Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is 3x Moist Delish Epic.

Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is a cozy, spice-kissed dessert. It slides into a busy mom’s week without sacrificing flavor. I’m a home cook who loves turning simple ingredients into delight. This recipe uses reduced apple cider to deepen sweetness. Sour cream keeps the crumb ultra-tender, almost velvet. The cinnamon-sugar glaze caramelizes slightly as the cake cools. If you crave something special but feel confident making it, you’re in the right kitchen. Bonus true story: I once burned toast answering a school email, yet this cake saved dinner. Read on for steps to bake a truly moist, crowd-pleasing loaf-and-bundt hybrid.

What Make This Recipe It Special

This Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake feels like a warm hug for busy days.

With reduced cider and sour cream, the crumb stays tender and moist.

I love baking it when I crave comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.

Plus, the cinnamon glaze adds a cozy sparkle that impresses, even on weeknights.

It’s the kind of dessert you make once and others beg for again.

It pairs with coffee or a mug of apple cider for a cozy afternoon.

I’ve turned this into a dependable weeknight treat many times.

It’s simple, cozy, and surprisingly impressive for guests.

Why the Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake stands out

First, it feels like a weeknight-friendly showstopper.

Every slice delivers depth from reduced cider and warm spices.

Moisture, spice, and that festive glaze in every slice

Moisture comes from sour cream and careful handling.

The glaze adds a festive sparkle that lingers.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I reach for this Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake when weeknights feel busy but flavors can’t compromise. It’s quick, cozy, and genuinely crowd-pleasing.

Quick weeknight-friendly bake with wow-factor

From bowl to pan in under an hour, it yields a tender crumb and a glossy glaze. The Bundt pan hides a few kid-approved tricks that keep me smiling.

Aromatic spices and a comforting finish that kids and adults adore

Warm cinnamon and nutmeg scent the kitchen as it bakes, a comforting hug for busy days. The vanilla-flecked glaze adds a sweet finish that both kids and grown-ups will chase with their forks.

Ingredients

These ingredients keep Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake moist and flavorful. Exact quantities are printed at the bottom of the article for easy printing. I choose pantry staples you likely already have, saving you time.

Quick notes on the ingredients

Quick notes help you prep fast with confidence. I favor ingredients that boost moisture and aroma. These notes keep dry, wet, and coating components clear.

Ingredient overview (dry, wet, and coating components)

This Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake relies on reduced cider and sour cream for moisture. Dry ingredients give structure and spice. Wet ingredients add tenderness and a silky crumb.

• 2 cups apple cider
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• For the coating: 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• For the coating: 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• For the coating: 1 tsp cinnamon

Tip: simmer the cider until it reduces to about 1 cup to deepen flavor before mixing.

Optional notes: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter crumb. Choose dairy-free butter and dairy-free yogurt if needed. If you don’t reduce cider, you can simmer a smaller amount to concentrate flavor.

How to Make Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

I’m excited to guide you through making Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake step by step. I rely on this method on busy weeknights because it stays cozy and reliable. I love showing you how a simple reduced cider and a sour cream crumb can deliver bakery-like tenderness.

Step 1: Preheat, prepare pan, and reduce cider

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). It sets the stage for even baking, every time.

Generously grease a 10–12 cup Bundt pan, then dust with flour for easy release.

Simmer apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat until reduced to about 1 cup.

Cool the reduction while you gather the rest of the ingredients. Patience here pays off.

Step 2: Cream the butter with sugars, then add eggs, sour cream, and vanilla

In a large bowl, beat softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar.

Continue beating until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Stir in sour cream and vanilla until the batter looks smooth and glossy.

This creates moisture-rich batter that bakes into a tender crumb. You’ll taste the velvet texture.

Step 3: Whisk dry ingredients together

Whisk dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Set this aside so it waits for the batter to mingle gently.

Smell the warm spices as they mingle with the batter in your bowl. It’s warming already.

Step 4: Alternate adding dry ingredients with reduced cider

Alternate adding dry ingredients with the reduced cider, starting and ending with dry ingredients.

Mix until just combined; avoid seeing flour pockets for a tender crumb.

Keep a gentle touch to maintain the cake’s moist, delicate texture.

Avoid overmixing to preserve the cake’s light, soft structure. You’ve got this.

Step 5: Bake, test for doneness, and cool

Pour batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.

Bake 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick tests clean with a few crumbs.

Let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert to a rack.

