Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe with Spiced Autumn Flavors

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Bundt Cake

Picture a warm, spiced apple cider bundt cake fresh from the oven, filling your kitchen with the scent of autumn spices. This delightful treat brings the comforting vibes of apple cider donuts into a easy-to-make bundt cake that everyone will adore. Let’s dive into what makes this apple spice cake a must-try for home bakers everywhere, from busy parents to baking enthusiasts seeking seasonal flavors.

• Ease of preparation: One of the best things about this apple cider bundt cake is how simple it is to whip up, even if you’re shortPicked on time. With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can mix and bake this spiced apple cake in under an hour of active effort. This makes it perfect for students or working professionals who want a homemade dessert without spending all day in the kitchen, allowing more time for family moments around the table.
• Health benefits: Enjoying this apple cider bundt cake comes with subtle wellness perks, thanks to ingredients like applesauce and apple cider that add natural moisture and a touch of fruit-based goodness. For diet-conscious individuals, the recipe uses unsweetened applesauce, which can help cut down on added sugars while providing fiber and vitamins. This cider-infused bundt cake supports a balanced treat that feels good for both body and soul, making it a smart choice for seniors or health-focused families.
• Versatility: This apple cider bundt cake shines in its ability to adapt to various needs, whether you’re feeding newlyweds with busy schedules or travelers looking for portable snacks. You can tweak it for different dietary preferences, like making it gluten-free or vegan, without losing that signature spiced apple flavor. It’s a flexible autumn cake that fits into potlucks, holidays, or everyday meals, proving its appeal to a wide audience from home cooks to food enthusiasts.
• Distinctive flavor: What really sets this apple cider bundt cake apart is its unique blend of warm spices and fresh apple notes that capture the essence of fall in every bite. The cinnamon sugar coating adds a crispy finish that echoes traditional apple cider donuts, creating a cider-infused delight that’s both comforting and exciting. For those craving an autumn apple cider cake recipe, this spiced treat offers a standout taste that elevates simple baking into something memorable.

By incorporating these elements, this apple cider bundled cake becomes more than just a recipe it’s a versatile favorite that enhances your baking routine. With its natural use of keywords like apple cider cake and spiced cake, you’ll find it easy to enjoy and share. For more on the health side, check out this health benefits of apple cider resource to see how it fits into a wellness-focused lifestyle.

Essential Ingredients for Apple Cider Bundt Cake

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a perfect apple cider bundle cake. Below, I’ll list everything you need, including precise measurements and a quick explanation of why each one matters. This ensures your spiced apple cake turns out moist and flavorful every time.

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour – Forms the base structure of the cake for a tender crumb.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – Adds warm spice that enhances the apple cider flavor in this autumn cake.
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – Provides a subtle nutty warmth that complements the other spices in the apple spice cake.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and helps activate the baking powder for even rise.
• 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder – Acts as the leavening agent to make the batter fluffy and light.
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake and helps create a moist texture with the oil.
• 1/2 cup brown sugar – Adds depth of flavor and moisture, giving a rich caramel note to the cider-infused bundt.
• 1 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender without needing butter.
• 3 eggs (at room temperature) – Bind the ingredients together and add structure to the batter.
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (at room temperature) – Boosts moisture and apple flavor while reducing the need for extra fat.
• 1 cup apple cider juice (not vinegar, at room temperature) – Infuses the cake with authentic apple taste, making it a true apple cider bundt cake.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor, adding a hint of sweetness to the spiced apple cider bundt cake.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted) – For the cinnamon sugar coating, it helps the sugar stick for a crunchy finish.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Used in the coating to provide a sweet, crispy layer on your apple cider cake.
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon – For the coating, it amplifies the spice profile and ties back to the cake’s flavors.

Special Dietary Options

To make this apple cider bundt cake more inclusive, here are some easy swaps. For a vegan version, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs and swap butter with vegan alternatives in the coating. Go gluten-free by replacing all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it includes xanthan gum for better texture in your spiced apple cake. For low-calorie options, opt for reduced-sugar applesauce and cut back on oil by using more applesauce, which keeps the cider bundt moist without extra calories.

