Cinnamon Swirl Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

Let’s talk about cozy. This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake tastes like everything you love about fall—warm spices, apple sweetness, and that nostalgic “just bit into a donut” magic—all bundled into one show-stopping cake. Imagine the scent of cinnamon and baked apples filling your kitchen while a sugary crust forms on the outside, giving you that perfect donut-like bite. It’s tender, moist, and bursting with flavor, with ribbons of cinnamon sugar running through every slice. Trust me, once you take your first forkful, you’ll understand why this one’s an instant favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake is the love child of your favorite apple cider donut and a moist, buttery bundt cake. The texture is perfectly dense but soft, the flavor is apple-forward with a hint of tang from the yogurt, and that brown sugar cinnamon swirl? It melts into a sweet, fragrant layer that makes every slice feel indulgent. Plus, the apple cider butter soak adds a glossy finish that keeps the cake irresistibly moist, while the cinnamon sugar coating brings that classic donut charm.

Recipe Origin

This recipe is inspired by the old-fashioned apple cider donuts you find at farm stands and orchards every fall. It takes all those nostalgic flavors—apple, cinnamon, brown sugar—and transforms them into a stunning bundt cake that’s equal parts elegant and comforting. It’s a little rustic, a little refined, and completely irresistible.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Bundt Pan: The star of the show—choose one with beautiful ridges for that signature shape.
Mixing Bowls: A few for combining the dry and wet ingredients separately.
Hand or Stand Mixer: For smooth, creamy batter.
Whisk: To blend your dry ingredients evenly.
Spatula: To fold and scrape the batter without overmixing.
Small Saucepan: For the apple cider soak and optional spiced apple topping.

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Swirl Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

This cake isn’t just dessert—it’s a hug in edible form. Whether you’re baking it for a fall brunch, a cozy family get-together, or a quiet Sunday treat, it brings joy with every bite. Here’s what makes it a keeper:

Versatile: Serve it warm with coffee in the morning or dressed up with whipped cream after dinner. It’s perfect for any time of day.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients—flour, sugar, spices, and apples—that come together to create bakery-level magic.

Quick and Easy: You don’t need any fancy techniques. Just mix, swirl, bake, and soak. The result looks (and tastes) like something straight out of a café.

Customizable: Adjust the spices, add nuts, or drizzle caramel on top. You can easily make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: The smell alone will have people wandering into the kitchen. And that first bite? Pure happiness.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Grease and flour your bundt pan well to prevent sticking. Every ridge matters.
• Use room-temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and even baking.
• Don’t skip the soak—it’s what gives the cake that moist, tender, donut-like crumb.
• Let the cake rest for at least 15 minutes before removing from the pan to keep it intact and picture-perfect.

Ingredients in Cinnamon Swirl Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

This cake is a cozy masterpiece made from humble ingredients that work together like magic. Here’s the breakdown:

Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake: All-purpose flour forms the base, keeping the crumb tender yet sturdy. Baking powder and baking soda create the perfect rise, while salt balances sweetness. Cinnamon and apple pie spice infuse the batter with warmth and comfort. Granulated and brown sugars blend for depth and sweetness, while avocado oil and applesauce ensure moisture without heaviness. Greek yogurt adds tang and richness, and apple cider brings that unmistakable orchard-fresh flavor. A little vanilla ties everything together.

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Swirl: This layer is where the cake gets its personality. Brown sugar caramelizes beautifully while cinnamon adds that classic donut spice. It forms ribbons of sweetness throughout the cake that make every bite exciting.

Apple Cider Butter Soak & Cinnamon Sugar Coating: Melted butter and apple cider are brushed over the warm cake, locking in moisture and amplifying the cider flavor. Then, it’s rolled or dusted with cinnamon sugar, creating a crisp, sparkling coating that mimics a real donut.

Warm Spiced Apple Topping (Optional): Buttery, caramelized diced apples simmered with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla make this cake extra special. Add a pinch of flaky sea salt for contrast, and you’ve got a topping that turns every slice into a fall dream.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this cozy cake perfection:

Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature and grease your bundt pan thoroughly. A good coating ensures the cake slides out flawlessly.

