Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, this Apple Cider Donut Cake is just what you need! It brings all the cozy flavors of your favorite apple cider donuts into a simple, fuss-free cake. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this cake is perfect for any occasion. It’s moist, flavorful, and will fill your kitchen with that warm, inviting scent that makes everyone feel at home.

This recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. You’ll love how quickly it comes together and how delicious it tastes. Trust me, once you try this Apple Cider Donut Cake, it will become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have a warm cake ready to enjoy.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the sweet and spiced flavor that reminds them of fall treats.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: This cake is great for dessert after dinner or as an afternoon snack with coffee.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake it in advance and enjoy it throughout the week.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich taste of apple cider combined with warm spices creates an irresistible treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this cake is part of the fun! You’ll find that they are all simple and wholesome. Here’s what you need:

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

Variations

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Some Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Incorporate Fresh Apples: Diced apples can add extra moisture and fruity goodness to the cake.
• Try Different Spices: Feel free to experiment with nutmeg or ginger for a different spice profile.
• Drizzle with Glaze: A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider can add an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9” square baking dish with butter or spray it with oil. For easy removal later, line it with parchment paper hanging over the sides. This little trick will save you from any sticky situations when it’s time to slice!

Step 2: Reduce the Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring the fresh apple cider to a boil over medium heat until it’s reduced by half—about five minutes should do the trick. This concentrates the flavor, making your cake even more delicious! Once reduced, measure out three-fourths of a cup and whisk in the cold diced butter until melted.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, olive oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. This mixture combines all those sweet flavors with moisture from the oil and sour cream—a key element for that tender crumb!

Step 4: Mix in Boiled Cider

Now it’s time to slowly whisk in your boiled cider mixture into the wet ingredients. This step is crucial because it helps everything blend smoothly while infusing that rich apple flavor into the batter.

Step 5: Add Flour

Next up is stirring in the flour until just combined. Be gentle here; overmixing can lead to tough cake! You’re aiming for a thick batter that’s well-mixed but still fluffy.

Step 6: Pour into Baking Dish

Pour your lovely batter into the prepared baking dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread out so it cooks uniformly.

Step 7: Bake Away!

Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven. Bake until golden brown and puffed—this usually takes about 22 to 25 minutes. Your kitchen will smell incredible during this time!

Step 8: Cool Down

Once baked through (you can test doneness by inserting a toothpick), let your cake cool on a rack for about five minutes. Then place some butter on top—it’ll melt beautifully over the surface.

Step 9: Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl while waiting for it to cool further, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the melted butter on top of your cake for that classic donut vibe!

Step 10: Remove & Serve

Carefully remove your cake from the pan using those handy parchment paper handles. Let it cool slightly before cutting into squares—this helps keep those edges clean!

And there you have it—a wonderful Apple Cider Donut Cake that’s sure to please anyone lucky enough to share it with you! Enjoy every sweet bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake is a breeze, especially with these helpful tips!

• Use fresh apple cider: The flavor of your cake heavily depends on the quality of the cider. Freshly pressed cider will give you that rich, authentic taste that makes this cake truly special.

• Don’t skip the cooling rack: Allowing the cake to cool on a rack helps prevent it from becoming soggy. This keeps the texture light and prevents excess moisture from collecting at the bottom.

• Melted butter for topping: Brushing melted butter over the warm cake adds richness and helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere better, creating a deliciously sweet crust.

• Adjust baking time based on your oven: Every oven is different; keep an eye on your cake towards the end of the baking time. Use a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!

• Store properly for freshness: If you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them moist and flavorful.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive fall celebration. Here are some delightful ways to present this wonderful treat!

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a creamy texture that complements the spiced flavors of the cake.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with apple cider.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits can balance the sweetness of the cake and add a vibrant touch to your plate.

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy coldness of vanilla ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm spices in the cake, making each bite a delightful experience.

• Coffee or spiced tea: Serve with a warm mug of coffee or a cup of spiced tea to enhance those cozy autumn vibes while enjoying your cake.

Now that you’re armed with these tips and serving suggestions, it’s time to bake up some love! Enjoy every delicious bite of your Apple Cider Donut Cake!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve its deliciousness.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate the cake to extend its freshness for about a week. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. For best quality, avoid freezing whole cakes.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply take a slice out of the fridge or freezer and warm it in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• For a crispy top, try warming it in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Apple Cider Donut Cake that might help you along your baking journey!

Can I use store-bought apple cider for the Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly in this recipe and will still give you that delightful flavor we love.

How long does the Apple Cider Donut Cake last?

When stored properly, this cake can last up to 3 days at room temperature or about a week if refrigerated. It also freezes well for up to 3 months!

Can I substitute the sour cream in the Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Yes! You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream without compromising on taste or texture.

Is there a way to make this Apple Cider Donut Cake gluten-free?

Certainly! You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for proper structure.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you find joy in making this Apple Cider Donut Cake! It’s not just a simple dessert; it’s a warm reminder of cozy fall days filled with sweet treats. Enjoy every bite, share it with loved ones, and don’t forget to let me know how yours turns out. Happy baking!