Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further than this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake! It’s a warm hug in cake form and brings all the flavors of those beloved apple cider donuts without the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this cake is sure to become a new favorite in your home.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity. With just a few wholesome ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a delicious dessert that everyone will enjoy. Plus, it fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma of cinnamon and apples, making it the perfect centerpiece for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you’ll have this cake ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet flavors; it’s perfect for everyone.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekday snack or a weekend dessert, this cake fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week—if it lasts that long!
• Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of fresh apple cider and warm spices creates an unforgettable taste experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple, wholesome ingredients to create your Apple Cider Donut Cake. They come together beautifully to make this delicious treat!

• 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
• 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 variations to try:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Mix in fruit: Add diced apples or even raisins for extra sweetness and texture.
• Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to change the flavor profile.
• Glaze it: 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

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the start. Grease a 9” square baking dish and line it with parchment paper; this will help you easily lift out the cake later.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring the fresh apple cider to a boil until it reduces by half—about 5 minutes should do it. Measuring to ensure you have ¾ cup of reduced cider is important because it concentrates the flavor. Once reduced, add in the cold butter cubes and whisk until melted and combined.

Step 3: Prepare Your Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your eggs, both sugars, olive oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. This mixture brings together moisture and sweetness that will keep your cake tender.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slowly pour the boiled cider into the wet mixture while whisking continuously—this helps prevent cooking the eggs with hot liquid! Then gently fold in your flour until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

Step 5: Bake It Up

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven until puffed and golden—this will take about 22–25 minutes. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!

Step 6: Finish with Flavors

Once baked, let your cake cool for about 5 minutes on a rack before adding butter on top so it melts beautifully across the surface. Combine granulated sugar with cinnamon and sprinkle generously over the buttery top.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Carefully remove your cake from the pan using the parchment sling once it’s cool enough to handle. Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy every bite of this delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making this delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake can be a breeze if you follow a few handy tips!

• Use fresh apple cider – Fresh apple cider has a more robust flavor than bottled varieties, enhancing the overall taste of your cake.
• Measure precisely – Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor balance. Use measuring cups and spoons for best results!
• Don’t overmix the batter – Mixing just until combined helps keep your cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can result in a dense texture.
• Check for doneness – Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake at the lower end of the baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s ready.
• Let it cool before cutting – Allowing the cake to cool slightly helps it set, making it easier to cut into neat squares without crumbling.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not only delightful on its own but can also be dressed up in various ways to impress your family and friends!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting – A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes for an elegant presentation.
• Caramel drizzle – For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle some store-bought or homemade caramel sauce over the top before serving.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm spices in the cake, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Warm spiced apple cider – Serve a steaming cup alongside your cake for a cozy autumn vibe that complements the flavors perfectly.
• Chai tea – The aromatic spices in chai tea enhance the cinnamon notes of the cake, making for a comforting pairing.
• Fresh fruit salad – A light fruit salad with seasonal fruits offers a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the cake.

Enjoy every bite of this tempting Apple Cider Donut Cake, whether on its own or accompanied by these delightful pairings!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up in advance, making it an ideal treat for busy days or unexpected guests. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious cake.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake, where it will last up to a week.
• If you cut the cake, cover the exposed edges with plastic wrap to keep it moist.

Freezing

• Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to label your containers!

Reheating

• To reheat a slice, simply microwave it for 10-15 seconds until warm.
• For a slightly crispy exterior, heat a slice in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes per side.
• Enjoy the cake warm for an extra delightful experience!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe.

Can I make Apple Cider Donut Cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just ensure that your blend includes xanthan gum for proper texture.

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

To elevate the flavors of your Apple Cider Donut Cake, consider adding chopped apples or nuts into the batter. A splash of vanilla extract can also add warmth and depth.

What should I serve with my Apple Cider Donut Cake?

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot cider or coffee. You could also serve it with whipped coconut cream for a fun twist!

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works wonderfully in this recipe. Just choose one that is fresh and flavorful for the best results.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Apple Cider Donut Cake as much as I do! Its warm flavors and ease of preparation make it a wonderful addition to any gathering or quiet afternoon treat. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings or mix-ins—this cake is versatile and forgiving! Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with love and laughter!