How to Prepare the Perfect Apple Cider Bundt Cake: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this apple cider bundt cake is a fun and straightforward process that yields amazing results. I’ll guide you through each step, including tips for timing and temperature to ensure your spiced apple cake bakes up perfectly. Remember to adapt as needed for dietary preferences to keep it enjoyable for everyone.

First Step: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This lower temperature helps bake the cake evenly without burning the edges, perfect for a moist apple cider bundt cake. Grease a 12-cup bundt pan with non-stick spray and dust it with flour, then set it aside. For vegan adaptations, use a plant-based spray to keep things simple.

Second Step: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder. This step ensures even distribution of flavors and leavening, which is key for a fluffy spiced apple cider bundt cake. If you’re going gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend here and mix a bit longer to incorporate air, as it might affect the batter’s texture.

Third Step: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 cup vegetable oil on medium speed until well combined. Add 3 eggs one at a time, mixing for about two minutes after each addition to build a smooth base. For low-calorie versions, substitute one egg with extra applesauce to cut calories while maintaining moisture in your apple cider cake. Stir in 1 cup unsweetened applesauce and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until everything blends nicely.

Fourth Step: Alternate Adding Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, alternate adding one-third of the dry mixture with half of the 1 cup apple cider juice, ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until no streaks remain; the batter will be slightly thin, which is normal for this autumn apple cider cake recipe. If adapting for vegan needs, use a flax egg mixture for binding, and note that you might need to adjust mixing time slightly for the right consistency in your cider-infused bundt.

Fifth Step: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. The baking time might vary if you’re using a different pan size, so keep an eye on it for low-calorie versions, the cake could bake a bit faster due to less oil. This step ensures your spiced apple bundt cake is perfectly done without overcooking.

Sixth Step: Cool and Coat

Let the cake cool in the pan for at least one hour to prevent it from breaking when you turn it out. Once cooled, brush it with 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter. For dietary tweaks, use vegan butter here. Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon, then sprinkle it over the cake, patting gently to help it stick. For a gluten-free version, this coating works well as is, adding that final touch to some like apple cider bundt cake.

For more ideas on similar bakes, check out this blueberry cream cheese crumb cake recipe on my blog, which pairs great with autumn flavors.

this …

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Apple Cider Bundt Cake

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Making swaps for the main parts of your apple cider bundt cake can make it fit various diets. For egg replacers, try a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) to bind the batter, as it adds moisture without altering the spiced apple cake’s texture much though you may need to bake 5 minutes longer. Swap dairy butter in the coating with vegan butter, which keeps the crispiness intact for a vegan apple cider bundt. Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option, but add a touch more baking powder to compensate for rising, as it can make the cake denser.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Enhance your apple cider bundt cake with veggie swaps like adding grated apple or zucchini for extra moisture and nutrition, which pairs well with vegan versions by boosting natural binders. For sauces, try a maple glaze instead of the cinnamon sugar coating to add a sweeter twist without dairy, explaining the flavor shift to a more pronounced autumn taste in your cider-spiced bundt cake. Experiment with seasonings by increasing cinnamon or adding ginger for a zingier profile, and for gluten-free adaptations, ensure any added veggies are drained to avoid excess moisture that could affect baking time.

Mastering Apple Cider Bundt Cake: Advanced Tips and Variations

Taking your apple cider bundt cake to the next level involves some pro techniques and creative twists. Start with proper creaming of sugars and oil to incorporate air, which leads to a lighter texture in your spiced apple bundt cake. Use an oven thermometer to maintain 325 degrees for even baking, and test doneness with a skewer for accuracy, especially if you’re adapting for dietary needs.

Flavor Variations

Try a brown-butter cider glaze for a richer taste or swirl in caramel-apple for a decadent spin on this apple cider cake. For a nutty option, add a spiced nut streusel topping that complements the cinnamon in your autumn apple cider cake recipe.

