Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, then you’ve come to the right place! This Apple Cider Donut Cake is like a warm hug on a cool day. It brings all the cozy flavors of apple cider donuts but in a super simple cake form. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this cake is sure to impress without all the fuss.

What makes this recipe even more special is how easy it is to whip up. You’ll have a delicious dessert that everyone will love in just over half an hour! So, let’s get baking and fill our homes with the sweet aroma of cinnamon and apples.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have this cake baked in no time.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the warm flavors of apple cider and cinnamon.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual dessert or a special celebration, this cake fits right in!
• Deliciously moist: The combination of apple cider and sour cream keeps this cake wonderfully moist.
• Make-ahead convenience: This cake tastes just as good the next day—if it lasts that long!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this scrumptious Apple Cider Donut Cake. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!

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 things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it to suit your taste.

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Mix in fruit: Diced apples or pears can add a lovely texture and freshness to the cake.
• Make it spicier: Increase the amount of cinnamon or add ginger for a spicy kick!
• Top it differently: Swap out the cinnamon sugar topping for a glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider for a different finish.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Greasing your baking dish is key here—this prevents any sticking! Use butter or cooking spray on a 9” square dish, then line it with parchment paper so you can easily lift out your cake later.

Step 2: Reduce the Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring your fresh apple cider to a boil until it’s reduced by half. This should take about 5 minutes. Reducing concentrates the flavor, making your cake even more delicious! Once done, measure out ¾ cup of this rich cider and whisk in diced butter until melted.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine your eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Whisk these together until well blended. This mixture is what adds moisture and sweetness to our lovely cake!

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Slowly whisk the boiled cider into your wet mixture. It’s important to mix them gradually so everything combines smoothly—trust me; you want every bite to be oh-so-flavorful!

Step 5: Add Flour

Now it’s time to stir in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cake light and fluffy!

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour that lovely batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake it in your preheated oven until it’s puffed up and golden-brown—about 22-25 minutes should do it.

Step 7: Cool & Top

Once baked, let it cool on a rack for about 5 minutes. Then place that tablespoon of butter on top as it melts into every nook and cranny! Sprinkle generously with your cinnamon-sugar mixture for that perfect finishing touch.

Step 8: Slice & Serve

Carefully remove the cake from the pan once cooled slightly. Cut into squares and serve warm or at room temperature—enjoy every bite of this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake is a breeze, but here are some tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh apple cider – The flavor of fresh apple cider really shines through in this cake, giving it that authentic fall taste. If you can find local cider, even better!

• Don’t skip the reduction – Reducing the cider intensifies its flavor and sweetness, making your cake even more delicious. Take those extra few minutes; your taste buds will thank you!

• Measure flour correctly – To avoid a dense cake, use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour. This ensures you’re not adding too much, which can lead to a heavy texture.

• Let it cool before slicing – Allowing the cake to cool slightly helps it set and makes cutting easier. Plus, it gives the flavors a moment to meld together beautifully.

• Experiment with spices – Feel free to get creative with spices! Adding nutmeg or ginger can enhance the warm flavors of the cake, giving it a personal touch.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is versatile and perfect for various occasions! Whether you’re enjoying it as an afternoon snack or serving it at a gathering, here are some ideas on how to present this delightful treat.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.

• Caramel drizzle – A warm caramel sauce drizzled over each slice provides a rich contrast that complements the apple cider notes wonderfully.

Side Dishes

• Warm spiced apple slices – Sautéing apple slices with cinnamon and nutmeg creates a warm side that resonates with the cake’s flavors while adding freshness.

• Whipped coconut cream – A dollop of whipped coconut cream offers a dairy-free option that pairs beautifully with the cake’s texture and enhances its sweetness.

• Chai tea – This spiced beverage complements the warm spices in the cake, creating a cozy pairing that’s perfect for fall afternoons.

• Coffee or chai latte – The rich flavors of coffee or creamy chai latte create an inviting combination that makes for a delightful morning or afternoon treat alongside your cake.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Apple Cider Donut Cake is sure to impress friends and family alike! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy its delicious flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate it, where it will last for about a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices of the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat, remove a slice from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Warm in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this delightful recipe, here are some common questions!

Can I make Apple Cider Donut Cake without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with a flaxseed meal mix (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg) for an egg-free version.

How long does Apple Cider Donut Cake stay fresh?

When stored properly, this cake stays fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.

Can I use other types of flour for Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Absolutely! You can experiment with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. Just keep an eye on the texture—adjustments may be needed to achieve the desired consistency.

What makes this Apple Cider Donut Cake special?

This recipe combines the cozy flavors of apple cider and spices into a simple cake form, making it easy to prepare while still delivering that nostalgic donut taste we love!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bake this comforting Apple Cider Donut Cake! It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family or simply enjoying on your own with a warm cup of tea. Its delightful flavor and easy preparation make it a seasonal favorite that’s sure to brighten your day. Enjoy every bite, and happy baking!