The Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is a cozy, spiced dessert that captures the nostalgic flavor of classic apple cider donuts in a beautiful, shareable form. Made with reduced apple cider, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a tender, moist crumb, this cake is perfect for autumn gatherings or comforting year-round treats.
The buttery cinnamon-sugar coating gives it that signature donut finish, making each bite reminiscent of a crisp fall morning at the orchard. Whether served with coffee or as a festive dessert, this Bundt cake is a flavorful twist on a beloved seasonal favorite.
There’s something nostalgic about biting into a sugar-dusted apple cider donut in the crisp air of autumn. This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake brings that exact joy to your kitchen—soft, spiced, and infused with reduced apple cider, then finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating. It’s perfect for fall gatherings, holiday brunches, or just cozy afternoons with tea or coffee.
Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is a cozy, spiced dessert inspired by classic fall apple cider donuts.
This moist, tender cake is infused with reduced apple cider and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, giving it a rich autumn flavor.
Baked in a Bundt pan for a beautiful presentation, it’s typically finished with a buttery cinnamon-sugar coating for that donut-like texture.
Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday brunches, or a sweet afternoon treat, this cake brings nostalgic orchard flavors to your table without frying.
Start by pouring 2 cups of fresh apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer gently. Let it reduce to about ¾ cup. This intensifies the apple flavor, giving the cake that signature apple cider donut taste. It takes around 15–20 minutes. Set it aside to cool slightly.
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together. Sprinkle or gently pat the mixture all over the cake. You can use your hands, a small spoon, or even roll the cake slightly to coat the entire surface evenly. The butter allows the cinnamon-sugar to stick like it does on traditional donuts.* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake: Tips, Tricks & Serving Suggestions
Apple cider donut bundt cake is a cozy, spiced dessert that combines the nostalgic flavor of fall fairground donuts with the beauty of a bundt cake. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday table, brunch spread, or just because, here are essential tips and tricks to ensure it’s moist, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing—plus some creative ways to serve it.
One of the secrets to a flavorful cake is reducing your apple cider. Start with 2–3 cups of fresh apple cider and simmer it down to 1 cup. This concentrates the apple flavor and infuses your cake with a richer taste. Don’t skip this step—it’s what sets this cake apart from a generic spiced bundt.
For a tender crumb, many recipes use a mix of butter and oil. Butter provides flavor, while oil gives it moisture. Cream the butter and sugar well before adding the eggs to trap air for a lighter texture. Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense and tough.
Apple cider donuts are famous for their warm, comforting spices. Cinnamon is a must, but don’t stop there. Add nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of cloves or cardamom for depth. Freshly grated nutmeg brings an especially authentic donut-shop flavor.
Bundt pans are beautiful but notorious for sticking. Grease the pan generously with butter or baking spray, making sure to get into every crevice. Then dust with flour or cinnamon sugar. Tap out the excess. A well-prepped pan ensures a clean release and keeps your cake intact.
Bundt cakes bake best at 325°F to 350°F. This ensures the center cooks through without overbaking the edges. Always check doneness with a long skewer or cake tester—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes before turning it out to cool completely.
To mimic the sugar coating on an actual apple cider donut, brush the warm cake with melted butter and then roll or sprinkle it with cinnamon sugar. Do this while it’s still slightly warm for best adhesion. For extra indulgence, coat the cake twice—once right after it comes out, and again after cooling.
This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors settle and meld. You can bake it a day in advance and store it tightly wrapped at room temperature. It also freezes well—wrap in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight. Add the sugar coating after thawing to keep it crisp.
This cake is versatile enough for many occasions. Serve slices with:
It pairs beautifully with coffee, chai, or spiced cider—making it a perfect afternoon treat or cozy dessert.
A standard 10–12 cup bundt pan will yield about 12–16 slices, depending on how generously you cut them. For a party or potluck, you can even slice thinly and serve on a platter with mini forks for easy nibbling.
Serve this cake slightly warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea, hot apple cider, or coffee. It’s great for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Store leftovers tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices, tightly wrapped in plastic and foil, for up to 2 months.
This Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is the perfect blend of nostalgia and comfort. It captures everything people love about apple cider donuts but in a beautiful cake form that’s easy to serve and share. Whether you're making it for a fall celebration or just to enjoy the season's flavors, it's guaranteed to bring warmth to your kitchen and smiles to your table.
