Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for the perfect fall dessert, then this Apple Cider Donut Cake is just what you need! It brings all the cozy flavors of apple cider donuts into one simple cake that’s easy to whip up. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this cake is a delightful treat that everyone will love. The rich aroma of cinnamon and apple fills the air as it bakes, making your kitchen feel like a warm hug.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity. You won’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients—all you need are some wholesome staples and a little time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the seasonal taste of apples without the fuss of frying donuts!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Apple Cider Donut Cake comes together in just 34 minutes, making it perfect for those who are short on time.
• Family-Friendly: With its sweet flavor and soft texture, even the pickiest eaters will be begging for seconds!
• Make Ahead: You can bake this cake ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week—just store it in an airtight container.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apple cider and spices creates an irresistible taste that captures the essence of fall.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful Apple Cider Donut 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
• 1 tablespoon butter, at cool room temperature
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Variations

This recipe is flexible and can easily be adapted to your taste! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Add Nuts: For a crunchy texture, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
• Include Fruit: Mix in some diced apples or pears for added sweetness and moisture.
• Spice it Up: If you love spices, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick.
• Glaze Option: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider over the cooled cake for added sweetness.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. This step is crucial as it ensures your cake bakes evenly. Prepare a 9” square baking dish by buttering it well or spraying with oil. Line it with parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides—this will help you lift out the cake later.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring your fresh apple cider to a boil. Let it simmer until reduced by half, which should take about five minutes. This concentrated flavor is what will give your cake that delicious apple cider taste!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together your eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, olive oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Mixing these wet ingredients well is key; this will create a fluffy texture in your cake.

Step 4: Mix in the Boiled Cider

Slowly whisk the hot boiled cider into your egg mixture. This step helps cool down the mixture while infusing all that wonderful flavor right into your batter.

Step 5: Add Flour

Gently stir in the flour until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender cake!

Step 6: Pour Batter into Dish

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so that it bakes perfectly.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Bake in your preheated oven for about 22–25 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want your cake puffed up and golden brown.

Step 8: Cool Down

Once baked, place your cake on a cooling rack for about five minutes. This allows it to set slightly before adding more deliciousness on top.

Step 9: Brush with Butter

Take one tablespoon of butter at room temperature and place it on top of the warm cake. As it melts, brush it around for an irresistible buttery finish.

Step 10: Cinnamon Sugar Sprinkle

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the melted butter on top of your cake—it adds that signature donut flavor!

Step 11: Remove from Pan

Carefully lift your cake out using the parchment sling and let it cool completely on the rack.

Step 12: Slice & Serve

Once cooled slightly, cut your cake into squares and serve! Enjoy every bite of this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake with friends and family.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making this Apple Cider Donut Cake is a breeze, but with a few extra tips, you can elevate it even further!

• Use fresh apple cider: The flavor of the cake will be significantly enhanced if you use freshly pressed apple cider. It brings out that delightful autumnal taste that pairs perfectly with the spices.

• Measure your flour correctly: To avoid a dense cake, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This ensures you aren’t using too much flour, which can make the cake heavy.

• Don’t skip the cooling rack: Allowing the cake to cool on a rack prevents it from becoming soggy on the bottom. It helps maintain the perfect texture for that cake-like goodness.

• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon and allspice are classic choices, adding a touch of nutmeg or ginger can provide an exciting twist to the flavor profile of your cake.

• Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep the cake moist and delicious for days!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

This delightful cake is perfect for sharing, and there are numerous ways to present it for various occasions. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive autumn brunch, here are some ideas to serve up this treat!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finishing touch while also making it feel extra special.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top not only enhances sweetness but also creates an appealing visual presentation.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream on top for added richness and a hint of tropical flavor.

Side Dishes

• Fresh apple slices: Crisp, tart apple slices create a refreshing contrast to the sweet cake. They can also be dipped in caramel for an indulgent treat!
• Chai tea: The warm spices in chai complement the flavors of your Apple Cider Donut Cake beautifully. Serve it steaming in cups alongside each slice.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy texture that pairs exceptionally well with warm pieces of cake.
• Pumpkin soup: A bowl of velvety pumpkin soup makes for an excellent savory side dish that balances out the sweetness of the cake.

There you have it! Enjoy creating your Apple Cider Donut Cake and don’t forget to share it with family and friends—it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, making it a delicious snack or dessert option that’s ready whenever you are.

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.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• For best results, allow slices to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm the slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until heated through.

FAQs

Have questions? Here are answers to some common inquiries about this delightful recipe!

Can I make Apple Cider Donut Cake without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water).

How can I enhance the flavor of my Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Feel free to add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or even dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for an extra flavor boost!

Can I use other types of cider for this cake?

Definitely! While apple cider is traditional, you can experiment with other fruit ciders like pear or cranberry for a unique twist on the classic recipe.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this heartwarming Apple Cider Donut Cake as much as I do! It captures all the cozy flavors of fall in each bite. Whether it’s for a family gathering or just an afternoon treat, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!