Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful twist on the classic apple cider donuts, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Imagine biting into a warm slice of cake, infused with the rich flavors of apple cider and warm spices. It’s like bringing the apple orchard right to your kitchen!

This recipe is special to me because it combines simplicity with deliciousness. You can whip it up quickly, and it fills your home with an irresistible aroma. Whether you’re hosting friends or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No need for deep frying or complicated steps—just mix and bake!
• Perfectly Spiced: The combination of cinnamon and allspice creates a warm flavor that is simply irresistible.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love helping in the kitchen, and everyone will enjoy eating it!
• Make Ahead: This cake stores well, so you can prepare it in advance for gatherings or snack time.
• Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as a dessert or a sweet breakfast with your morning coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s always nice to have simple, wholesome ingredients on hand when baking. For this Apple Cider Donut Cake, you’ll find everything you need right in your pantry or at your local grocery store. Let’s gather these delightful components!

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 Apple Cider Donut Cake is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to make it your own! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Incorporate Apples: Fold in small chunks of fresh apples for added texture and flavor.
• Experiment with Spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a different spice profile.
• Top with Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider over the cooled cake.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures even baking right from the start. While that’s warming up, butter or spray a 9” square baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring the fresh apple cider to a boil until it’s reduced by half—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Measuring out ¾ cup after reduction is key because this concentrated flavor will be the star of our cake! Once reduced, add in the diced cold butter and whisk until melted and combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, sour cream (or yogurt), baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt until smooth. This mixture brings moisture and sweetness to our cake!

Step 4: Mix in Boiled Cider

Slowly whisk the boiled cider into your wet mixture. This step infuses all those lovely flavors directly into the batter.

Step 5: Add Flour

Now it’s time to gently stir in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want your cake to stay tender!

Step 6: Pour Batter & Bake

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

Step 7: Cool & Top

After removing from the oven, let it cool on a rack for about 5 minutes. While it’s still warm, place butter on top of the cake so that it melts beautifully across the surface.

Step 8: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this sweet mixture liberally over the melted butter on top of your cake.

Final Touches:

Once cooled slightly, remove the cake from its pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares. Now you’re ready to share this delightful treat!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake is a breeze, but a few pro tips can enhance your baking experience and the final result!

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh cider brings a vibrant flavor that store-bought varieties may lack. The freshness elevates the cake, making it taste like a cozy fall day.

• Don’t skip the reduction: Reducing the cider intensifies its flavor and ensures your cake isn’t too wet. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps create a smooth batter and promotes even baking.

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so check your cake a few minutes before the suggested time. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean to signal it’s ready!

• Cool properly: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan briefly before transferring helps maintain its shape and prevents it from crumbling.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not only delicious on its own but also pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Here are some delightful ways to present it!

Garnishes

• Chopped walnuts or pecans: A sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a satisfying crunch and complements the flavors perfectly.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream creates a luscious contrast to the cake’s warmth and enhances its sweetness.
• Caramel drizzle: A light drizzle of vegan caramel sauce adds an indulgent touch that will make every bite feel like a special treat.

Side Dishes

• Apple slices with cinnamon: Fresh apple slices dusted with cinnamon bring a refreshing balance to the rich flavors of the cake.
• Coffee or chai latte: A warm beverage like coffee or chai latte pairs wonderfully with this cake, enhancing its comforting vibe and making it perfect for brunch or dessert.
• Vanilla almond milkshake: For something fun and creamy, serve alongside a vanilla almond milkshake that complements the apple flavors while adding a cool contrast.
• Mixed berry salad: A light mixed berry salad provides a burst of freshness that perfectly offsets the sweetness of the cake while adding vibrant colors to your plate.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Apple Cider Donut Cake will be an irresistible centerpiece at any gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment, ensuring that you have a delicious treat on hand whenever the craving strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer it chilled, keep it in the refrigerator where it will last for about a week.
• For best flavor, consume within a few days of baking.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• To reheat individual slices, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
• For a crispy topping, place slices in a toaster oven or traditional oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

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

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

Yes, store-bought apple cider works perfectly well! Just ensure it’s 100% apple cider without any additives for best flavor.

How do I know when my Apple Cider Donut Cake is done baking?

The cake is done when it’s puffed up, golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I substitute other oils in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any neutral oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you don’t have light olive oil on hand.

Is there a gluten-free option for this Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Yes! You can substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend in equal quantities to make this cake gluten-free without compromising too much on texture.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake captures all the cozy flavors of fall while being incredibly easy to whip up. Perfectly spiced and delightfully moist, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing this delightful treat with your loved ones – it’s perfect for gatherings or simply enjoying with a warm cup of tea. Happy baking!