This Apple Cider Doughnut Bundt Cake with Pecan Brown Sugar Ripple is perfect for the upcoming fall season and for all the holidays ahead!
Hello friends! Long time no chat. Everyone back to school?
I’m hoping the first day was exciting for all, absolutely painless and that no tears were shed! I know as a parent it’s tough putting the kids on the bus that first day. Believe me, I remember it all too well. I blinked back a few tears in my time. Who’s kidding who? Casey left for his senior year at University of Michigan a few weeks back and it took me a few days and perhaps a few glasses of wine to recover!
So what’s the point of this little back to school story? CAKE. Cake helps everything! Well, cake and wine, but today let’s stick to cake, this AMAZING Apple Cider Doughnut Bundt Cake with Pecan Brown Sugar Ripple! What a mouthful of a title, yes?! Oh, but what a delicious mouthful it is my friends!
With fall on the horizon, my mind starts to focus on all things apples, cinnamon and pump….I’m not going to say it. It’s on the tip of my tongue, but I’m not going there. It just wouldn’t be fair to summer. And you know where my loyalties lie. Apples are one thing, but pump…I just can’t go there yet. I absolutely LOVE the taste of it, and in fact I could enjoy it all year long, but I have my priorities folks. I also know lots of you don’t like rushing the seasons, so I’ll wait a bit before I share something with yummy pump…K?
Onto this cake! Holy cow! It’s amazing! Have you guys ever tried an apple cider doughnut? I hope so, because they’re the bomb for fall! And this cake is moist (sorry) like nobody’s business, cinnamony and that ripple. Lord! That ripple. Pecans, brown sugar, more cinnamon…it’s dreamy! And when the bundt comes out of the oven we’re gonna slather it with some melted butter (my husband Tom LOVES that part!) and sprinkle it generously with cinnamon sugar, because we know what’s good!
You’re going to love this one guys. It’s perfect for the upcoming fall season and for all the holidays ahead! Enjoy!
See, you forgot about the kids already didn’t you! Told you. It’s all about the CAKE!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. cardamon
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider
- 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- Pecan Brown Sugar Ripple:
- 1 cup brown sugar lightly packed
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup pecans finely chopped (I use Diamond of California Pecans)
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar or pure cane sugar I use pure cane sugar because it has a larger grain. More crunch. Looks prettier too.
- 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp. nutmeg
- 3 Tbsp. unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 12-cup bundt generously with nonstick cooking spray with flour in it. You can also use butter and then a dusting of flour. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, baking soda, cardamon and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk together sugar, cider, applesauce, olive oil, vanilla and eggs. Add to flour mixture just until combined.
- In a small bowl, combine the ripple ingredients. Mix with your fingers or a fork until well blended.
- Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Top with the ripple mixture leaving an inch outside border. Top with the remaining batter. Smooth top with a rubber spatula.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a tester comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 10-15 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg of the topping ingredients. Release the cake from the bundt pan onto a wire rack. Brush the cake with the melted butter. Sprinkle generously with the cinnamon sugar mixture. I like to serve mine when it's still a bit warm, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream. Can be stored at room temperature, covered for up to 2 days.
Aw, gorgeous and my kids would love me forever if I had this waiting for them after school. The first day went well and I even think they were excited but with our first batch of real homework last night… I think they are already over it! This cake might just make homework a bit less painful!
This one’s a winner for fall Karen! I shared this with neighbors and it got a big thumbs up!
This cake looks so delicious Mary Ann. I absolutely love all things apple!
Me too Alida! This one is just delicious and perfect for all the upcoming holidays!
My mouth is watering! This sounds delish!
May have to make it this weekend!
Woohoo! You’re going to LOVE it Beth! Enjoy and Happy Almost Fall!
Omg a DONUT bundt cake?
Sooooo good Sarah!
Haha….cake and wine definitely does help with everything ;) Brushing with butter straight out of the oven…..I can see why Tom loves that! I mean, who doesn’t love cake + butter?? Love yours pics with the apple in the middle. It’s too early for wine so I settle for coffee with a bunk hunk of this! Pinned! Cheers to an awesome weekend! XO
This is one delicious bundt Dawn. I’ll be making this all fall long. Tom loves the butter part!!
