Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy treat that captures the essence of autumn, this Apple Cider Donut Cake is just what you need! It’s like your favorite apple cider donuts in cake form, perfect for those days when you crave that comforting flavor but want something easier to whip up. This delightful cake is not only delicious but also quick and straightforward—making it ideal for busy weeknights or a lovely family gathering.

The warm spices and sweet apple cider blend beautifully in this cake, creating a treat that everyone will adore. Whether you’re hosting friends for coffee or simply enjoying a slice at home, this Apple Cider Donut Cake is sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time, you can have this cake ready in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the warm spices and rich apple cider that make every bite feel like a hug.
• Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike—everyone loves a slice of this yummy cake!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for gatherings, brunches, or just a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather everything together to make our delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake!

For the Cake

• 1-½ cups fresh apple cider
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup lightly packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup light olive oil (or other neutral oil)
• ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• 1-½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1-½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• Pinch allspice
• ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt (if using fine sea salt use half by volume)
• 1-¾ cups all-purpose flour

For the Topping

• 1 tablespoon butter, at cool room temperature
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Fruit Boost: Mix in diced apples or pears for added texture and sweetness.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or ginger to change things up.
• Glaze Option: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze instead of using a cinnamon-sugar topping.

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 even baking. While the oven heats up, prepare your baking dish by buttering it (or spraying with oil) and lining it with parchment paper. This makes removing the cake much easier later!

Step 2: Reduce the Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring the fresh apple cider to a boil until it’s reduced by half—this should take about 5 minutes. Measuring out ¾ cup afterward will ensure you have just the right amount of concentrated flavor. Adding diced butter to the hot cider creates a rich mixture that will enhance the overall taste of your cake.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, light olive oil, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Combining these ingredients creates a flavorful base for your donut cake.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Slowly whisk the boiled cider mixture into your wet ingredients. This step brings all those delicious flavors together! Next, stir in the flour until everything is well combined—don’t overmix; we want our cake to be light and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven until puffed and golden brown—this should take about 22-25 minutes. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!

Step 6: Cool and Top

Let the cake cool on a rack for about 5 minutes before brushing melted butter over its surface. Then mix granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle it over the buttery top generously. This adds that classic donut finish we all love!

Step 7: Slice and Serve

After letting it cool slightly more on a rack, cut your delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake into squares. Now you’re ready to serve up slices of joy! Enjoy them warm with your favorite beverage or share them with friends—either way, they won’t last long!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake is a breeze, especially with these helpful tips!

• Choose fresh apple cider: Opting for fresh apple cider enhances the flavor, making your cake taste more vibrant and seasonal. The richness of fresh cider truly shines through in every bite.

• Don’t skip the reduction: Boiling the cider down to concentrate its flavor is essential. This step not only intensifies the apple notes but also adds depth to your cake, mimicking the traditional donut experience.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your butter, eggs, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.

• Check for doneness: Since ovens can vary, keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes of baking. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean when it’s perfectly baked.

• Allow proper cooling: Letting the cake cool slightly before cutting will help maintain its structure and prevent it from falling apart. This way, you’ll have clean, beautiful squares to serve!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Serving your Apple Cider Donut Cake can be just as fun as baking it! Here are some ideas to present this scrumptious treat beautifully.

Garnishes

• Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness that complements the cinnamon flavors perfectly.
• Add chopped nuts: Sprinkling some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top provides a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cake’s texture.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy goodness of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the warm spices of the cake, perfect for a cozy dessert.
• Spiced hot apple cider: Serve alongside a warm mug of spiced apple cider to enhance the fall flavors and create a comforting experience.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with apples, pears, and citrus can balance out the sweetness of the cake while adding a burst of freshness.
• Coffee or tea: Pairing your cake with a cup of coffee or herbal tea offers a lovely afternoon treat that’s perfect for enjoying during those chilly autumn days.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have an irresistible Apple Cider Donut Cake that everyone will love! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment, making it a delightful treat whenever you crave something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Cut the cooled cake into squares.
• Wrap each square tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label and date it!

Reheating

• To reheat, remove the desired number of squares from the freezer.
• Allow them to thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• For a warm treat, microwave individual squares for 15-20 seconds or until heated through.

FAQs

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

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

Yes! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly fine. Just ensure it’s a good quality cider for the best flavor.

How should I serve the Apple Cider Donut Cake?

This cake is delightful on its own, but you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped topping for an extra treat!

Can I substitute ingredients in the Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Absolutely! You can swap out sour cream for Greek yogurt or use different oils based on your preferences. Just keep in mind that these changes may slightly alter the texture and flavor.

What makes this Apple Cider Donut Cake special?

It captures all the flavors of traditional apple cider donuts but simplifies them into a quick and easy cake that everyone loves.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Apple Cider Donut Cake as much as I do! It’s such a warm, comforting dessert that brings back memories of fall festivities. Whether you’re sharing it with family or keeping it all to yourself, I’m sure it will brighten your day. Happy baking!