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Apple Cider Donut Cake

A cozy bundt cake that tastes just like your favorite apple cider donuts. Brushed with melted dairy-free butter and coated in cinnamon sugar for that classic donut finish, with an optional maple glaze drizzle.

By Linda Bailey
Apple Cider Donut Cake
20 min
Prep Time
30 min
Cook Time
50 min
Total Time
12
Servings

Ingredients

  • For the cake: 1 1/2 cups apple cider (reduced to 3/4 cup)
  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup neutral oil (like canola or avocado)
  • 1/2 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 cup dairy-free milk (soy, oat, or rice)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • For the cinnamon sugar coating: 1/2 cup dairy-free butter, melted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • For the optional maple glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1-2 tsp dairy-free milk (to thin)

Instructions

  1. 1
    Reduce the cider

    In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until it's reduced to about 3/4 cup. Let cool slightly.

  2. 2
    Mix the batter

    In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a large bowl, whisk together oil, applesauce, brown sugar, dairy-free milk, vanilla, and the reduced apple cider until smooth. Add dry mixture into wet, folding gently until no flour streaks remain. Do not overmix.

  3. 3
    Bake the cake

    Pour into a greased and floured bundt pan. Bake at 350F (175C) for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

  4. 4
    Coat in cinnamon sugar

    While the cake is still warm, brush with melted dairy-free butter. Mix sugar and cinnamon together and sprinkle generously over the cake, or roll slices in it for extra donut effect.

  5. 5
    Add optional maple glaze

    Whisk powdered sugar, maple syrup, and dairy-free milk until smooth. Pour over cooled cake for a glossy drip. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.