Can’t get over that ripple deliciousness!
Oh it’s one delicious ripple Jennifer! And one great bundt for the holidays! Gotta love how easy bundt cakes are!
I’m all about the Fall fruit baking these days, so I will definitely be adding this one to the baking list. Beautiful!
Keep me posted Jennifer! Hope you enjoy it!
Let’s talk about that brown sugar pecan ripple!! Yes please!
Both of us had pecans on the brain today Leigh Ann! They’re my all time favorite!
Before school, after school, my boys would absolutely love this!!
I agree Matt! It’s such a great cake for the holidays too!
I love everything about this bundt cake Mary Ann — such a delicious combination of flavors!!!!!! This is definitely on the to-make list!!! You’re right, cake does make everything better!!! xoxo
I couldn’t agree more! Cake puts a smile on my face every time!
Oh yes, I remember those days and feelings well! This cake will surely take the sting out! Love it, Mary Ann! Thanks for sharing!
Don’t ya Annie! Like it’s yesterday right?! Wish it was!
Is it weird I want to run away with this bundt cake and re-establish a life together? I haven’t made a bundt cake in a really long time. Your photos make this recipe look so appetizing. And your bit about pump was hilarious :)
Lol! So funny Christina! Bundt cakes are my favorite! They’re so easy and always turn out so pretty! So happy you like the cake and that you enjoyed the post! Thanks for following!
Oh man, do I love this! I just stopped by the farm market today and got my first cider doughnut of the season! I couldn’t resist the smell of them freshly fried. This bundt is the PERFECT fall dessert. I’ll take this over anything pumpkin any time!
Apple cider doughnuts are the best Gina! I agree. I can never pass one up! I hope you give this recipe a try! I know you’ll love it. Happy weekend!
I love everything about this cake – but especially more so because it’s perfect for the fall season and a great way to kickstart it!!
Thanks so much Naomi! This one was a hit with all the neighbors!
This cake looks fabulous! Can’t wait to make it!
You’re going to love it Rose! Enjoy!
This cake looks absolutely mouth watering!
Thanks Nicole! It was a total hit with my neighbors!
Looks delicious!!
It is Boo! Hope you whip it up for the boys!
This is just gorgeous, Mary Ann! :) The perfect bundt cake for fall!
Thanks so much Laura!
Oh for sure this helps with back to school and transitioning to Fall. Will you teach me how to make a bundt? Mine always fall apart. Could be GF flour haha
Sure! Could be the GF flour though. This one is all-purpose.
The first day of school is always an event! It’s one of my favorite days. I love watching the kindergarteners and their parents. It’s such an emotional day, but you can never tell who is going to spill the tears. Sometimes it’s the kids and sometimes it’s the parents. I would love having this waiting for me after a hectic first day of school! Maybe I’ll have a chance to make it this weekend! :)
I hope you do Kathy! It’s really a great fall bundt! I was always the parent with the dark sunglasses! Tears were flowing! Hope the kids have a great school year!
Thank you for not rushing the seasons!! I am also not quite ready to see all the pump (you know what) recipes. This one is a perfect introduction to Fall. That ripple looks sooo good, I am just imagining how tasty it would be. You’re right in saying that cake makes everything better, so the next time I need a pick-me-up I’ll be turning to this!
Yay! I hope you enjoy it Katherine!
Your bundt cake looks delicious. What a tasty treat MaryAnn, I would love to have a piece right now. I can just imagine how my parents felt when I left Germany for the United States so many years ago.
It’s happy and sad watching my boys grow up and spread their wings! Of course every parent wants their kids to grow up and be independent and self-sufficient, but when they leave home it’s a hard nut to swallow. I really look forward when the boys get a chance to come home. Then I get to spoil them with all their favorite treats, like this bundt cake. This one screams fall and it’s quite an easy recipe!
