Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a warm and cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not just delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight dessert or a sweet addition to family gatherings. Imagine the aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through your kitchen as this cake bakes—it’s sure to bring smiles all around!

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines the beloved flavors of apple cider donuts into one delightful cake. No need for frying or complicated steps; this cake makes it simple to indulge in those comforting flavors anytime!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have this cake ready in no time.
• Family Favorite: The warm spices and sweet apple flavor make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive celebration, this cake fits right in.
• Make Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week—if it lasts that long!
• Deliciously Moist: The apple cider keeps this cake wonderfully moist and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how simple and wholesome these ingredients are! They come together beautifully to create that classic apple cider donut taste we adore.

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

One of the best things about this Apple Cider Donut Cake is its flexibility. You can easily customize it to fit your tastes!

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
• Mix in fruit: Diced apples or even pears can add extra flavor and moisture.
• Spice it up: Feel free to experiment with more spices like nutmeg or cardamom for an added kick.
• Glaze option: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider for an extra sweet finish.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the very start. Grease a 9-inch square baking dish with butter or spray it lightly with oil. Then, 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 over medium heat. Let it simmer until reduced by half—about 5 minutes should do the trick! This concentrated cider will deepen the flavor of your cake. Once reduced, remove it from heat and whisk in the diced cold butter until melted and well combined.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together two large eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, olive oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, allspice, and salt. It’s important to mix these well so everything blends perfectly when combined with our cider mixture.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slowly pour your boiled cider mixture into the wet ingredients while whisking continuously. This step helps ensure everything incorporates smoothly without cooking the eggs. Once combined, gently fold in the flour until just mixed—be careful not to overdo it!

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes until it’s puffed up and golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean!

Step 6: Cool and Top Your Cake

After removing your cake from the oven, let it cool on a rack for about five minutes before adding some fun toppings! Place cool room temperature butter on top of your warm cake—it will melt beautifully! In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon before sprinkling this mixture generously over the melted butter.

Step 7: Slice and Enjoy!

Carefully lift your cooled cake out of the pan using the parchment sling. Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature—you won’t be able to resist going back for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake is a breeze, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure it turns out perfectly every time!

• Use Fresh Apple Cider: The flavor of fresh apple cider truly elevates this cake. Opting for freshly pressed cider enhances the taste and aroma, giving you that authentic fall experience.

• Cool the Butter: When adding butter to the hot cider, make sure it’s cold. This helps create a tender crumb in the cake by ensuring the fat remains solid until it’s baked.

• Don’t Overmix: After adding the flour, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture rather than the light, fluffy cake you desire.

• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake a couple of minutes before the recommended baking time. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

• Let it Cool Completely: Allow your cake to cool fully before cutting into it. This helps set the structure and makes for cleaner slices, showcasing those beautiful layers.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Serving this Apple Cider Donut Cake is all about enhancing its warm flavors and making it feel festive. Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy complement to the spice of the cake.

• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with apple flavors.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a lovely contrast with the warm cake, melting slightly as you enjoy each bite.

• Hot Apple Cider: Serve alongside a warm mug of spiced apple cider for an extra cozy touch that enhances the flavors in your dessert.

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits like pears and berries can balance out the sweetness of the cake while adding brightness to your plate.

• Coffee or Tea: A cup of robust coffee or soothing herbal tea makes for a perfect pairing, allowing you to savor each delightful bite while enjoying a warm beverage.

Enjoy your delicious creation as you share it with friends and family! This Apple Cider Donut Cake is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep, making it an ideal treat to whip up in advance. Whether you want to enjoy it throughout the week or share it with friends, knowing how to store it will keep your cake fresh and delicious.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you’d like to keep it longer, refrigerate the cake where it will stay fresh for about a week.
• To maintain maximum flavor, consider wrapping individual slices in plastic wrap before placing them in the container.

Freezing

• Allow the cake to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag or airtight container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label the bag with the date for reference!

Reheating

• For a warm slice, remove from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• To reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.
• You can also reheat it in an oven preheated to 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

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

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

Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s a good quality cider for the best flavor.

What can I substitute for sour cream in the Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream. It provides a similar texture and tangy flavor that complements the cake beautifully.

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

The cake is done when it’s puffed and golden on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during baking as ovens may vary!

Final Thoughts

I truly believe you’ll love making this Apple Cider Donut Cake as much as I do! It’s a heartfelt way to celebrate those cozy fall flavors without all the fuss of traditional donuts. Enjoy sharing this treat with family and friends, and don’t hesitate to make it your own! Happy baking!