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and apple pie spice. Whisking helps distribute the leavening evenly, which means your cake rises beautifully.

Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, applesauce, Greek yogurt, eggs, vanilla, and apple cider. Whisk until smooth and slightly frothy. You’ll already smell the apples and spices blending into something wonderful.

Bring It Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—this is the secret to a tender crumb.

Create the Cinnamon Swirl: In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. Pour half the batter into the bundt pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon sugar mixture, then pour the rest of the batter and top with the remaining swirl mixture. Use a butter knife to gently swirl through the layers for a marbled effect.

Bake to Perfection: Bake until the cake is golden and a toothpick comes out clean. The scent of cinnamon and cider will fill your kitchen—it’s intoxicating. Let the cake cool for 15 minutes before inverting it onto a rack.

Make the Apple Cider Butter Soak: In a small saucepan, melt butter with apple cider. Brush this mixture generously over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in. This keeps your cake extra moist and flavorful.

Coat in Cinnamon Sugar: In a shallow bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Once the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm to the touch, gently press or sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture all over. This gives you that signature donut-like texture.

Optional Warm Spiced Apple Topping: In a pan, melt butter and add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. Cook until the apples are tender and caramelized. Spoon this over each slice just before serving.

Serve and Enjoy: Slice a generous piece, serve warm, and enjoy that cozy apple-cinnamon aroma that says, “home.”

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How to Serve Cinnamon Swirl Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

Serve this cake warm with a drizzle of the optional spiced apple topping or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also fantastic with whipped cream or a simple dusting of powdered sugar. Pair it with hot cider, coffee, or even a chai latte for a complete cozy moment.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors have settled. Store it covered at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to five. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that soft, warm texture.

Variations to Try

• Swap apple cider for pear cider for a fruity twist.
• Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch.
• Drizzle caramel or maple glaze over the top for a decadent finish.
• Try spiced pear chunks instead of apple for a seasonal variation.

Additional Tips

Prep Ahead: You can make the cinnamon swirl mixture and cider butter soak a day ahead.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger if you want a bolder spice kick.
Dietary Adjustments: Substitute gluten-free flour and dairy-free yogurt if needed.
Storage Tips: Keep the cake in an airtight container to maintain that tender texture.
Double the Batch: Bake two and freeze one—this cake freezes beautifully for up to two months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought apple cider?
A1: Absolutely! Just make sure it’s not apple cider vinegar. The richer the cider flavor, the better.

Q2: Can I make this without a bundt pan?
A2: Yes, use two loaf pans or a 9×13-inch pan instead. Adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q3: Can I skip the cider soak?
A3: You can, but it’s what gives the cake that moist, donut-like crumb—highly recommended.

Q4: How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the pan?
A4: Grease every nook of your bundt pan and dust lightly with flour or sugar before pouring in the batter.

Q5: Can I make it dairy-free?
A5: Yes, use plant-based yogurt and butter. The texture will still be soft and flavorful.

Q6: What kind of apples work best for the topping?
A6: Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith all work beautifully depending on whether you want sweet or tart flavor.

Q7: Can I reduce the sugar?
A7: You can cut it slightly, but sugar helps with texture and moisture. Try reducing by about ¼ cup if needed.

Q8: Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
A8: Yes, though cider has a stronger apple flavor. If using juice, add a pinch more cinnamon.

Q9: Can I freeze the cake?
A9: Definitely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Q10: How long does it stay fresh?
A10: It’s best within three days, but the flavor deepens over time. Just keep it covered to maintain moisture.

Conclusion

This Cinnamon Swirl Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake captures everything that makes fall baking so special. It’s warm, fragrant, tender, and utterly comforting. The cinnamon sugar coating gives it that perfect donut-like crunch, while the apple cider butter soak adds depth and sweetness in every bite. Whether you serve it at brunch, share it at a gathering, or enjoy a slice curled up with a cup of coffee, this cake delivers pure cozy happiness. Trust me, this one deserves a permanent spot in your fall baking lineup.

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