Presentation Tips

Garnish with dusted powdered sugar or thin apple slices to make your cider-infused bundt pop at gatherings. A caramel drizzle can elevate the look for food enthusiasts looking to impress.

Make-Ahead Options

Par-bake and freeze the cake for easy prep; store glazes separately to keep them fresh. For more on freezing techniques, check out this bundt cake tips guide for best practices.

How to Store Apple Cider Bundt Cake: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your apple cider bundt cake fresh and tasty. For short-term, refrigerate in an airtight container to maintain moisture. When freezing your spiced apple cake, wrap it tightly to avoid freezer burn and thaw slowly.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Bundt Cake

Apple Cider Bundt Cake

---

• Author: Brandi Oshea
• Total Time: 1 hour 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

🍎 This Apple Cider Donut Cake blends the cozy flavors of spiced apple cider donuts into a moist, easy-to-make bundt cake.
🍰 It’s perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a warm, cinnamon-spiced treat with a delightful sugar coating.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

3 cups all-purpose flour for the base structure of the cake

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon to add warm spice

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for subtle nutty warmth

1 teaspoon salt to balance sweetness and activate baking powder

1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder as leavening agent

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar to sweeten and help moist texture

1/2 cup brown sugar to add flavor depth and moisture

1 cup vegetable oil for moistness and tenderness

3 eggs (at room temperature) to bind ingredients and add structure

1 cup unsweetened applesauce (at room temperature) for moisture and flavor

1 cup apple cider juice (not vinegar, at room temperature) to infuse apple taste

1 teaspoon vanilla extract to enhance flavor

1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted) for cinnamon sugar coating

1/4 cup granulated sugar for coating

2 teaspoons cinnamon for coating

---

Instructions

First Step: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This lower temperature helps bake the cake evenly without burning the edges, perfect for a moist apple cider bundt cake. Grease a 12-cup bundt pan with non-stick spray and dust it with flour, then set it aside. For vegan adaptations, use a plant-based spray to keep things simple.

Second Step: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder. This step ensures even distribution of flavors and leavening, which is key for a fluffy spiced apple cider bundt cake. If you’re going gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend here and mix a bit longer to incorporate air, as it might affect the batter’s texture.

Third Step: Combine the Wet Ingredients In a large bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 cup vegetable oil on medium speed until well combined. Add 3 eggs one at a time, mixing for about two minutes after each addition to build a smooth base. For low-calorie versions, substitute one egg with extra applesauce to cut calories while maintaining moisture in your apple cider cake. Stir in 1 cup unsweetened applesauce and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until everything blends nicely.

Fourth Step: Alternate Adding Ingredients With your mixer on low speed, alternate adding one-third of the dry mixture with half of the 1 cup apple cider juice, ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until no streaks remain; the batter will be slightly thin, which is normal for this autumn apple cider cake recipe. If adapting for vegan needs, use a flax egg mixture for binding, and note that you might need to adjust mixing time slightly for the right consistency in your cider-infused bundt.

Fifth Step: Bake the Cake Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for approximately 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs. The baking time might vary if you’re using a different pan size, so keep an eye on it for low-calorie versions, the cake could bake a bit faster due to less oil. This step ensures your spiced apple bundt cake is perfectly done without overcooking.

Sixth Step: Cool and Coat Let the cake cool in the pan for at least one hour to prevent it from breaking when you turn it out. Once cooled, brush it with 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter. For dietary tweaks, use vegan butter here. Combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon, then sprinkle it over the cake, patting gently to help it stick. For a gluten-free version, this coating works well as is, adding that final touch to some like apple cider bundt cake.

Notes

🔥 Bake low and slow to avoid burned edges and ensure even cooking.
⏳ Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing to prevent breaking.
❄️ This cake freezes well when wrapped tightly; thaw at room temperature before serving.

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cooling time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice

Keywords: apple cider, donut cake, spiced autumn, bundt cake