Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place. This Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful way to enjoy all the flavors of those beloved apple cider donuts without the fuss of frying or rolling dough. It’s soft, moist, and has that perfect hint of cinnamon that warms your heart with every bite.

This cake is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something sweet but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. It’s also fabulous for family gatherings or a cozy brunch with friends—everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With simple steps and no frying involved, this recipe is beginner-friendly and quick!
• Delicious Flavor: It delivers all the warm, spiced goodness of traditional apple cider donuts in cake form.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive gathering, this cake fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time and just warm it up when guests arrive; it stays fresh for days!
• Family-Friendly Treat: Kids and adults alike will love this sweet snack—it’s sure to bring smiles all around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze! You probably have most of them in your pantry already. They are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create something truly special.

Ingredients:
– 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

One of the best things about this Apple Cider Donut Cake is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative and customize it to suit your taste.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Incorporate Fruits: Add some diced apples or pears into the batter for added texture and flavor.
• Glaze It: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider on top for an extra sweet touch.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice to the batter!

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start off by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking dish by buttering it or spraying it lightly with oil. Line it with parchment paper long enough to create a sling—that way, you can easily lift the cake out later.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

In a large sauté pan, boil the fresh apple cider until it’s reduced by half—about five minutes. This step intensifies the flavor, giving your cake that rich apple goodness we all love. Once reduced, measure out three-fourths of a cup and whisk in the diced cold butter until melted.

Step 3: Mix 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 creates a lovely base for your cake and helps keep it moist.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Slowly pour that delicious boiled cider into your egg mixture while whisking continuously. This helps cool down the mixture so you can add flour without cooking the eggs!

Step 5: Fold in Flour

Gently stir in the all-purpose flour until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Overmixing can make your cake tough instead of tender.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake until it’s puffed up and golden—about 22 to 25 minutes. Your kitchen will smell amazing during this time!

Step 7: Cool Down & Add Toppings

After baking, let your cake cool on a rack for about five minutes before brushing melted butter over its surface. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon then sprinkle generously over the top—it adds that classic donut flavor!

Step 8: Enjoy!

Carefully lift your cake out using the parchment sling and let it cool completely on a rack before cutting into squares. Now it’s time to indulge! Serve warm or at room temperature—either way will bring joy to everyone who gets a slice!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making the perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful experience, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your cake turns out beautifully every time!

• Use Fresh Apple Cider: The flavor of your cake largely depends on the quality of the apple cider you use. Fresh cider will provide a rich, authentic taste that bottled varieties can’t match.

• Measure Cider After Reducing: Boiling the cider concentrates its flavor. Always measure the reduced cider to ensure you have just the right amount for a moist and flavorful cake.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture instead of the light and fluffy cake we love.

• Cool Before Cutting: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before cutting helps maintain its structure. This way, you’ll get nice, clean slices instead of crumbling pieces.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to play around with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick in flavor. A little creativity can make this cake your own!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Serving your Apple Cider Donut Cake is all about presentation and pairing it with delightful accompaniments that enhance its flavors. Here are some ideas:

Garnishes

• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top can add a touch of sweetness and elegance to each slice.
• Chopped Nuts: Finely chopped walnuts or pecans sprinkled on top can add a wonderful crunch and earthy flavor that complements the cake perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing adds creaminess and balances out the spice in the donut cake. The cold temperature contrasts beautifully with the warm cake.
• Warm Apple Compote: A side of warm apple compote brings additional apple flavor and moisture to each bite, enhancing the overall experience.
• Coffee or Hot Tea: Serving your cake with a hot beverage not only elevates your dessert experience but also makes for a cozy afternoon snack.
• Whipped Coconut Cream: For a dairy-free option, topping your cake with whipped coconut cream adds richness while keeping it light and fluffy.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Apple Cider Donut Cake will not only taste amazing but also impress anyone lucky enough to share it with you! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well, making it easy to enjoy a slice whenever you crave something sweet. Here’s how to store and preserve this delightful dessert.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place the cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Freezing

• To freeze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Label and date the package for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, slice the cake before freezing.

Reheating

• Remove the desired number of slices from the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight.
• To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish and heat for about 15-20 seconds, or until warm.
• Alternatively, you can reheat slices in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

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

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Yes! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly fine for this Apple Cider Donut Cake. Just make sure it’s fresh for the best flavor.

How do I make this Apple Cider Donut Cake gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. This should yield similar results!

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Absolutely! Feel free to fold in chopped nuts or even dried fruits like cranberries for added texture and flavor.

What can I serve with my Apple Cider Donut Cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream. Enjoy it with a warm beverage, too!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to whip up this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake! It’s such an easy way to savor the wonderful flavors of fall without all the fuss of traditional donuts. Enjoy each bite and share it with those you love—there’s nothing quite like comforting treats made from scratch. Happy baking!