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Apple Cider Donut Cake – Easy Fall Dessert Recipe

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This Apple Cider Donut Cake is a moist, buttery, and warmly spiced dessert that captures all the flavors of classic apple cider donuts in an easy-to-make bundt cake. Coated in cinnamon sugar and infused with real apple cider, it’s the perfect cozy fall treat for brunch, holidays, or any crisp autumn day.

Ingredients

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  • 2 1/2 cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp apple pie spice (or 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp allspice)
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar, packed
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) reduced apple cider
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the coating:
  • 4 tbsp (60 g) melted unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-inch bundt pan with butter and flour.
  2. In a small saucepan, simmer 2 cups of apple cider over medium heat until reduced to 1 cup (10–15 minutes). Let cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and apple pie spice. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
  6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the reduced cider, mixing on low speed until just combined. Fold in sour cream gently.
  7. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack.
  9. While still warm, brush with melted butter and coat evenly with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar.
  10. Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the cozy fall flavors!

Notes

  • Always use real apple cider, not apple juice, for authentic flavor.
  • Reducing the cider intensifies the apple taste and prevents excess moisture in the batter.
  • Don’t overmix the batter — mix until just combined for a soft crumb.
  • Let the cake cool slightly before coating to prevent the sugar from melting.
  • Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • This cake freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before serving.
  • Optional glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tbsp apple cider for a drizzle topping.

Nutrition

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