Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, then this Apple Cider Donut Cake is just what you need! It brings all the cozy flavors of apple cider donuts into one simple cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting friends for a gathering, this cake will surely become a favorite.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. You don’t need to fuss over frying donuts when you can bake this delicious cake instead. The warm spices and sweet apple cider create an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, making it feel like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you’ll have this cake in the oven in no time.
• Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a family get-together or a cozy evening with friends, this cake is sure to impress everyone.
• Deliciously moist: The combination of fresh apple cider and sour cream makes every bite soft and flavorful.
• Great for meal prep: Make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week as a sweet snack or breakfast treat.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your own spin to the recipe with different spices or toppings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Apple Cider Donut Cake, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll gather:

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 the Topping

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to customize your Apple Cider Donut Cake:

• Add nuts: Chop up some walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Mix in fruit: Toss in some diced apples or pears for extra sweetness and moisture.
• Change the spices: Experiment with nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a different twist on the classic flavor.
• Glaze it up: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider on top for an extra sweet finish.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9” square baking dish with butter or cooking spray. To make removing the cake easier later, line the dish with parchment paper so it hangs over the sides—this will be your handy sling!

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring the fresh apple cider to a boil until it reduces by half, which should take about 5 minutes. This step intensifies the flavor of the cider. Measure it out carefully; you’ll want ¾ cup for your batter. Remove from heat and whisk in the cold diced butter until melted and combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, olive oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, allspice, and salt. This mixture creates a wonderful base full of flavor that complements the apple cider beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slowly whisk the boiled cider mixture into your wet ingredients until combined. Then gently stir in the flour until just mixed; you want to avoid over-mixing here so that your cake stays tender.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake until puffed and golden brown—about 22-25 minutes should do it! A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Step 6: Finish with Toppings

Allow your cake to cool on a rack for about five minutes before adding one tablespoon of butter on top. Brush it around as it melts over the surface of your warm cake—this adds richness! In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle generously over the melted butter.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Carefully remove your cake from the pan using those parchment paper slings. Let it cool slightly on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Enjoy each slice as is or pair it with coffee or tea!

Happy baking! I can’t wait for you to experience how wonderful this Apple Cider Donut Cake is!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making this delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake is a breeze, especially with these handy tips to ensure your cake comes out perfectly every time!

• Use Fresh Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider enhances the flavor of your cake significantly. The natural sweetness and spices in fresh cider will make your cake taste just like those beloved fall donuts.

• Don’t Skip Reducing the Cider: Taking the time to reduce the cider concentrates its flavor, making it richer and more intense. This step is crucial for achieving that authentic donut taste in your cake.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science! Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for ingredients like flour and sugars, to achieve the best texture in your cake.

• Cool Before Cutting: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before cutting helps it set up nicely. This prevents it from crumbling and ensures you get clean, beautiful slices.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. Adding nutmeg or ginger can give your cake an extra warm kick of flavor that complements the apple cider beautifully.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Serving this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake can be just as fun as baking it! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation and enhance the overall experience.

Garnishes

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a lovely lightness and creaminess that balances out the sweetness of the cake.
• Caramel Drizzle: Drizzling some homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top brings an indulgent touch that pairs wonderfully with apple flavors.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling some toasted walnuts or pecans on top adds a nice crunch and a hint of nuttiness that complements the softness of the donut cake.

Side Dishes

• Cinnamon Apples: Sautéed cinnamon apples provide a warm, fruity side that enhances the apple flavor in your cake — perfect for a cozy dessert!
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the warm cake while adding creaminess that everyone loves.
• Coffee or Tea: Serving this cake alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea elevates your snack time into a relaxing treat, perfect for enjoying with friends or family.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing balance to the sweet richness of the cake, making for a well-rounded dessert experience.

Enjoy every slice of this scrumptious Apple Cider Donut Cake — it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake, where it will last for about a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing 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 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers may have about this delightful recipe.

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

Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works just as well as fresh cider. Just ensure it’s good quality for the best flavor.

How do I store my Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Yes, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or use a different neutral oil if needed. Just keep proportions similar.

What other spices can I add to the Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Feel free to experiment with nutmeg or pumpkin spice for an extra seasonal twist!

Is this recipe suitable for vegans?

While this recipe contains eggs and butter, you can substitute these with flax eggs and vegan butter to make it vegan-friendly!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Apple Cider Donut Cake as much as I do! It’s a delightful treat that brings all the cozy flavors of fall right into your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying it with family or savoring a slice with your morning coffee, this cake is sure to be a hit. Happy baking, and don’t forget to share your delicious results!