Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, this Apple Cider Donut Cake is just what you need! It’s a delightful twist on classic apple cider donuts, offering all that warm, spicy flavor in a simple, tender cake. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this treat will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to whip up. You don’t need fancy equipment or hours in the kitchen. Just gather your ingredients, and you’ll be enjoying a slice of this sweet goodness in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: This Apple Cider Donut Cake comes together quickly with minimal fuss, making it a fantastic option for any day of the week.
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of fresh apple cider and warm spices creates a comforting taste that’s perfect for fall.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore this cake, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or playdates.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time to enjoy throughout the week; it stays moist and delicious for days!
• Perfectly Sweet: With just the right amount of sweetness, this cake is satisfying without being overly indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is half the fun! Here’s what you need to make your very own Apple Cider Donut Cake:

For the Cake

• 1-½ cups fresh apple cider
• 4 tablespoons (66 grams) cold unsalted butter, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup (70 grams) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (110 grams) lightly packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup (70 grams) light olive oil (or other neutral oil)
• ¼ cup (66 grams) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1-½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1-½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Pinch allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt (if using fine sea salt use half by volume)
• 1-¾ cups (210 grams) all-purpose flour

For the Topping

• 1 tablespoon butter, at cool room temperature
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Variations

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Incorporate Apples: Fold in diced apples for extra moisture and fruity goodness.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to give it your own twist!
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to dietary needs.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Greasing a 9 square baking dish with butter or oil ensures that your cake will come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Reduce the Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring the fresh apple cider to a boil until it’s reduced by half—about 5 minutes. This concentrates the flavor and gives your cake that rich apple essence. Measure to ensure you have about ¾ cup after reduction.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, olive oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. The wet ingredients create the base of your batter; each one adds moisture and flavor that makes this cake irresistible.

Step 4: Combine Cider and Batter

Slowly whisk the hot boiled cider into your wet mixture. This step brings everything together harmoniously while adding even more depth of flavor.

Step 5: Add Flour

Stir in the flour gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake; we want it light and fluffy!

Step 6: Pour into Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. It’s always exciting to see how quickly this simple batter transforms into something delicious!

Step 7: Bake Away!

Bake in your preheated oven until puffed and golden—about 22-25 minutes. When it’s done, a toothpick should come out clean from the center.

Step 8: Cool & Prepare Topping

Let the cake cool on a rack for about 5 minutes. While it cools, place butter on top so it can melt into every nook and cranny.

Step 9: Add Cinnamon Sugar

Mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the melted butter on top of your warm cake for that signature donut flavor.

Step 10: Let It Cool

Carefully remove the cake from the pan using the parchment sling. Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Enjoy every bite as you savor those wonderful flavors!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making the perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake is easier than you think! Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh cider elevates the flavor profile, giving the cake a rich and authentic taste that bottled varieties just can’t match.
• Don’t skip the reduction: Boiling down the apple cider concentrates the flavors and adds depth to your cake, making it truly reminiscent of classic apple cider donuts.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and contributes to a more tender crumb.
• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness a minute or two earlier than the recommended baking time. You want it golden brown and springy to the touch.
• Let it cool: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before cutting into squares helps it set and makes for cleaner slices. Plus, it’s easier to handle!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

This delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake can be enjoyed in various ways! Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, here are some ideas to make it even more special.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a sweet touch and a beautiful presentation.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a creamy contrast that’s dairy-free, serve with whipped coconut cream; it’s light and fluffy!
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and grapes provides freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing your cake with a warm cup of coffee or herbal tea enhances its cozy vibe—perfect for chilly mornings!
• Yogurt parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a refreshing side that complements the flavors of your cake while adding some protein.
• Vanilla ice cream: For an indulgent treat, serve slices of warm cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s simply heavenly!

Enjoy making this Apple Cider Donut Cake! It’s sure to bring warmth to your kitchen and delight everyone who tries it. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep! It stays fresh and delicious, making it an ideal treat to enjoy throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices of the cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• For best results, label the bags with the date and name of the recipe.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen slices, remove from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Warm slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delightful recipe, you’re in the right place!

How can I make my Apple Cider Donut Cake even more flavorful?

You can enhance the flavor by adding chopped apples or nuts into the batter before baking. A splash of vanilla extract would also complement the apple cider beautifully.

Can I substitute ingredients in Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, or swap out light olive oil for melted coconut oil if desired. Just keep proportions similar for best results.

How do I know when my Apple Cider Donut Cake is done baking?

The cake is ready when it’s puffed up, golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting and delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake as much as I do! It’s a wonderful way to capture that cozy fall flavor while keeping things simple. Whether you share it with family or keep it all to yourself (no judgment here!), this cake is sure to bring smiles. Happy baking!