Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Apple Cider Donut Cake is a moist and spiced recipe, which is made with apple cider and cinnamon. It’s the ultimate fall dessert, ready in about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Apple Cider Donut Cake Ingredients
All the warm, cozy flavors of fall in one delicious cake.
For the Cake:
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup chunky applesauce, at room temperature
- 1 cup apple cider, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
- Baking spray with flour
For the Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
How To Make Pioneer Woman Apple Cider Donut Cake
A step-by-step guide to this easy and impressive fall Bundt cake.
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Thoroughly coat a 10- to 12-cup Bundt pan with baking spray that contains flour.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of the granulated sugar, the light brown sugar, applesauce, apple cider, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons of the cinnamon, the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
- Make the Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring with a whisk or spatula only until the batter is just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool Slightly: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for exactly 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Topping: While the cake is cooling, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a small bowl.
- Coat the Cake: Place a large rimmed baking sheet under the wire rack. Carefully invert the warm cake onto the rack. Immediately brush the entire surface of the cake with the melted butter, then sprinkle generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture, pressing it gently to help it adhere. Let the cake cool completely before slicing.
Recipe Tips
For a perfect donut cake every time.
- How to keep the cake from sticking to the pan? The secret to a clean release from a Bundt pan is thorough greasing. Use a baking spray that contains flour and be sure to get it into every single crevice of the pan. The 10-minute cooling time is also crucial; if you let it cool for too long, the sugars might stick.
- Can I use a different kind of applesauce? Yes, you can. Chunky applesauce adds a nice texture, but smooth applesauce will work just fine. You can also use unsweetened applesauce if you prefer a slightly less sweet cake.
- What’s the best way to coat the cake? Coat the cake while it’s still warm from the oven. The heat helps the butter absorb slightly and makes the cinnamon-sugar stick much better. Brushing on the butter first is key, as it acts like a glue for the topping.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this cake is great for making ahead. It will stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days. Store it in a covered cake dome or an airtight container at room temperature.
What To Serve With Apple Cider Donut Cake
Perfect pairings for this cozy fall treat.
This cake is wonderful on its own, but it’s even more decadent with:
- A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce
- A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream
- A hot mug of coffee or spiced tea
How To Store Apple Cider Donut Cake
Keeping your cake fresh and delicious.
- Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container or under a cake dome at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the whole cake or individual slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Pioneer Woman Apple Cider Donut Cake Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 20 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
You can, but the flavor will be less intense. Apple cider is typically unfiltered and has a more robust, tangy apple flavor that is key to this cake’s taste. For the best results, stick with apple cider.
Why did my Bundt cake come out dense?
The most common cause of a dense cake is overmixing the batter after adding the flour. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix only until you no longer see streaks of flour. A few small lumps are okay. This prevents the gluten from overdeveloping, which keeps the cake tender and light.
Can I bake this in a different pan?
Yes. This batter can be baked in a 9×13-inch pan. It will likely need less baking time, so start checking for doneness around 35-40 minutes. You would then brush the butter and sprinkle the topping over the top of the sheet cake.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Pineapple Upside-Down Cake Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Mandarin Orange Cake Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Cake Pops Recipe
Pioneer Woman Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe
Description
A moist, tender Bundt cake infused with apple cider and warm spices, finished with a classic cinnamon-sugar crust just like your favorite fall donut.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk 1 cup sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, cider, eggs, oil, and vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
- Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 50-55 minutes.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack.
- Brush the warm cake with melted butter and sprinkle with a mixture of the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon.
- Cool completely before serving.
Notes
- u003cliu003eFor a perfect release, generously grease the Bundt pan with baking spray that contains flour, covering all nooks.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eEnsure your wet ingredients like eggs, applesauce, and cider are at room temperature for a smoother, more uniform batter.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDo not overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can result in a dense cake.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eCoat the cake with the butter and cinnamon-sugar topping while it is still warm for the best adhesion and flavor absorption.u003c/liu003e
