a sweet, buttery cider glaze and a cinnamon sugar coating that perfectly mimics the classic fall treat of apple cider donuts.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Cake:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 ½ sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature (20 tablespoons, 1 ¼ cups)
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider
For the Coating:
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons demerara or turbinado sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-cup bundt pan thoroughly with Baker’s Joy or another non-stick spray combined with flour to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture becomes lighter in color and very fluffy. This process takes 3-5 minutes and occasional scraping of the bowl ensures even mixing.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition and scraping down the bowl to incorporate all ingredients. Then blend in the vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Apple Cider: Add the flour mixture in three portions, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition. While the mixer runs on the lowest speed, slowly pour in the apple cider in a steady stream and mix until fully incorporated. Scrape the bowl carefully to ensure the batter is evenly mixed.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes until the edges become golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before gently inverting it onto a serving plate.
- Prepare Cider Glaze: While the cake bakes, pour 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat slightly to maintain a low boil. Stir occasionally every 10 minutes and continue cooking for about 30 minutes until the cider reduces and thickens to roughly ⅓ cup. Remove from heat and stir in the salted butter until melted and smooth.
- Mix Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, demerara (or turbinado) sugar, and cinnamon until evenly combined.
- Coat the Cake: While the cake is still warm, brush the entire surface with the warm cider glaze generously. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top and sides of the cake. Press additional sugar gently onto the sides using the palm of your hand to ensure a good coating.
- Serve: Serve the Apple Cider Donut Cake warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the eggs and butter are at room temperature to ensure a smooth batter.
- The cider glaze should be warm when applying to the cake for better absorption.
- Demerara or turbinado sugar adds a nice crunch and caramel flavor but regular granulated sugar can be used as a substitute.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- This cake can be made a day in advance; just apply the glaze and sugar before serving.
- For more spice, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dry ingredients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: apple cider cake, apple cider donut cake, fall dessert, bundt cake, cinnamon cake, homemade donut cake