. Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake – esrecipes

Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

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The rain was drumming a steady beat against my kitchen window last fall. My kids were building a fort out of blankets and pillows, and the air smelled of damp leaves and something…missing. Then it hit me: the comforting aroma of apple cider donuts. But making those can be a process. So, I set out to capture that same cozy feeling in a simpler form. That’s how this Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake was born. It’s everything you love about those classic fried treats – warm spices, apple flavor, and a touch of sweetness – but baked into a gorgeous Bundt cake. Trust me, this one is a keeper.

Why You’ll Fall for This Apple Cider Donut Cake

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t adore apple cider donuts? They’re a taste of autumn perfectly embodying crisp air and colorful leaves. But who has time for deep frying? This cake gives you all the flavor without the fuss.

Here’s what makes this recipe so special:

  • Seriously Easy: This is a one-bowl wonder! Minimal cleanup is a huge win.
  • Packed with Flavor: We’re using real apple cider AND apple pie spice to really punch up the apple flavor.
  • Moist & Tender: The cake is perfectly moist and soft thanks to the buttermilk and a touch of oil.
  • Stunning Presentation: A Bundt cake looks impressive, yet requires no fancy decorating skills.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: From a casual weeknight dessert to a holiday gathering, this cake is always a hit.

The Ingredient Line-Up

Here’s what you’ll need to bake this delicious cake. Don’t worry, it’s all pretty standard pantry stuff!

For the Cake:

  • 2 1/4 cups (281g) All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 1 teaspoon Apple Pie Spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup (200g) Granulated Sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) Vegetable Oil (like canola or sunflower)
  • 1 cup (240ml) Apple Cider (unfiltered if possible – it adds more flavor!)
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) Buttermilk (or 1/4 cup milk + 1 tsp lemon juice – let sit for 5 minutes)

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup (120g) Powdered Sugar
  • 2 – 3 tablespoons Apple Cider
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (optional)

Baking Time: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get baking! It’s honestly simpler than you think.

1. Prep Like a Pro:

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan thoroughly. Seriously, don’t skip this step or your cake will be stuck! I like to grease it with shortening and then dust it with flour, tapping out the excess.

2. Dry Ingredients Unite:

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, apple pie spice, and salt. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.

3. Wet Ingredients Join the Party:

  • Add the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, and apple cider to the dry ingredients.
  • Beat with an electric mixer (or a sturdy whisk) until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay.

4. Eggs & Buttermilk – The Moisture Makers:

  • Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  • Stir in the buttermilk until the batter is smooth. Again, don’t overmix.

5. Pour & Bake:

  • Pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan, spreading evenly.
  • Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs). Every oven is different, so start checking at 50 minutes.

6. Cool Down & Release:

  • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This helps it release cleanly.
  • Invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Glaze It Up!

  • While the cake is cooling, make the glaze.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of apple cider, and vanilla extract (if using). Add more cider, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired glaze consistency. You want it to be thick enough to coat the cake but thin enough to drizzle.

8. Drizzle & Enjoy:

  • Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Let the glaze set before slicing and serving.

Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions

Let’s elevate your apple cider donut cake game!

Tips for Success:

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature eggs and buttermilk helps the batter emulsify properly, creating a more tender cake.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough cake.
  • Pan Prep is Key! Seriously, grease and flour that Bundt pan, or you’ll be battling a stuck cake.
  • Toothpick Test: Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.

Variations to Try:

  • Chopped Apples: Add 1/2 cup of chopped Granny Smith apples to the batter for extra apple goodness.
  • Bourbon Boost: Stir 1 tablespoon of bourbon into the glaze for a sophisticated twist.
  • Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Toss the warm cake (immediately after inverting onto the wire rack) with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar for a classic donut feel.
  • Caramel Drizzle: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce alongside the apple cider glaze for extra indulgence.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Warm with Coffee or Tea: The perfect cozy pairing!
  • Alongside Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic combination.
  • Dust with Powdered Sugar: For a simple and elegant presentation.
  • Holiday Dessert: Serve as part of your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Please note: This is an estimate and will vary based on ingredient brands and portion size.)

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
  • Calories: Approximately 350-400
  • Fat: 15-20g
  • Carbohydrates: 50-60g
  • Protein: 3-5g

This Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn. It’s surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. So, grab your Bundt pan, gather your ingredients, and get baking! You won’t regret it. Happy baking!

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