Fall baking just got a delightful twist with these apple cider donut mini Bundt cakes. A fresh take on the classic seasonal treat, these mini cakes pack all the flavors of traditional apple cider donuts in a cute Bundt shape. The perfect balance of sweet apple cider and warm spices makes these treats a must-try for any baking enthusiast.
Ingredients
Creating these delightful apple cider donut mini Bundt cakes requires a few key ingredients. Let’s gather everything we need to make these scrumptious treats.
For the Mini Bundt Cakes
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar, divided
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup chunky applesauce, room temperature
- 1 cup apple cider, room temperature
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Baking spray with flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon (adjust to taste preference)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Confectioners’ sugar
- Apple cider or milk
Equipment Needed
For making these delicious apple cider donut mini Bundt cakes, you won’t need any fancy equipment. Here are the essential items to prepare these delightful treats:
Recommended Bundt Pan Size
A mini Bundt pan with 6 or 12 cavities is recommended for this recipe. These smaller sizes are perfect for creating individual apple cider donut cakes that are easy to serve and enjoy.
Preparation
Let’s get ready to bake these delightful apple cider donut mini Bundt cakes! To ensure your cakes turn out perfectly, follow these simple preparation steps.
Preparing the Apple Cider Reduction
Begin by making a flavorful apple cider reduction to enhance the apple taste in your cakes. Simmer the apple cider in a saucepan over low heat until it reduces by half. This reduction will intensify the apple flavor and add a delicious touch to your mini Bundt cakes.
Prepping the Bundt Pan
Properly preparing the mini Bundt pan is essential for easy cake release and beautiful cake shapes. Thoroughly grease each cavity of the pan with non-stick baking spray to prevent sticking. Ensure the pan is well-coated to achieve perfectly shaped apple cider donut mini Bundt cakes when they come out of the oven.
Directions
As I guide you through the process of creating these delightful apple cider donut mini Bundt cakes, you’ll find the steps easy to follow for a successful baking experience. Let’s get started!
Making the Batter
To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your mini Bundt pans by greasing them thoroughly. Here’s how you can make the batter for these scrumptious mini cakes:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, apple cider, apple sauce, eggs, cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla. Mix the ingredients until well combined and smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared mini Bundt pans, filling each cavity about three-quarters full to allow room for rising during baking.
Baking the Mini Bundt Cakes
It’s time to bake your mini Bundt cakes to perfection. Follow these steps for a delicious outcome:
- Place the filled mini Bundt pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the mini Bundt cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Applying the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Enhance the flavor and appearance of your apple cider donut mini Bundt cakes with a delightful cinnamon sugar coating. Here’s how you can do it:
- In a small shallow dish, mix together sugar and cinnamon to create the coating.
- Brush each mini cake with a bit of apple cider using a pastry brush.
- Gently coat each mini cake by turning it face down into the sugar-cinnamon mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Store the mini cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or refrigerate for up to 10 days. To enjoy, let them warm to room temperature or rewarm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 5-10 minutes.
Optional Steps
Preparing the Apple Cider Glaze
To enhance the flavor and presentation of your apple cider donut mini Bundt cakes, preparing a delicious apple cider glaze is a wonderful optional step. This glaze adds a sweet and tangy touch that complements the warm apple flavors in the cakes perfectly.
Start by adding powdered sugar and 1/4 cup of apple cider to a small bowl. Whisk them together until you achieve a smooth and pourable consistency. Adjust the thickness of the glaze by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more apple cider for a thinner consistency.
Glazing the Mini Bundt Cakes
Once your mini Bundt cakes have cooled, it’s time to glaze them with the prepared apple cider glaze. Using a spoon or a pastry brush, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish.
Ensure that the glaze covers the entire surface of the cakes evenly. The apple cider glaze will not only add a delightful taste but also give your mini Bundt cakes a glossy and professional appearance that is sure to impress your guests.
Serving and Storage
Best Practices for Serving
When serving these delectable apple cider donut mini Bundt cakes, I recommend warming them slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enhance the flavors and bring out the cinnamon aroma. You can also enjoy them with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of apple cider for a perfect fall treat.
Storage Tips
To ensure that your apple cider donut mini Bundt cakes stay fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to prolong their shelf life, you can refrigerate them for up to 10 days. Before serving leftovers, consider giving them a quick zap in the microwave to restore their softness and flavors.
Conclusion
I hope this article has inspired you to try your hand at baking these delightful apple cider donut mini Bundt cakes. With a few key ingredients and simple steps, you can create these scrumptious treats that are perfect for the fall season. The combination of apple cider, warm spices, and a cinnamon sugar coating will surely tantalize your taste buds. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations, such as adding a sweet apple cider glaze for an extra touch of indulgence. Whether enjoyed with a hot beverage or as a standalone treat, these mini Bundt cakes are bound to be a hit with your family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to savor the flavors of fall with these irresistible apple cider donut mini Bundt cakes. Happy baking!