. Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake – esrecipes

Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

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There’s something magical about fall. The crisp air, the colorful leaves, and the scent of apples baking in the oven – it all just screams comfort. I remember as a kid, visiting my grandparents’ orchard and lugging baskets overflowing with freshly picked apples. My grandma would always whip up a batch of apple cider donuts, warm and dusted with cinnamon sugar. The aroma filled the entire house! This Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is my attempt to capture that same feeling of warmth and nostalgia in a slightly more manageable (and equally delicious) form. Forget the deep-frying – we’re baking our way to apple cider donut heaven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let’s be honest, who has time for intricate baking projects on a weeknight? This recipe is wonderfully simple. It’s perfect for a busy autumn evening or a weekend brunch. Here’s what makes this bundt cake so irresistible:

  • Seriously Delicious Apple Cider Flavor: We’re using real apple cider and apple cider vinegar – it’s not just flavoring, it’s essence of fall.
  • Moist and Tender Crumb: The cake is delightfully moist, thanks to the cider and the right balance of fats. No dry, crumbly cake here!
  • Easy to Make: No fancy equipment needed. It’s a straightforward recipe with readily available ingredients.
  • Impressive Presentation: Bundt cakes are inherently beautiful! This one is guaranteed to be a showstopper on any table.
  • Adaptable: Want a glaze? Want some chopped apples mixed in? Totally doable! We’ll cover some variations later.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to bake this fantastic cake. I’ve listed everything in both US customary and metric measurements for our friends across the pond.

  • Dry Ingredients:
    • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
    • 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
    • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but adds lovely warmth)
    • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Wet Ingredients:
    • ¾ cup (180ml) vegetable oil (canola or sunflower oil work well)
    • 1 cup (240ml) apple cider (not apple juice – this is important!)
    • ¼ cup (60ml) apple cider vinegar
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
    • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
    • 1 ½ tablespoons ground cinnamon

Let’s Bake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get baking? It’s easier than you think!

  1. Prep Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-12 cup bundt pan thoroughly. Seriously, don’t skimp on the greasing! A well-greased pan ensures the cake releases cleanly.
  2. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed.
  3. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed with an electric mixer (or by hand) until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
  5. Pour into Bundt Pan: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan.
  6. Bake: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (or with just a few moist crumbs). Start checking for doneness around 50 minutes. Oven temperatures can vary.
  7. Cool in Pan: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit before inverting.
  8. Invert and Cool Completely: Carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely – this is crucial! A warm cake will crumble when you add the cinnamon sugar.
  9. Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon for the topping. Once the cake is completely cool, generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture all over the cake.

Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions

Let’s elevate this already amazing cake!

  • Don’t Skip the Apple Cider Vinegar: It reacts with the baking soda to create a really light and fluffy cake. Don’t be put off by the vinegar; you won’t taste it!
  • Fresh Apples: For an extra apple-y kick, fold in 1 cup of finely diced apple (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) into the batter before baking.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the dry ingredients for a more complex flavor profile.
  • Glaze It: Once cooled, drizzle the cake with a simple apple cider glaze. Combine 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons of apple cider until smooth.
  • Cream Cheese Frosting: A cream cheese frosting would also be divine!
  • Serving Suggestions: This cake is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a cup of hot apple cider (of course!). For a truly decadent treat, serve it with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Nutritional Information (approximate)

Serving size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of cake)

  • Calories: 350-400
  • Fat: 15-20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3-4g
  • Cholesterol: 40-50mg
  • Sodium: 250-300mg
  • Carbohydrates: 55-60g
  • Sugar: 30-35g
  • Protein: 3-4g

Please note that these are estimates and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

You’ve Got This!

This Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for celebrating autumn, a cozy night in, or any occasion that calls for a little sweetness. Don’t be intimidated by the bundt pan – it’s easier to work with than you think. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake a little bit of fall magic. Happy baking!

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