Cool completely on a rack; a calm pause makes slicing neater later.

Step 6: Brush with melted butter and apply the cinnamon coating while warm

Brush the warm cake with melted butter to help the glaze cling.

Sprinkle with cinnamon coating, turning the cake to cover all sides.

Let it cool completely so the glaze sets for neat slices. Enjoy the aroma.

Optional: if you like extra shine, drip a bit of glaze on top after slicing.

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Tips for Success

• For Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake, use room-temperature ingredients for better emulsification and a tender crumb.
• Don’t overmix after combining wet and dry ingredients; mix just until blended.
• Grease the Bundt pan well and dust with flour for easy release.
• Let the cider reduce to about 1 cup to intensify depth of flavor.
• Brush the glaze on while the cake is warm to help it cling.

Equipment Needed

• 10–12 cup Bundt pan (or tube pan)
• Saucepan for reducing cider
• Electric mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk
• Pastry brush for coating
• Cooling rack

Variations

Here are friendly twists for Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake that fit real life. These tweaks keep Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake friendly for any dietary need.

• Gluten-free version: use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend to keep the texture light and tender.
• Dairy-free option: swap in dairy-free butter and dairy-free sour cream or yogurt for a cake that everyone can enjoy.
• Apple-forward glaze: whisk a splash of apple juice into the coating to boost moisture and extra apple aroma.
• Nutty crumble topping: sprinkle 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans before baking for crunch and warmth.
• Swirl of cinnamon: add a pinch of allspice or cloves for a deeper, cozy spice finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake with a mug of warm spiced tea.

• Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
• Drizzle a light caramel glaze for extra indulgence.
• Slice while still warm to maximize glaze cling.
• Garnish with a cinnamon stick for a festive look.

Make It Your Own Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake Editions

I love making Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake feel personal, so you can tailor it for crowds, gifting, or busy weeknights. These editions let you customize Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake to your needs while keeping the cozy, tender crumb intact. Here are friendly edits that keep the goodness intact.

• Turn this into a sheet-pan cake for a crowd: Bake in a large sheet pan (about 18×13 inches) at 350°F. Check with a toothpick and slice into squares to feed many.
• Mini Bundt versions for gifting: Use mini Bundt pans or muffins, filling 2/3 full. Bake 12–18 minutes and glaze while warm for neat gifts.
• Add a streusel layer for extra texture: Sprinkle cinnamon streusel on top or swirl into the batter before baking for crunch.
• Switch spices to cardamom and clove for a holiday twist: Use 1/2 tsp cardamom and 1/4 tsp ground cloves to brighten the spice.
• Use maple glaze for a richer sweetness profile: Whisk powdered sugar with maple syrup and a splash of milk for a silky maple glaze.

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FAQs

What makes Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake moist?

My Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake stays wonderfully moist thanks to sour cream in the batter.

Soft butter and balanced sugar also help trap moisture for a tender crumb.

Reducing the apple cider concentrates flavor and keeps the crumb soft from edge to center.

Can sour cream be replaced in Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake?

You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream with good results.

Full-fat yogurt gives creaminess; dairy-free yogurt works for a dairy-free bite.

Keep in mind the tang and moisture may shift slightly, but the cake remains delicious.

Can I bake this in a loaf pan or muffins instead of a Bundt pan?

Yes, you can bake this in a loaf pan or muffins.

Loaves may need more bake time; check with a toothpick and adjust as needed.

Mini muffins bake faster, so start checking around 18–22 minutes.

How long will Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake stay fresh at room temperature?

Store leftovers loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.

The glaze helps, but it’s best within the first couple days for the freshest crumb.

For longer storage, refrigerate slices for up to 4 days and re-warm gently.

Is this recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?

Yes, dairy-free options exist. Use dairy-free butter and dairy-free sour cream or yogurt.

These swaps keep the crumb tender while making the cake friendly to more diets.

Opt for a dairy-free glaze if you’re avoiding dairy altogether.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake is my cozy antidote to a rushed day.
When it bakes, the kitchen smells like fall and possibility.
The moist crumb and cinnamon glaze feel like a warm hug you can share.

I love how a busy schedule meets a simple, reliable bake.
The batter comes together quickly, and the glaze adds a touch of bakery magic.
Share your edits and favorite pairings so we can swap ideas.

Give this cake a try this week and savor the calm it brings.
Serve with coffee, tea, or cider for a little ceremony.
Tell me your twists and favorites, and let’s bake friendly.

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