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Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 119 reviews

A moist and flavorful Apple Cider Donut Cake that combines warm spices with the sweet tang of apple cider. This bundt cake is finished with a rich apple cider glaze and a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating, perfect for cozy fall gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting dessert with a twist of classic donut flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups all purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 ½ sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature (20 Tablespoons, 1 ¼ cups)
  • 1 ½ cups brown sugar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 4 eggs (at room temperature)
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup apple cider

Apple Cider Glaze

  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 2 Tablespoons salted butter
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons demerara or turbinado sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven and pan: Heat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 12-cup bundt pan with Baker’s Joy or another non-stick spray that contains flour to ensure easy cake removal.
  2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside for later use.
  3. Cream butter and sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is lighter in color and fluffy. This process takes about 3 to 5 minutes and requires scraping down the bowl occasionally.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter and sugar mixture, beating well and scraping the bowl after each egg addition. Then add the vanilla extract and continue mixing until fully combined.
  5. Combine flour and cider: Add the flour mixture to the batter in three separate additions, mixing on low speed just until combined each time. With the mixer running on the lowest speed, slowly pour in the 1 cup of apple cider and mix until fully incorporated. Scrape the bowl well to ensure there are no streaks of dry flour.
  6. Bake the cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a plate to cool further.
  7. Prepare the apple cider glaze: While the cake bakes, pour the 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a low boil and cook, stirring every 10 minutes, for approximately 30 minutes until the cider is thickened and reduced to about ⅓ cup. Remove from heat and stir in the 2 tablespoons of salted butter until melted.
  8. Glaze and sugar coating: In a small bowl, whisk together the ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons demerara or turbinado sugar, and 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon. While the cake is still warm, brush the entire outside with the thickened cider glaze. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over the top, and use the palm of your hand to press additional sugar mixture onto the sides of the cake for a crunchy coating.
  9. Serve: Serve the Apple Cider Donut Cake warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture experience.

Notes

  • Using room temperature eggs and butter helps create a smoother batter and better cake texture.
  • The cider glaze should be thick but pourable; if it’s too thin, continue simmering to reduce it further.
  • Demerara or turbinado sugar adds a nice crunch and caramel flavor, but regular granulated sugar can be used if unavailable.
  • This cake is best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days without the sugar topping, which can be added just before serving.
  • Ensure the bundt pan is thoroughly greased and floured to prevent sticking.

Keywords: apple cider donut cake, bundt cake, fall dessert, spiced cake, apple cider glaze, cinnamon sugar cake

Find it online: https://yumwithmia.com/apple-cider-donut-cake-recipe/