Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further than this Apple Cider Donut Cake! It brings all the warm, cozy flavors of apple cider donuts into a simple and delicious cake. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this cake is perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture and sweet cinnamon topping, it’s bound to be a hit with everyone, making it an instant favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: No complicated steps here! This Apple Cider Donut Cake comes together quickly and easily.
• Perfectly seasonal: Enjoy the warm flavors of apple cider and spices that scream autumn, no matter what time of year it is!
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this sweet treat—it’s a great way to get everyone excited about dessert.
• Make ahead convenience: Bake it in advance and store it for later; it tastes just as good the next day!
• Deliciously versatile: Serve it as a sweet snack, breakfast treat, or dessert—this cake shines in every role!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need for this lovely Apple Cider Donut Cake!

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 with these tasty variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Incorporate fruits: Mix in some diced apples or pears for extra moisture and sweetness.
• Switch up the spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist on flavor.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version!

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Butter a 9” square baking dish or spray it with oil. Then line it with parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides. This makes it easy to lift out the cake later!

Step 2: Reduce the Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring the fresh apple cider to a boil until it reduces by half—about 5 minutes. You want approximately ¾ cup when you’re done. Add the diced cold butter right into the hot cider and whisk until it’s melted and combined.

Step 3: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, olive oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, allspice, and salt. This mixture brings sweetness and moisture to your cake!

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slowly whisk that delicious boiled cider into your wet mixture. Combine well before gently stirring in the flour until just incorporated—be careful not to overmix!

Step 5: Bake It Up!

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake until golden brown and puffed up—about 22-25 minutes. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Step 6: Cool & Top Your Cake

Once baked, let your cake cool on a rack for about 5 minutes. Brush the cool room temperature butter over the top as it melts into every crack! In another bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon before liberally sprinkling this topping over your buttery cake.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Carefully remove your cake from the pan using those handy parchment paper handles. Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Now you’re ready to enjoy this scrumptious Apple Cider Donut Cake with friends or family!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Baking this Apple Cider Donut Cake can be a delightful experience, and these pro tips will help you achieve the best results!

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh cider enhances the flavor of the cake significantly. Look for locally sourced options for that authentic taste that captures the essence of fall.

• Don’t skip the cooling rack: Allowing the cake to cool on a rack prevents it from becoming soggy on the bottom. This ensures every bite is light and fluffy!

• Measure your spices carefully: A precise measurement of spices like cinnamon and allspice can make or break the flavor profile. Too much can overpower, while too little might leave it bland.

• Experiment with add-ins: Consider incorporating chopped apples or nuts into the batter for added texture and flavor. This personal touch makes each bite even more enjoyable.

• Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist and delicious.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Presenting this wonderfully spiced Apple Cider Donut Cake is just as important as baking it! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness, making each slice visually appealing.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Sprinkling some chopped nuts on top not only adds crunch but also complements the warm flavors of cinnamon and apple beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top of a warm slice creates a perfect balance between warm and cold, enhancing the overall dessert experience.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream provides a rich, creamy element that pairs wonderfully with spiced desserts.
• Chai tea: The aromatic spices in chai tea harmonize with the flavors of the cake, making it an excellent beverage choice to enjoy alongside.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits brightens up your plate and offers a nice contrast to the rich cake.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Apple Cider Donut Cake will not only taste incredible but also look beautiful on any table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can whip it up ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, making it a fantastic addition to your snack rotation.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Reheating

• For a warm slice, microwave on high for about 15-20 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

What flavors are in the Apple Cider Donut Cake?

This delightful cake features warm spices like cinnamon and allspice, paired perfectly with the rich flavor of reduced apple cider, making it taste just like a classic apple cider donut.

Can I use another type of oil instead of light olive oil?

Absolutely! You can substitute with any neutral oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted coconut oil, depending on your preference.

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

The cake is ready when it’s puffed up, golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Can I make this Apple Cider Donut Cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure that your baking powder and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Certainly! Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternatives made from coconut or almond milk.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in baking this Apple Cider Donut Cake as much as I have! It’s not only simple to prepare but also captures that delicious seasonal flavor we all love. Whether you enjoy it with coffee in the morning or as an afternoon treat, I’m sure you’ll cherish every bite. Don’t hesitate to share your experience—I’d love to hear how your version turns out!