If you love the cozy fall vibes, you’ll adore my Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake! This recipe is simple, fluffy, and packed with rich flavors of apple and spices. Imagine a cake that tastes just like your favorite cider donuts but in a lovely Bundt shape. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful treat! Let’s dive into the easy steps and ingredients you need to bake this crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
When making the Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s the list:
– 2 cups apple cider
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 3 large eggs
– 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
– ½ cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup granulated sugar (for coating)
– 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for coating)
These ingredients work together to create a moist and fluffy cake. The apple cider adds a rich flavor, while the sugars give it sweetness and structure. Applesauce keeps the cake moist without adding extra fat.
Using fresh apple cider is best. It gives the cake a nice apple taste. If you don’t have apple cider, you can use store-bought cider too. Just check the label for added sugars.
Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately. This will help your cake rise well and taste just right. A kitchen scale can help if you have one.
Now that you have the ingredients ready, you can move on to mixing and baking your cake. Happy baking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Ingredients
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps your cake rise well.
2. Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan. This stops the cake from sticking.
3. Pour the apple cider into a medium saucepan. Heat it over medium heat.
4. Bring the cider to a boil. Once it boils, lower the heat.
5. Let it simmer until it reduces to about 1 cup. This takes about 15-20 minutes.
6. After reducing, let the cider cool a bit.
Mixing the Batter
1. In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and eggs.
2. Beat this mixture until it is smooth and creamy.
3. Now, add the applesauce, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and reduced cider.
4. Mix well until all the wet ingredients blend together.
Baking the Cake
1. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.
2. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients.
3. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix, or your cake may turn dense.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan evenly.
5. Bake the cake for 50-60 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s done.
Cooling and Coating
1. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes.
2. Carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3. While the cake cools, mix ½ cup granulated sugar and 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon in a small bowl.
4. Brush the cooled cake lightly with melted butter.
5. Then, coat the cake with the cinnamon-sugar mixture for a sweet finish.
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring a Moist Cake
To make a moist Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake, start with the right measurements. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy if you can. Too much flour can dry out your cake.
Mix your wet and dry ingredients carefully. Overmixing can make the cake tough. Stop mixing as soon as you see no dry flour. This helps keep your cake fluffy and light.
Bundt Cake Baking Best Practices
Make sure your oven is at the right temperature. An oven thermometer can help you check this. If it’s too hot, your cake will bake too fast. If it’s too cool, it may not rise well.
Using the right Bundt pan is key. A 10-cup pan works best for this recipe. Greasing and flouring the pan prevents sticking. This step is crucial for easy removal.
Presentation Suggestions
When serving, let the cake cool completely. This will keep it from breaking. Brush the top with melted butter and coat it in cinnamon-sugar for a beautiful finish.
Pair your cake with a warm drink like apple cider or coffee. These flavors go great together and enhance the cake’s taste. You can also serve it with vanilla ice cream for a fun twist.
Variations
Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake with Glaze
You can make this cake even better with a glaze. A simple glaze uses just powdered sugar and apple cider. Mix one cup of powdered sugar with two tablespoons of apple cider. Stir until smooth. Pour this over the cooled cake for a sweet finish.
You can also add flavors to the glaze. Try maple syrup or vanilla extract for a twist. These flavors pair well with the spices in the cake. For a fun touch, add a pinch of nutmeg to the glaze.
Substitutions
If you want a gluten-free cake, use a gluten-free flour blend. This keeps the cake light and fluffy. Make sure the blend has xanthan gum for texture.
For a dairy-free version, swap out the vegetable oil for coconut oil. Use almond milk in place of any dairy. Applesauce adds moisture and flavor, so keep that in the recipe.
Seasonal Variations
Fall brings a chance to add spices. You can mix in ginger or cloves for a warm taste. These spices enhance the autumn vibe.
You can also include fruits in your cake. Add chopped pears or cranberries for a fresh twist. These fruits mix nicely with the apple cider flavor. Each bite will be a surprise!
Storage Info
Storing the Cake
To keep your Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake fresh, store it properly. You can keep it at room temperature for a few days. Use a cake dome or wrap it in plastic wrap. This method keeps it moist. If you live in a hot or humid area, use the fridge. Just remember, it may dry out faster.
Freezing Options
Want to save some cake for later? Freezing is a great option! First, let the cake cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This helps keep it fresh. To thaw, take it out of the freezer and leave it in the fridge overnight. This method keeps the cake soft. Enjoy your cake later without losing its fluffy texture!
FAQs
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider. It saves time and is easy to find. However, fresh apple cider gives a richer flavor. Fresh cider has more depth and a natural sweetness. Store-bought might be a bit thinner in taste. If you want the best flavor, go for fresh cider when you can.
How can I make the cake less sweet?
To make the cake less sweet, you can adjust the sugar levels. Try using less granulated sugar or brown sugar. Reducing the sugar by ¼ cup can help. You can also use unsweetened applesauce for moisture and taste. It will still keep the cake soft and yummy without all the sweetness.
What can I use instead of applesauce?
If you want to replace applesauce, there are good options. You can use mashed bananas or plain yogurt. Both add moisture and taste. Another option is pureed pumpkin, which works well too. Each choice brings its own flavor, so pick what you like best.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, use a toothpick. Insert it in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it has batter on it, bake a bit longer. Usually, the cake takes about 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes for perfect results.
This blog post covered how to make a delicious apple cider Bundt cake. We started with a list of simple ingredients and followed clear steps. You learned tips to bake a moist cake and coat it perfectly. I also shared variations for extra fun and storage tips.
Enjoying this cake with loved ones can make special moments even better. Happy baking!
