Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that wraps up the flavors of fall in every bite, this Apple Cider Donut Cake is just what you need! It captures the essence of those beloved apple cider donuts we all adore, but in a simple, delightful cake form. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a festive family gathering, this easy snack cake will surely bring smiles to everyone around the table.

What makes this recipe special is how effortlessly it comes together. You’ll find yourself reaching for it time and again, not only because it tastes amazing but also because it fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon and apples. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to share it with friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros.
• Delicious Flavor: With the combination of fresh apple cider and warm spices, each slice is bursting with flavor!
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love this cake; it’s great for kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time for parties or gatherings — it keeps well and tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! This recipe uses simple, wholesome staples that you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious 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 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 very flexible! You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add More Spice: If you’re a fan of spices, consider adding nutmeg or ginger for an extra flavor kick.
• Mix in Some Fruit: Chopped apples or pears can be folded into the batter for added texture and sweetness.
• Go Nuts: Toss in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a little crunch.
• Glaze It Up: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider for an indulgent finish.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9” square baking dish with butter or oil. This ensures that your cake will slide out smoothly once it’s baked. Line the dish with parchment paper so that it hangs over the sides — this will make removing the cake super easy!

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring the fresh apple cider to a boil until it’s reduced by half, which takes about 5 minutes. Measuring to ensure you have ¾ cup is important since this concentrated flavor is key to achieving that delicious apple taste throughout your cake.

Step 3: Whisk Your Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, both sugars, oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Mixing these ingredients well helps create a smooth batter that will rise beautifully during baking.

Step 4: Combine with Boiled Cider

Once your cider has reduced and cooled slightly, slowly whisk it into your wet mixture. This step brings together all those lovely flavors you’ve created so far.

Step 5: Add Flour

Gently fold in the flour until everything is just combined. Be careful not to over-mix; we want our cake tender and fluffy!

Step 6: Pour into Prepared Dish

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish evenly. Give it a little shake to level out any uneven spots – this helps ensure even baking.

Step 7: Bake Your Cake

Bake in your preheated oven until puffed up and golden brown — about 22-25 minutes should do it! You can check doneness by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs stuck to it, you’re good to go.

Step 8: Cool Before Topping

Let your cake cool on a rack for about 5 minutes before applying toppings. This brief cooling period prevents the butter from melting too quickly when we add it next.

Step 9: Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Place some butter on top while it’s still warm so it melts nicely. Then mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl before sprinkling generously over the melted butter.

Step 10: Remove From Pan & Cool

Carefully remove the cake from the pan using those parchment paper edges as handles! Let it cool completely on the rack before slicing into squares — patience pays off!

And there you have it! A delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake that’s sure to be loved by all who try it. Enjoy every slice!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making your Apple Cider Donut Cake as delightful as possible is easy with a few handy tips!

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh cider gives the cake a rich, authentic flavor that enhances the overall taste. Look for local, unfiltered apple cider if available.
• Ensure proper butter temperature: Using cold butter helps create a nice crumb in the cake. It emulsifies better when you whisk it with hot cider, resulting in a moist texture.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Gently mixing until just combined will keep your cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake around 20 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
• Cool before serving: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before cutting helps it set and makes it easier to slice without crumbling.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

This delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for any occasion! Whether it’s an afternoon treat or a cozy gathering with friends, here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dessert.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds sweetness and a beautiful finish to your cake.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.
• Apple slices: Serve a few thinly sliced apples alongside the cake for a fresh touch and an appealing presentation.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy, cold ice cream complements the warm spices of the cake beautifully, creating a comforting dessert experience.
• Whipped coconut cream: This dairy-free option adds a light and fluffy texture that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the cake while keeping it plant-based.
• Hot spiced cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider alongside your cake for an extra layer of seasonal flavor that enhances the overall experience.
• Coffee or tea: A warm cup of coffee or herbal tea makes for an inviting accompaniment, perfect for cozy gatherings or chilly afternoons.

Enjoy your baking adventure and delight in sharing this scrumptious Apple Cider Donut Cake with your loved ones!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip it up in advance and enjoy its delightful flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover 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.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe 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 microwave a slice for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions that might help you with your Apple Cider Donut Cake baking experience.

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

Yes, store-bought apple cider works perfectly! Just ensure it’s fresh for the best flavor.

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

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

What’s the best way to serve Apple Cider Donut Cake?

This cake is delicious on its own but pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee!

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

Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and feel free to swap light olive oil with another neutral oil if preferred.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Apple Cider Donut Cake as delightful as I do! It’s such a comforting treat that captures the essence of fall while being easy enough to enjoy any day of the year. I’m excited for you to try making it and share it with loved ones. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with wonderful aromas!