Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, let me introduce you to my beloved Apple Cider Donut Cake! This cake is everything we adore about those classic apple cider donuts, but in a wonderfully simple snack cake form. It’s moist, spiced to perfection, and perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy family gathering or a quick dessert on a busy weeknight.

What makes this recipe extra special is how easy it is to whip up. You’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again, especially when the leaves start to change and the scent of cinnamon fills the air. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: No need to fry donuts when you can bake this delicious cake in under 30 minutes!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the sweet, spiced flavor—perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Delight: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it all week long with your morning coffee or as an after-school snack.
• Seasonal Flavor: Embrace fall with every bite thanks to the warm spices and fresh apple cider.
• Perfectly Portable: Great for potlucks or picnics; just cut into squares and serve!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is made from simple, wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather these goodies together!

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 Topping

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

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or your personal preferences.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Dried Fruits: Mix in dried cranberries or raisins for an extra burst of flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a tasty alternative.
• Extra Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or cardamom for a different spice profile.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Greasing your baking dish will ensure that your cake comes out perfectly without sticking. Line it with parchment paper too; this little trick makes lifting out the cake so much easier!

Step 2: Reduce the Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring the apple cider to a boil until it’s reduced by half—about 5 minutes should do the trick. This concentrates the flavor and sweetness of the cider. Measure it afterward to ensure you have about ¾ cup. Then add in your cold butter and whisk until melted and incorporated.

Step 3: Mix Your 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 step combines everything beautifully before adding in that delicious reduced cider.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly whisk in the boiled cider into your wet mixture until it’s well blended. Now it’s time to gently stir in the flour until just combined—don’t overmix! This will help keep your cake light and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake until puffed up and golden—about 22-25 minutes should do it!

Step 6: Cool Down & Top Off

Let your cake cool on a rack for about five minutes after baking. While it’s still warm, add butter on top so it melts beautifully. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle generously over that buttery surface.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!

Remove your cake from the pan by lifting with the parchment sling. Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Now you’re ready to serve this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake—enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making this Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh apple cider: Freshly pressed apple cider will provide the most robust flavor, making your cake taste just like those beloved seasonal donuts.

• Cool the butter slightly: If your butter is too warm when you add it to the cider, it could create an oily texture. Letting it cool helps maintain the cake’s fluffy consistency.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined will keep your cake light and airy. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture that’s less enjoyable.

• Check for doneness with a toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready. This ensures a perfectly baked treat without being undercooked.

• Let it cool before cutting: Allowing the cake to cool slightly makes it easier to cut and serve while also enhancing its flavor as it sets.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for sharing! Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, presenting this cake beautifully can elevate its appeal.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds an elegant touch without overwhelming the flavors.
• Caramel drizzle: A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce enhances sweetness and adds visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the spiced flavors of the cake, creating a comforting dessert experience.
• Hot cocoa: A warm cup of hot cocoa adds an extra layer of coziness, perfect for chilly days when you want something sweet.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances out the richness of the cake and provides a bright burst of flavor.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream offers a light and fluffy topping that complements the spices in your cake beautifully.

Enjoy making and serving this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake! It’s sure to become a seasonal favorite in your household.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up ahead of time and store it for later, making it a great go-to treat for busy days or unexpected guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you’re in a humid environment, consider refrigerating it to maintain freshness.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label the bag with the date.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply unwrap a slice and microwave it for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, you can warm it in an oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to enjoy that freshly baked taste!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake.

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works just as well as fresh cider, ensuring you won’t miss out on that delicious flavor.

What makes this recipe an Apple Cider Donut Cake?

This recipe captures all the classic flavors of apple cider donuts but simplifies the process into a moist and delicious cake that’s easy to prepare.

How can I enhance the flavor of my Apple Cider Donut Cake?

For an extra kick, consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits like cranberries. A drizzle of icing on top could also elevate its sweetness!

Can I substitute ingredients in the Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe?

Yes! You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and any neutral oil if you prefer not using olive oil.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this scrumptious Apple Cider Donut Cake as much as I do! It’s a cozy treat that brings warmth and joy to any gathering or quiet afternoon at home. Whether enjoyed with friends or savored alone with a cup of tea, this cake is bound to become a seasonal favorite. Happy baking!