Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a warm and cozy dessert that brings the flavors of fall straight to your table, then 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 much simpler form. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this cake is not only easy to whip up but also delightful to share with loved ones.

There’s something special about the sweet aroma of apple cider and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. It instantly makes everything feel like home. This cake is moist, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying—making it a go-to recipe whenever you want a treat that’s sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for those last-minute dessert cravings.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone will love this sweet treat! It’s great for kids and adults alike.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as a snack or a dessert; it fits any occasion.
• Make Ahead: Bake it in advance, and enjoy it throughout the week as a delicious breakfast or treat.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh apple cider and warm spices creates a flavor that’s simply irresistible!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Cider Donut Cake uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Let’s gather everything we need for this sweet delight!

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

What I love about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Nuts: Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
• Fruit Additions: Toss in some diced apples or pears for extra fruitiness.
• Glaze It: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and water over the top for added sweetness.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter a 9” square baking dish or spray it with oil. Don’t forget to line it with parchment paper so you can easily lift the cake out later!

Step 2: Reduce the Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring the fresh apple cider to a boil until it’s reduced by half—about 5 minutes should do the trick. This step intensifies the flavor of the cider and makes your cake taste even more like those classic donuts!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, olive oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. This mixture creates a rich base that will be complemented by our boiled cider.

Step 4: Mix in Cider

Slowly whisk the reduced apple cider into your wet mixture. This step helps incorporate all those delicious flavors evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Add Flour

Gently stir in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cake to be tender and fluffy!

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and pop it into the oven. Bake until it’s puffed up and golden brown—about 22-25 minutes. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!

Step 7: Cool & Top

After baking, let the cake cool on a rack for about five minutes. Then place room temperature butter on top; as it melts, brush it around for an even coat of buttery goodness.

Step 8: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Generously sprinkle this mixture over the melted butter for that classic donut flavor.

Step 9: Final Touches

Carefully remove your cake from the pan using the parchment sling. Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Enjoy every bite of this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful treat that’s easy to whip up and sure to impress! Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time:

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh apple cider adds a rich depth of flavor that really enhances the cake. Avoid using apple juice for the best taste!

• Measure your ingredients accurately: Baking is a science, so precise measurements can make all the difference in texture and taste. Use a kitchen scale if you have one to ensure accuracy.

• Don’t skip the cooling step: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before cutting helps it set properly, making it easier to slice without crumbling.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra layer of warmth and flavor in your cake. These spices complement the apple cider beautifully!

• Store properly: To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze slices for later enjoyment!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Serving this delicious cake is just as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to elevate your presentation and enjoyment.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful touch and makes the cake look extra inviting.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top gives a sweet, gooey finish that pairs perfectly with the flavors of the cake.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside warm slices of the cake creates a delightful contrast in temperature and textures.
• Fresh whipped cream: Light and airy whipped cream complements the dense, moist cake beautifully, offering a luscious mouthfeel.
• Sautéed apples: Warm sautéed apples with cinnamon make a fantastic side that enhances the fall flavors in the cake while adding freshness.
• Coffee or spiced tea: Pairing your cake with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea makes for an inviting afternoon treat that warms both body and soul.

Enjoy sharing this scrumptious Apple Cider Donut Cake with friends and family, and watch as they savor each delightful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy its delightful flavors throughout the week. Here’s how to store and maintain its freshness.

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, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a container.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the cake cool completely and slice it into squares.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight.
• To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, warm it in a toaster oven for a few minutes until heated.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake.

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

Absolutely! While apple cider gives this cake its signature flavor, you can experiment with other fruit ciders if you want to add a unique twist. Just ensure they are non-alcoholic!

How should I store my Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Store your Apple Cider Donut Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped tightly.

Can I substitute sour cream in the recipe?

Yes! You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or a non-dairy yogurt alternative for a similar texture and tangy flavor without using any animal-derived products.

Is this recipe suitable for special diets?

This recipe is quite versatile! It avoids pork, alcohol, and animal-derived gelatin while still offering delicious flavors. Always check ingredient labels to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Apple Cider Donut Cake brings warmth and joy to your kitchen as it does mine. It’s such a simple yet delightful treat, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying on your own. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to get creative with variations! Happy baking!