Apple Cider Donut Cake

Love Apple Cider Donuts but don’t want to go through the steps to make them? This Apple Cider Donut Cake is the answer! It has all the flavor of our favorite seasonal treat, but made as a super easy snack cake. If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that fills your kitchen with the delightful aromas of fall, this is it. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this cake brings everyone together with its warm spices and sweet apple goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy Preparation: No need to fuss with frying donuts! This cake comes together quickly in just one bowl.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore this sweet treat, making it a hit at any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. It stays delicious for days!
• Seasonal Flavor Explosion: The rich flavors of apple cider and spices create a comforting taste that’s perfect for fall.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake. You might already have many of these in your pantry!

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! Here are some fun ways to mix things up while keeping that delicious flavor intact.

• Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Incorporate Fruit: Toss in some diced apples or pears for added sweetness and texture.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
• Glaze It: Drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and apple cider over the cooled cake for extra sweetness.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Greasing your 9” square baking dish ensures that your cake will come out easily, so don’t skip this step!

Step 2: Prepare the Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring the apple cider to a boil until it reduces by half—this concentrates the flavor, making your cake taste even more like those beloved donuts. After about 5 minutes, measure to ensure you have ¾ cup. Add the cold butter to this hot cider mixture and whisk until smooth.

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 step blends all those wonderful flavors together before combining with our cider mixture.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Slowly whisk the boiled cider into your wet mixture. Take care here; this helps keep everything well incorporated and ensures that each bite is packed with flavor!

Step 5: Add Flour

Gently stir in the flour until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake—aim for a nice fluffy texture!

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in your pre-heated oven until golden brown and puffed up—about 22-25 minutes should do the trick!

Step 7: Cool and Top

After baking, let your cake cool on a rack for about 5 minutes. Then place butter on top so it melts beautifully throughout. Mix together sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle generously over the melted butter.

Step 8: Serve It Up

Carefully remove the cake from the pan once it’s cooled slightly. Cut into squares and enjoy! Each bite will remind you of those classic apple cider donuts but with none of the fuss!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Baking can sometimes feel intimidating, but with these helpful pro tips, you’ll create the perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake that’s sure to impress!

• Use fresh apple cider: The quality of your cider dramatically impacts flavor. Fresh cider brings a natural sweetness and rich apple taste that enhances the entire cake.

• Don’t skip the reduction: Boiling down the cider concentrates its flavors and ensures your cake is packed with that signature apple cider donut taste. It’s a simple step that makes a big difference!

• Measure flour correctly: To avoid dry cake, spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents packing too much flour into your measurement.

• Keep an eye on baking time: Ovens can vary, so check your cake a couple of minutes early. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it’s perfectly baked.

• Let it cool before slicing: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before cutting helps it set up nicely, leading to cleaner slices that look just as good as they taste!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Serving your Apple Cider Donut Cake can be just as fun as baking it! Here are some delightful ideas to make it even more special.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light and fluffy contrast to the dense cake while bringing a hint of sweetness.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the spices in the cake.

Side Dishes

• Apple slices with caramel drizzle: Fresh apple slices served with a light caramel drizzle echo the flavors of your cake while adding a refreshing crunch.
• Warm spiced tea: A cup of warm spiced tea or chai pairs beautifully with this dessert, enhancing those cozy autumn vibes.
• Vanilla almond milk: A glass of chilled vanilla almond milk is a wonderful non-dairy option that complements the sweetness of the cake.
• Roasted pumpkin soup: For an unexpected twist, serve alongside a warm bowl of roasted pumpkin soup. The savory flavors will balance out the sweetness of your dessert perfectly.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips, your Apple Cider Donut Cake will be an absolute hit at any gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy a slice of fall-inspired goodness throughout the week. Here’s how to store your delicious creation:

Storing Leftovers

• Store cooled 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 or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• To enjoy warm slices, microwave each piece for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about this delightful recipe!

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

Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s fresh for the best flavor.

How can I make the Apple Cider Donut Cake gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it includes xanthan gum if your blend does not already contain it.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Yes! Chopped nuts or raisins can add great texture and flavor. Just fold them into the batter before baking.

What should I serve with my Apple Cider Donut Cake?

This cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with whipped cream or a scoop of dairy-free ice cream for an extra treat!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Apple Cider Donut Cake! It’s a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall and share warmth with friends and family. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different toppings or additions. Happy baking!