If you are ready to welcome the cozy flavors of fall into your kitchen, this Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine a gorgeously moist cake bursting with the warm spices of apple pie spice and the fullness of fresh apple cider, all shaped into the charming contour of a bundt pan. It’s sweet but balanced, tender but with a delightful crumb, evoking the nostalgic magic of apple cider donuts but with a lot less fuss. Whether you are baking for a gathering or a simple family treat, this recipe brings a comforting slice of autumn bliss to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows 13 bowls and two eggs arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. The top row includes a white bowl with smooth, off-white cream, a white bowl with light brown applesauce, a clear glass measuring cup with pale yellow liquid, and a white bowl filled with white flour. Below these, there is a small clear bowl with three pale yellow butter pieces, a white bowl with coarse brown sugar, and five small clear bowls holding various white powders and brown spices. Near the bottom center-right, two whole white eggs rest on the surface, beside a clear glass measuring cup filled with a dark amber liquid and a large white bowl with white sugar. The color scheme is neutral with white, brown, and clear glass containers arranged symmetrically. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake Recipe lies not only in its irresistible flavor but also in its straightforward ingredients. Each component plays a vital role: flour forms the cake’s structure, spices add warm notes, sugars bring sweetness and depth, and the apple cider and applesauce infuse moisture and an authentic fruity essence.

3 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for a tender yet sturdy cake crumb.
2 teaspoons apple pie spice: This blend creates that signature cozy warmth and aroma.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
1½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and become fluffy.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with acidic ingredients to give lift and texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to a delicate crumb.
½ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and lends a hint of caramel richness.
¾ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender for days.
2 large eggs: Provide structure and richness.
1 cup apple cider: Infuses vibrant apple flavor with a subtle tang.
1¼ cups unsweetened applesauce: Adds natural fruitiness and moistness without extra fat.
⅔ cup sour cream: Contributes creaminess and helps produce a soft crumb.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with gentle sweetness.
¼ cup granulated sugar (topping): For that classic donut-like sugary coating.
1 teaspoon apple pie spice (topping): Reinforces the spiced apple charm on top.
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (topping): Helps the topping stick and adds richness.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, generously spray a bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray. Ensuring your pan is well-coated here really helps prevent any sticking and makes the cake easier to release after baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, apple pie spice, salt, baking powder, and baking soda until fully combined. This step is essential because mixing the dry ingredients well ensures even distribution of your leavening agents and spices, which means your cake will have a consistent rise and flavor throughout.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Now grab a larger bowl and whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, apple cider, applesauce, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mixing these together until smooth results in a rich, flavorful batter that’s ready to soak up the dry components.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until there are no visible streaks of flour. Be careful not to overmix here; just combine everything enough to maintain a tender crumb.

Step 5: Bake the Bundt Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared bundt pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached. This baking time develops a beautiful golden crust while keeping the inside irresistibly moist.

Step 6: Cool and Add the Finishing Touch

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 20 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire cooling rack placed over a baking sheet. This gives the cake time to firm up slightly while still warm so it won’t break apart. Meanwhile, mix the remaining sugar and apple pie spice in a small bowl. Brush the melted butter generously over the cake, then sprinkle the spiced sugar on top. Pat it gently so it adheres beautifully, creating that classic apple cider donut feel.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake Recipe

A slice of light brown, soft-textured cake with a crumbly surface sits on a white plate with a thin silver rim. The cake slice shows many small air holes inside, indicating a fluffy texture. In the background, the rest of the round cake, which is about the same color and texture, is placed on a matching white plate. To the right, a silver fork rests on the white marbled surface next to a red cloth napkin and two red apples. The image has a clean, simple look with the white marbled surface as the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of charm, serve slices with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce. You could even add thin apple slices caramelized in butter and cinnamon to really boost the autumn vibe.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the spices. A hot cup of apple cider or chai tea alongside will make your serving feel like a cozy, complete experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Upgrade your presentation by cutting the cake into small cubes and arranging them on a dessert platter with skewers for a bite-sized option. This makes it perfect for parties where finger foods shine. Another idea is to serve individual slices on rustic plates topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar and a small sprig of fresh mint.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake soft and flavorful without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep this scrumptious treat longer, slice the cake and freeze it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This softens the cake and revives its comforting aroma and texture.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of applesauce?

While fresh apples can add great texture, using applesauce in this recipe enhances moisture and tenderness, which is key to achieving that perfect bundt cake crumb. You can experiment by folding in finely chopped apples, but consider reducing other liquids slightly.

What if I don’t have apple pie spice?

No worries! Apple pie spice is usually a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and sometimes cloves or ginger. You can easily make your own by combining these spices in small amounts to match your taste.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. Be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Use a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the thickest part of the cake; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached. If there’s wet batter, it needs more time.

Can I use this recipe for regular round cake pans?

Absolutely! Just be sure to adjust the baking time as it may bake faster in a different pan shape and size. Start checking for doneness around 35-40 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake Recipe truly captures the warm, inviting essence of fall and transforms it into a simple yet impressive dessert. From mixing the batter to watching the sugary topping glisten, it offers pure joy at every step. I encourage you to give it a try—your kitchen will smell incredible, and your taste buds will thank you with every delicious slice!