Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, this Apple Cider Donut Cake is just what you need! It’s the perfect way to enjoy all those warm, spiced flavors without the fuss of frying donuts. Every bite of this cake is a delightful reminder of crisp autumn days, making it an ideal treat for busy weeknights or when friends drop by unexpectedly.

This recipe has quickly become a family favorite in my house. It’s simple enough to whip up on a whim, yet special enough to serve at gatherings. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a festive celebration, this cake is sure to bring smiles and warmth to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 12 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious cake in the oven before you know it!
• Perfect for Sharing: Cut it into squares and share with friends and family or keep it all to yourself—no judgment here!
• Deliciously Moist: The fresh apple cider keeps the cake moist while infusing it with deep apple flavor.
• Customizable Topping: You can sprinkle on cinnamon sugar or even top it with your favorite glaze for an extra touch.
• Seasonal Favorite: This cake embodies the flavors of fall, making it an excellent choice for seasonal celebrations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake, you’ll only need simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. Here’s what you’ll gather before we start baking:

• 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 adaptable! Feel free to switch things up based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Use different spices: Experiment with nutmeg or cardamom for a unique flavor twist.
• Incorporate fruit: Mix in some diced apples or pears for a fruity surprise in every bite.
• Top with glaze: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the cooled cake for an extra sweet finish.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cake bakes evenly from the moment you put it in. While it warms up, prepare your baking dish by buttering it or spraying it with oil. Then line it with parchment paper so you can lift out the cake easily later.

Step 2: Reduce the Cider

In a large sauté pan, boil the apple cider until it reduces by half—this should take about five minutes. Reducing intensifies the apple flavor, making each bite of your cake taste like pure autumn magic! Once reduced, add the diced butter directly into the hot cider and whisk until melted and combined.

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. This mix creates a rich base that will keep your cake moist and flavorful!

Step 4: Mix in Cider

Slowly whisk the reduced cider mixture into your wet ingredients. Combining them carefully helps maintain that light texture we’re aiming for in our cake.

Step 5: Add Flour

Next, stir in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake—so gentle folding is key here!

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven until the top is puffed and golden—about 22 to 25 minutes should do the trick.

Step 7: Cool Down

After baking, place the cake on a cooling rack for about five minutes. This little break helps set everything nicely before we add our buttery topping!

Step 8: Butter and Sugar Topping

While still warm from the oven, place cool room temperature butter on top of the cake so that it melts beautifully as you brush it around. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon then sprinkle generously over that melted butter layer—it’s pure bliss!

Step 9: Final Touches

Carefully remove the cake from its pan using the parchment paper sling and let it cool completely on a rack before cutting into squares. Each slice will be filled with delicious flavor ready to be enjoyed!

Now you’re all set to indulge in this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake! Enjoy every bite; I know I will!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake is a breeze, but a few tips can elevate your baking experience!

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh cider has a more intense flavor that will enhance the overall taste of your cake, making it reminiscent of those cozy fall days.

• Measure your flour accurately: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This ensures you don’t end up with a dense cake caused by too much flour.

• Cool the cake properly: Letting the cake cool in the pan for just a few minutes before transferring it to a rack helps maintain its structure and prevents breaking.

• Adjust sweetness to taste: Feel free to tweak the sugar amounts based on your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more granulated sugar or brown sugar into the batter.

• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to play around with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger to customize the flavor profile to your liking!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Presenting your delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake can make it even more inviting! Here are some fun ideas to serve it up beautifully.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top adds a sweet touch and makes for an appealing presentation.
• Chopped nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts provide a lovely crunch that complements the softness of the cake while adding extra flavor.

Side Dishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds creaminess and balances out the sweetness of the cake.
• Fresh fruit: Slices of crisp apples or pears can brighten up your plate and offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cake.
• Hot apple cider: Serve warm apple cider alongside for a cozy pairing that enhances those autumn flavors wonderfully.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream can transform this delightful treat into an indulgent dessert experience!

Enjoy every bite of this easy-to-make Apple Cider Donut Cake, whether served at a gathering or enjoyed as an everyday snack!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat throughout the week. It’s easy to store and can even be frozen for those days when you’re craving something sweet!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, refrigerate the cake to extend its freshness for up to a week.
• Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing

• Cut the cake into individual slices for easy thawing later.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, simply place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until warmed through.
• For a crispier texture, pop a slice in the toaster oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

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

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

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

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes! You can freeze slices of your Apple Cider Donut Cake. Just wrap them well and store them in the freezer for future enjoyment.

How long does the Apple Cider Donut Cake last?

When stored properly, the cake will last up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

Can I substitute other oils instead of light olive oil?

Yes! Any neutral oil such as vegetable oil or canola oil will work well in this recipe if you prefer something different.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Apple Cider Donut Cake as much as I do! It’s not just a cake; it’s a warm hug on a plate—a perfect way to celebrate fall flavors any time of year. Enjoy sharing this with family and friends, or savoring it all by yourself with a cup of coffee. Happy baking!