Description
This Apple Cider Donut Cake offers a moist, spiced cake infused with apple cider and topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar coating, capturing the comforting flavors of classic apple cider donuts in an easy-to-make bundt cake.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or neutral flavored oil)
- 3 large eggs (at room temperature)
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce (at room temperature)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider (at room temperature)
Topping
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare and Preheat: Spray a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray and dust it lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure an even bake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set this mixture aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Use a hand mixer to beat until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, mixing for 2 more minutes until smooth. Then add applesauce and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in thirds, mixing on low speed. After each addition of dry ingredients, add half of the apple cider; alternate between dry ingredients and cider until all are incorporated into the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the bundt pan for 1 hour. Then carefully invert it onto a cooling rack or cake plate to cool further.
- Apply Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Using a pastry brush, coat the entire cake with the melted butter. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the buttered cake, using your hands to press it onto the surface if necessary for even coverage.
Notes
- Ensure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture.
- Dusting the bundt pan with flour after spraying helps prevent the cake from sticking.
- You can substitute apple cider with dry white wine if desired, but it will alter the flavor.
- For a more intense apple cider flavor, use a concentrated apple cider or reduce the liquid slightly.
- Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Reheat slices gently in a microwave to restore moistness before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
