Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug, then this Apple Cider Donut Cake is the perfect recipe for you! It captures all the cozy flavors of classic apple cider donuts but in a simple cake form. Imagine the sweet aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or family gatherings. This cake is not just easy to whip up; it’s also incredibly satisfying to share with loved ones.

Whether you’re enjoying a slice with your morning coffee or serving it at a fall gathering, this Apple Cider Donut Cake will surely become a favorite. Its moist texture and aromatic spices are sure to evoke fond memories of crisp autumn days!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This cake comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for any home baker!
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will love the delicious flavor of apple cider donuts in cake form.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time, and enjoy it throughout the week—perfect for snacks or dessert!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh apple cider and warm spices creates a cozy taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Apple Cider Donut Cake, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Most of these are pantry staples, so you might already have them on hand!

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
• ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt (if using fine sea salt use half by volume)
• 1-¾ cups (210 grams) all-purpose flour

For 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 quite flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize it to your taste:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Mix in Spices: Feel free to experiment with nutmeg or ginger for an extra flavor kick.
• Swap the Sweeteners: Try using maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a unique twist.
• Incorporate Fruits: Add diced apples or pears into the batter for extra fruitiness.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. This step is crucial as it ensures that your cake cooks evenly from the start. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking dish by buttering or spraying a 9” square baking dish, then lining it with parchment paper. This will help make removing the cake a breeze!

Step 2: Reduce the Cider

In a large sauté pan, boil the fresh apple cider until reduced by half—this should take about 5 minutes. Reducing the cider concentrates its flavor, which is key to achieving that rich taste reminiscent of apple cider donuts. Once reduced, measure out ¾ cup and add diced butter. Whisk until melted and combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, light olive oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Mixing these ingredients well ensures that your batter is smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Mix in Boiled Cider

Slowly whisk the reduced cider mixture into your wet ingredients. This adds warmth and depth to your batter. It’s important to do this gradually so everything blends perfectly without lumps.

Step 5: Stir in Flour

Gently stir in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake—so be gentle! This step helps lift your cake while keeping it moist.

Step 6: Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared dish and bake in the preheated oven until puffed and golden brown—about 22-25 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s done.

Step 7: Cool Down

After baking, let the cake rest on a cooling rack for about 5 minutes before adding toppings. This short cooling period prevents sogginess from forming on top.

Step 8: Add Topping

Place butter on top of the warm cake allowing it to melt beautifully over its surface. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon before sprinkling generously over the melted butter.

Step 9: Final Touches

Carefully remove the cake from its pan using parchment paper as handles and let it cool completely on a rack before slicing into squares.

And there you have it—a delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake that’s sure to bring smiles all around! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake is a breeze, but these tips will ensure that your cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh apple cider: For the best flavor, opt for fresh apple cider instead of bottled varieties. Fresh cider has a richer taste and enhances the overall apple flavor in the cake.

• Don’t skip the reducing step: Reducing the apple cider concentrates its flavors. This step ensures that your cake has that irresistible apple cider donut essence without adding extra moisture.

• Measure accurately: When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Accurate measurements prevent the cake from becoming dense or dry.

• Check for doneness: Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking your cake a couple of minutes before the suggested bake time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

• Let it cool properly: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before cutting helps it set and makes for cleaner slices. Plus, it’s easier to handle when warm!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is an inviting treat that pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are some ideas on how to present it beautifully and enhance its flavor.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal, making the cake look even more tempting.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and richness that complements the soft cake texture.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside your slice adds a delightful contrast and elevates this dessert to new heights.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice for an indulgent twist that pairs perfectly with the warm spices in the cake.
• Fresh fruit salad: A light fruit salad with apples, pears, and berries provides freshness and balances out the richness of the cake.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream. It adds a light, airy texture while complementing the flavors of cinnamon and apple beautifully.

Enjoy sharing this delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake with family and friends! Whether it’s for a cozy fall gathering or just because you crave something sweet, this cake will surely be a hit. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it, ensuring you have a delightful snack ready whenever you crave something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, keep it in the refrigerator where it will last about a week.
• If you prefer, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for easy grab-and-go snacks.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• For best results, slice the cake before freezing so you can easily thaw only what you need.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
• Alternatively, warm slices in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5-7 minutes for a freshly baked taste.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake!

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

Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works just as well as homemade. Just make sure it’s fresh for the best flavor.

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

The cake will be puffed, golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. It typically takes about 22-25 minutes at 350°F.

Can I substitute other oils instead of light olive oil in this recipe?

Yes! Any neutral oil like vegetable oil or canola oil can be used as a substitute without affecting the taste.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for better texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake as much as I do! It’s not only simple but also captures all the cozy flavors of fall in every bite. Whether you’re sharing with friends or savoring it alone with a hot cup of tea, this cake is sure to bring warmth and joy to your day. Happy baking!