Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, then you’ve come to the right place! This Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful twist on the classic apple cider donut. With its warm spices and sweet apple flavor, this cake is like a hug in dessert form. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying or for family gatherings where everyone will be reaching for seconds.

What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. You don’t need any fancy equipment or techniques—just simple ingredients that come together beautifully. So grab your apron and let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super easy to make: You’ll have this cake ready in no time, making it a great choice for any day of the week.
• Perfect for sharing: With 12 slices, it’s ideal for gatherings or just enjoying with your family at home.
• Deliciously spiced: The combination of cinnamon, allspice, and fresh apple cider gives this cake comforting flavors that everyone loves.
• Make ahead convenience: Bake it in advance and enjoy it over several days; it stays moist and flavorful!
• Versatile treat: Enjoy it as a dessert or even as a cozy afternoon snack with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need much to create this scrumptious Apple Cider Donut Cake! The ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to gather everything you need. Here’s what you’ll require:

• 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 Apple Cider Donut Cake is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Incorporate fruit: Mix in some diced apples or even pears to enhance the fruity flavor.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding nutmeg or ginger for a different spice profile.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary needs.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial because starting with a hot oven ensures that your cake rises perfectly. Butter (or spray with oil) a 9” square baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This will make removing the cake so much easier 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—about 5 minutes should do it. Measuring out ¾ cup afterward ensures you have the right amount of concentrated flavor. When you add cold butter into the hot cider, it will melt beautifully and give your cake that rich taste we love.

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, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. This mixture is where all those delicious flavors start coming together! Whisking well ensures everything is nicely combined.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slowly whisk in the boiled cider into your wet mixture. This step helps infuse all that wonderful apple flavor throughout the batter. Once that’s done, gently stir in the flour until just combined—be careful not to overmix!

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour your lovely batter into the prepared dish and bake in that preheated oven until it’s puffed up and golden brown—around 22 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; every oven is slightly different!

Step 6: Add Toppings

Once baked, place your cake on a cooling rack for about five minutes. Then take that cool room temperature butter and spread it on top as it melts into every crevice—yum! In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon before sprinkling generously over the buttery surface.

Step 7: Cool & Serve

Carefully remove the cake from the pan and let it cool on the rack completely before cutting into squares. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Enjoy each slice of this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake as a special treat any time of day!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making this delightful cake is a breeze, but these pro tips will ensure it’s absolutely perfect every time!

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh apple cider captures the true essence of fall and delivers a rich flavor that store-bought varieties often lack. It enhances the overall taste of your cake.

• Measure your flour accurately: Too much flour can lead to a dense cake. Use the spoon-and-level method by spooning flour into your measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife for precision.

• Let the cider reduce completely: Reducing the cider not only intensifies its flavor but also adds moisture to the cake. Aim for that ¾ cup measurement to balance wet and dry ingredients properly.

• Don’t skip the cooling rack: Allowing the cake to cool on a rack prevents it from becoming soggy by letting air circulate around it. This keeps the texture light and fluffy.

• Customize with spices: Feel free to add your favorite fall spices such as nutmeg or ginger to kick up the flavor. These spices can complement the cinnamon and give your cake a unique twist.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not just delicious; it’s also versatile in how you serve it! Whether you’re enjoying it as an afternoon snack or at a cozy gathering, these ideas will elevate your presentation.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top gives the cake an elegant finish and adds a touch of sweetness without overwhelming the flavors.

• Caramel drizzle: A warm caramel sauce drizzled over each slice makes for a decadent addition that enhances the autumnal flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like apples, pears, and berries provides a bright contrast to the rich cake, balancing out flavors perfectly.

• Whipped coconut cream: This dairy-free option is light and airy, adding creaminess without overpowering the cake’s flavor. It’s simple to make by whipping coconut cream until fluffy.

• Coffee or chai tea: Both beverages pair wonderfully with this sweet treat, enhancing its warm spices and making for a cozy snack experience.

• Cheese platter: Mild cheeses such as brie or gouda can complement the sweetness of the cake while providing savory notes that make your dessert table more interesting.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be well on your way to impressing friends and family with your wonderful Apple Cider Donut Cake! 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. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat this delightful cake to keep it fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate it for up to a week to maintain freshness.
• Always let the cake cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container for added protection.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label it with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy a warm slice, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place individual slices on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave each slice for 20-30 seconds.

FAQs

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

Can I use other types of oil instead of light olive oil in the Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Yes! Any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works well as a substitute for light olive oil in this recipe.

What makes this Apple Cider Donut Cake so special?

This cake captures all the delightful flavors of traditional apple cider donuts but simplifies them into an easy-to-make snack cake. It’s perfect for sharing during fall gatherings!

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

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

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Apple Cider Donut Cake as much as I do! It’s not only easy to prepare but also brings that cozy seasonal flavor right to your kitchen. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends or savoring a slice on your own, this cake is sure to bring joy. Happy baking!