I have a thing for apple cakes, Mary Ann, and this one is hitting all the right notes… And that pecan brown sugar ripple! Yum! Can’t wait to try it!
So excited for you to try Michele! You’ll love it!
Ha ha – glad you’re giving apples some loving and passing on the pumpkin for now. I alway think apples and pears get the short end of the stick because everyone goes nuts for pumpkin. This cake looks fantastic and I just love that ripple in the middle!
I’ll hop on the pumpkin train in a few weeks! I love apples and pears too Liz, and I totally agree that pumpkin always takes the prize spot. I’ll be sharing more apples and pears throughout fall!
Apple cider doughnut bundt cake? I’ll take it! Apples are already coming in and falling from the trees around here – hooray! But yes, the pumpkin can wait. I’m with ya! This time of year used to put me over the top with stress when I was teaching… so glad that is a thing of the past! hehe. That ripple Mary Ann… OMGeeee! I’m ready to bake!
This is my go-to bundt for fall parties Traci! I hope you give it a try. That ripple gets me every time too! Happy weekend! XO
Love this cake! So perfect for fall. And gorgeous photos as always. Have a great weekend, Mary Ann!
Thanks Natasha! This one is definitely my favorite bundt for fall! You have a great weekend too!
Please don’t rush the seasons Mary Ann. Summer always starts so late in Boston and the winters are sooooo long that I often feel cheated when it comes to summer (did I mention that the winters are soooooo long?). That said, nothing beats the warm and cozy feelings of all things fall. And this cake. . .it really is the perfect way to start transitioning into cooler weather (as sad as it is to kiss summer goodbye).
I totally agree Lynn! So sad to see that summer’s winding down. My mother lives in sunny Florida, so I do get to catch some sun and warmth over the winter months when I go for a visit! In the meantime, I enjoy cozy fall and winter foods like this yummy cake! Enjoy your weekend!
I love the simplicity of bundt cakes and an apple cider donut flavored cake sounds phenomenal! I love that surprise on the inside too!
I love how easy they are too Chris! I find any way to add pecans to things! They’re my favorite!
Give me a slice of this cake any day, Mary Ann! I love simple cakes like this that let the fruit flavor shine through – and I love the surprise layer inside too!
I totally LOVE bundt Geraldine! They’re so easy, right? That pecan ripple is my favorite. I’ll make this a few times during the fall and enjoy it more every time. Hope you’re having a great weekend!
Mary Ann, you have the most beautiful photos in the world! I love popping over here. Pinning this gorgeous bundt cake!
Awwww! You’re so sweet Jess. Thank you so much! You’ve made my day!
Loving that brown sugar ripple!! Wish I had a slice with my coffee this morning. And then again for after lunch! What a beautiful way to usher in fall! xo
I can never get enough of pecans Tessa, so that pecan brown sugar ripple was a must!
Cake DOES help everything! And your picture with the apple in the center of the cake is just perfection. Happy apple season, Mary Ann!
Thanks Kate! Hope you enjoy the season too!
Just loving the fall flavors happening in this cake. Sounds so perfect!
Thanks Tieghan!
I am not sure if the pecan ripple would make it through this recipe, and it looks divine and finger-licking delicious. So fresh and fun with the apple garnish! YUM. And yes, kids are finally back at school, I am moved in (well mostly) and life is feeling slightly less transitional.
Honestly, I could eat that mixture right from the bowl Cindy! Lol! So happy you’re all moved in and that the kids are back to school!
I love bundt cakes! They are so comforting! And they are so good with a cup of coffee :D. I love the generous ripple filling and also the buttering and sprinkling of cinnamon sugar on top of the warm cake!! I will make this as soon as the morning starts becoming chilly :)
Me too Deepika! So easy and they always look great. Enjoy!
Hello! I just can’t across this recipe, it’s autumn here in the UK and this looks the perfect cake. My question however is do you taste the vinegar? I’ve never come across a cake recipe before with vinegar in it.
No. You won’t taste the vinegar at all. It’s included to give the batter a little lift as it bakes. Enjoy!