Apple Cider Bundt Cake

A super-sized version of the beloved autumnal donut.

Hi Bakers!

If you dream of roadside apple cider donuts, then consider this Apple Cider Bundt Cake. With a cider-spiked crumb, cinnamon-sugar coating, and a cinnamon vanilla glaze, this cake gives fall appeal without heading to the orchard.

I’ve actually never had a farm stand cider donut before, but their marketing has reached far beyond their New England origins. Despite how charming the idea of getting apple cider donuts each fall can be, they were actually born from the advertising prowess of the Doughnut Corporation of America. 

According to food historian Michael Krondl via NPR, the commercial debut of the apple cider donut of the mid-1900’s was a collision of the “automobile, automation, and advertising.”

Shortly after the invention of the donut-making machine and the rise of the automobile, the DCA began marketing apple cider donuts to city dwellers out for a Sunday drive. Conveniently sold at orchards already peddling cider, these spiced donuts kept the people satiated on their driving excursions. 

But surely it’s not just about the nostalgia-driven marketing. The warm, fresh donuts with finger-licking cinnamon coating are likely worth the drive. But if you can’t make the trip, this cozy, crowd-pleasing cake version is for you.

Cake vs Donut

We have both yeast-raised donuts and the more cake-like variety. Apple cider donuts fall into the cake donut category, presenting us with the obvious option to make a super-sized cake version. Here we have all the same qualities as the seasonal donut: tender, buttery crumb, apple cider flavor, and a cinnamon-sugar coating. 

The acidity of apple cider makes the cake tender while sour cream keeps it moist. I was tempted to add a glaze on top of the cinnamon and sugar. The decision did not disappoint.

In the recipe, I call for an apple spice blend. It is a mix of ground cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and nutmeg. Pumpkin spice typically has ground cloves or all-spice instead of cardamom. You know I love cardamom, and it is so lovely in apple recipes. The addition makes apple recipes a little brighter tasting with a subtle citrus notes.

If you can’t find apple spice blend, you can mix your own spices. Use a ratio of 4 parts cinnamon, 2 parts cardamom, 2 parts ginger, and 1 part nutmeg.