Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, this Apple Cider Donut Cake is your ticket to warmth and sweetness. Imagine biting into a soft, tender cake that delivers all the delightful flavors of your favorite apple cider donuts, but without the fuss of frying. It’s an easy recipe that transforms your kitchen into a fragrant haven, perfect for those busy weeknights or family gatherings where everyone needs a little something sweet.

This cake not only brings smiles to faces but also makes sharing memories around the table that much sweeter. Whether you’re enjoying it as an afternoon snack with friends or serving it at a cozy dinner party, this Apple Cider Donut Cake is sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just about 34 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love the flavor! It’s a great way to introduce kids to baking while creating delicious memories together.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a holiday gathering, this cake fits right in with any celebration.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can bake this cake in advance and enjoy it throughout the week—if it lasts that long!
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh apple cider and warm spices creates a comforting taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is part of the fun! They come together beautifully to create a delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake that everyone will adore.

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! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Mix in Apples: Fold in small chunks of fresh apples for added texture and fruitiness.
• Try Different Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
• Glaze It Up: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9” square baking dish with butter or spray it with oil. Line it with parchment paper so you can easily lift out the cake later. This step ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Reduce the Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring your fresh apple cider to a boil until it reduces by half—about 5 minutes. You’ll want to measure out ¾ cup afterward. Adding the cold diced butter into the hot cider helps create a rich flavor base for your cake.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. This mixture not only adds sweetness but also keeps our cake moist and tender.

Step 4: Mix in Cider

Slowly whisk the boiled cider mixture into your wet ingredients until well combined. This step is crucial as it infuses that lovely apple flavor throughout every bite of your cake!

Step 5: Add Flour

Gently stir in the flour until just combined—be careful not to overmix! This helps maintain that soft texture we all love in cakes.

Step 6: Bake It Up

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Bake in your preheated oven until puffed and golden brown—this should take about 22-25 minutes. The aroma filling your kitchen will be heavenly!

Step 7: Cool & Top Off

Once baked, place your cake on a cooling rack for about 5 minutes. While it’s still warm, spread the additional tablespoon of butter on top so it melts deliciously into every crevice.

Step 8: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Generously sprinkle this mixture over your melted butter-covered cake for that classic donut taste.

Step 9: Final Touches

Carefully remove the cake from its pan using the parchment paper sling and let it cool completely on the rack before cutting it into squares.

Now you’re ready to enjoy every delightful bite of this Apple Cider Donut Cake!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake is a breeze, especially with these handy tips!

• Use fresh apple cider: The freshness of the cider enhances the flavor significantly, giving the cake that authentic taste of fall.

• Don’t skip the parchment paper: Lining your baking dish with parchment paper ensures easy removal of the cake once it’s baked, preventing any sticky situations.

• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test if the cake is done. Insert it into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, your cake is ready to enjoy!

• Cool before cutting: Allowing the cake to cool slightly makes cutting easier and helps retain its moisture, resulting in a tender slice.

• Store properly: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain its flavor and texture.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

This scrumptious Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for sharing, whether at a gathering or simply enjoyed at home. Here are some fun ways to present and elevate your dish!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and makes your cake look extra inviting.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzling warm caramel over each piece enhances the flavors while adding a beautiful finish.
• Chopped nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts can be sprinkled on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apple cider perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Chai tea: The warm spices in chai tea pair beautifully with the cinnamon flavors of the cake, making for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm cake, creating a delightful dessert experience.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits brightens up your plate and balances out the sweetness of the cake.
• Coffee or hot chocolate: Both beverages are excellent choices for serving alongside this cake, enhancing those comforting flavors while providing a perfect pairing for enjoying during chilly days.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Apple Cider Donut Cake will not only taste incredible but also impress everyone at your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep or enjoying throughout the week. It stores well, so you can whip it up in advance and savor its delicious flavors whenever you crave a sweet treat.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Make sure to let the cake cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for best protection against freezer burn.
• Alternatively, freeze the entire cooled cake wrapped in multiple layers of plastic wrap and foil.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just remember to label with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat individual slices, place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15-20 seconds or until warm.
• For the whole cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm it for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.

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. Be sure to adjust the baking time if necessary.

How should I store my Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate them for up to a week.

What makes this Apple Cider Donut Cake so special?

This cake captures the essence of classic apple cider donuts with its warm spices and moist texture, all while being easier to prepare!

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chopped nuts or even raisins before baking for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy baking this cozy Apple Cider Donut Cake as much as I did! It’s a wonderful way to celebrate autumn flavors without the fuss of traditional donuts. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or indulging on your own, I know you’ll love every bite. Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with warmth and sweetness!