Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of fall, look no further! This Apple Cider Donut Cake is like a warm hug on a plate. With its delicious apple cider flavor and comforting spices, it brings back memories of crisp autumn days and family gatherings. Whether you’re hosting friends for a weekend brunch or simply want to enjoy a slice with your afternoon coffee, this cake is perfect for any occasion.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to whip up! You’ll have a delightful snack cake ready in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll understand why this recipe has become one of my all-time favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Apple Cider Donut Cake comes together in just about 34 minutes from start to finish!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet flavors and soft texture—perfect for everyone.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. It tastes just as good on day two!
• Seasonal Flavors: The combination of apple cider and warm spices makes it an irresistible fall treat.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack with tea.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple ingredients is half the fun! Each one adds a special touch to this lovely cake. Here’s what you need:

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 Apple Cider Donut Cake is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

• Add Nuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
• Spice it Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra flavor.
• Fruit Twist: Try adding shredded carrots or zucchini to make it even more moist.
• Glaze It: Drizzle a simple vanilla glaze over the top for a sweeter finish.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. This step is crucial as it ensures your cake bakes evenly and rises beautifully. Grease a 9” square baking dish and line it with parchment paper so that removing the cake will be a breeze 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 five minutes should do the trick. It’s important to measure after boiling; you want exactly ¾ cup. Once reduced, add the diced butter into the hot cider and whisk until melted. This creates that rich buttery flavor we love!

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt until smooth. This mixture is where all those yummy flavors come together before we mix in our dry ingredients.

Step 4: Mix in Boiled Cider

Slowly whisk the boiled cider mixture into your wet ingredients. This step helps incorporate everything seamlessly while still keeping that delicious apple flavor front and center.

Step 5: Add Flour

Gently stir in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cake light and fluffy!

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake until puffed up and golden brown—around 22-25 minutes should do nicely!

Step 7: Cool & Top

Once baked, let your cake cool on a rack for about five minutes. Place some butter on top while it’s still warm so it melts beautifully over the surface. In another bowl, mix together sugar and cinnamon before sprinkling generously over that melted butter.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Carefully remove the cake from its pan after cooling slightly. Cut into squares and enjoy this delightful treat! Each bite is sure to make you smile as you savor those comforting flavors.

Happy baking! I can’t wait for you to share this scrumptious Apple Cider Donut Cake with your loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

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

• Use fresh apple cider: The richer flavor of fresh apple cider will give your cake that authentic taste of fall, making it extra special.
• Don’t skip the reduction: Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor and ensures that your cake won’t be too wet, resulting in a perfectly moist texture.
• Room temperature ingredients: Using eggs and sour cream at room temperature helps the batter mix more evenly and creates a lighter cake.
• Check for doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the timer goes off. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s ready.
• Let it cool slightly: Allowing the cake to cool just a bit before cutting helps maintain its structure and makes slicing easier.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not only delicious but also versatile! Here are some ideas on how to present this sweet treat.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness without overpowering the cake.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apple cider.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm donut cake, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.
• Hot apple cider: Serve with a warm cup of spiced apple cider to enhance the cozy, autumnal experience while enjoying this treat.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing side of mixed fruit adds brightness and balance to the rich flavors of the cake.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream provides a light and airy topping that pairs well with the spices in the cake.

Now you’re ready to dig into your scrumptious Apple Cider Donut Cake! Enjoy each bite as you savor those delightful autumn flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, allowing for a delightful snack throughout the week. Here’s how to store and enjoy your cake over time.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, store it in the refrigerator, where it can last up to a week.

Freezing

• Cut the cake into individual squares for easy serving.
• Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the bag with the date!

Reheating

• Thaw frozen squares overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a quick snack.
• To reheat, microwave on low power in 10-15 second intervals until warmed through.
• Alternatively, warm slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes.

FAQs

Have questions about this recipe? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered!

Can I make Apple Cider Donut Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. This will keep the texture light and fluffy while accommodating gluten sensitivities.

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

Your cake is done when it appears puffed and golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Can I use other types of fruit juice instead of apple cider?

Yes! While apple cider gives this cake its signature flavor, you could experiment with pear juice or another fruit juice. Just be aware that this will alter the taste of your final product slightly.

What makes this Apple Cider Donut Cake special?

This recipe combines the cozy flavors of fall with a simple baking process. It’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying quietly at home with a cup of tea!

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Apple Cider Donut Cake a try—it’s such a comforting dessert that brings all the warmth of autumn into your kitchen! Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven or save some for later, I’m sure you’ll love every sweet bite. Happy baking, and remember to share your creations with family and friends!