Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake
Apple cider donut bundt cake is a warm and inviting twist on a classic fall favorite. With its cozy flavors of apple, cinnamon, and a hint of spice, this cake brings the essence of autumn right to your kitchen. The soft, tender crumb paired with a sweet, slightly spiced coating makes it truly irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying a slice with a morning coffee or serving it as a dessert at a gathering, this cake is bound to bring smiles to everyone who tries it.
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I first crafted this apple cider donut bundt cake during a chilly fall afternoon, needing a sweet remedy for that first crisp breeze of the season. The aroma wafting through the house was enough to get everyone excited, and the flavor didn’t disappoint! What I love about this recipe is its simplicity—easy ingredients create a beautiful cake that feels special. So, let’s dive in and discover just how delightful making an apple cider donut bundt cake can be!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This cake comes together in no time, perfect for unexpected guests!
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of apple cider and warm spices makes every bite a hug in cake form.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Its beautiful bundt shape and sugary coating make it a showstopper at any gathering.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave something sweet.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets without losing flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cake, creating structure and a tender crumb. For a gluten-free option, consider a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- 3 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake beautifully. You can substitute with coconut sugar for a lower glycemic option.
- 4 teaspoons baking powder: Provides the necessary lift for a light and fluffy cake.
- 4 teaspoons apple pie spice: This blend of spices brings warmth and depth, but feel free to use a cinnamon and nutmeg mix if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- 2 ½ cups apple cider or apple juice: The star of the show, imparting a lovely apple flavor and moisture to the cake.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: These bind the ingredients together for a cohesive texture.
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness to the cake.
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with warmth and sweetness.
- ¼ cup apple cider: Drizzled on top while warm, it soaks into the cake beautifully.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: For coating the cake before serving.
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice: For a sweet finishing touch that complements the cake perfectly.
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 10 to 12 cup Bundt pan using a baking spray that contains flour or a combination of butter and flour.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 cups of granulated sugar, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, 4 teaspoons of apple pie spice, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt until well blended.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of apple cider, 2 large eggs, room temperature, ¼ cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 tablespoons of vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir carefully until just combined—avoid overmixing the batter, as a slightly thin consistency is perfect!
- Fill the Bundt Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan, using a spatula to smooth the top.
- Bake the Cake: Bake for 50 to 65 minutes. Start checking at the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick in the thickest part; it should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes. Carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Drizzle with Cider: While the cake is still warm, brush or drizzle the remaining ¼ cup of apple cider over the top, allowing it to soak in for added flavor.
- Prepare the Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons of apple pie spice. While the cake is still warm, sprinkle this mixture over the entire surface, pressing gently until well-coated. Rotate the cake as needed for even coverage.
- Slice and Serve: Finally, let the cake cool completely before slicing. Enjoy your slice of apple cider donut bundt cake!
Storing & Reheating
This apple cider donut bundt cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays fresh and moist. If you need a little longer, refrigerate for up to a week, using a glass or plastic container. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in the microwave for 15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overmixing your batter; gentle folding is key to keeping the cake tender.
- Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into your batter.
- Check your cake’s doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs clinging to it.
- For added flavor, consider adding chopped apples or walnuts into the batter!
- This cake can be made ahead of time; just store it properly to maintain its deliciousness.
- If you want a more intense apple flavor, consider using spiced cider for the liquid.
Apple cider donut bundt cake is a charming dessert that beautifully captures the flavors of fall. Its moist texture combined with that sweet spiced coating invites you to have just one more slice. Don’t hesitate to make this cake your new go-to when you crave something sweet, enjoyable, and ridiculously satisfying! Feel free to experiment with add-ins or substitutions to make it your own. I can’t wait for you to try this delightful recipe!

Recipe FAQs
Can I use homemade apple cider for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade apple cider will add a personal touch and enhance the flavor of your cake even more. Just make sure it’s a quality recipe that’s not overly sweet, as you’d want to balance the sugar levels in the cake accordingly.
How do I prevent my bundt cake from sticking?
To ensure easy release from the pan, generously grease it with a non-stick baking spray that contains flour. You can also use a mixture of butter and flour, making sure to coat every crevice of the Bundt pan.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, you can freeze the apple cider donut bundt cake for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
How can I enhance the flavor of this cake?
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding 1 cup of shredded apples or ½ cup of chopped nuts to the batter. You can also experiment with different spices, like cardamom or nutmeg, for a twist on the traditional apple pie spices.
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📖 Recipe Card

Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-65 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is a delightful fusion of sweet apples and warm spices, making it the ideal comfort dessert. With easy prep and heavenly flavor, it’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy family treat.
Ingredients
- 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
- 3 cups (600 g) granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 4 teaspoons apple pie spice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 ½ cups apple cider, or apple juice
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup apple cider
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 10 to 12 cup Bundt pan with baking spray or butter and flour.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the apple cider, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until thoroughly combined.
- Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients and stir gently until just mixed; avoid overmixing to keep the batter slightly thin.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan.
- Bake for 50 to 65 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Start checking at 50 minutes.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack.
- While the cake is warm, brush or drizzle the ¼ cup apple cider over the top.
- Mix the sugar and apple pie spice in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the warm cake, pressing gently for an even coat.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
The cake can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days.
Feel free to adjust the amount of apple pie spice for stronger or milder flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 352
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 67 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
