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. Perfect for gatherings, brunches, or just a cozy night in, this cake brings warmth and nostalgia with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make – No fancy techniques required! This cake comes together quickly for a delicious treat.
• Flavorful – Enjoy the comforting flavors of apple cider and warm spices that make this cake irresistible.
• Versatile – Serve it as a dessert, snack, or breakfast option. It fits any occasion beautifully!
• Crowd-Pleasing – With 12 generous slices, it’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or family events.
• No Frying Required – Get that classic donut flavor without the hassle of frying!

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Gather these essential items before you start baking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9” square baking dish
• Large saute pan
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cooling rack
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• 9” square baking dish – Ideal for even baking and easy removal of your cake once it’s done.
• Cooling rack – Allows air circulation around the cake for perfect cooling without sogginess.

Ingredients

For the Apple Cider Donut Cake, you’ll need:

• 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

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9” square baking dish by buttering it or spraying it with oil. Line it with parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides to create a sling for easy removal later.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

In a large saute pan, boil the fresh apple cider until reduced by half, which should take about 5 minutes. Measure to ensure you have approximately ¾ cup remaining. Add the diced butter to the hot cider and whisk until combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. The eggs
2. Granulated sugar
3. Brown sugar
4. Olive oil
5. Sour cream
6. Baking powder
7. Baking soda
8. Ground cinnamon
9. Allspice
10. Salt

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Slowly whisk the boiled cider mixture into the wet ingredients until fully combined.

Step 5: Incorporate Flour

Stir in the all-purpose flour using a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake in your preheated oven until puffed, golden, and baked through in the middle. This should take about 22–25 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Add Topping

Once baked, place the cake on a cooling rack for about five minutes. Then place additional butter on top of the warm cake and brush it around as it melts.

Step 8: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture liberally over the buttered surface of your cake.

Step 9: Remove from Pan

Carefully remove the cake from the pan using the parchment paper sling and let it cool completely on a rack.

Step 10: Slice and Serve

Allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting it into squares for serving. Enjoy your homemade Apple Cider Donut Cake!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Serving your Apple Cider Donut Cake can elevate its deliciousness and make it a delightful addition to any gathering. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Pair with Coffee

• Enjoy a slice of Apple Cider Donut Cake alongside your favorite coffee brew. The rich flavors of the cake complement the coffee’s boldness, creating a perfect morning treat.

Add Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. This light, fluffy topping balances the spiced flavors of the cake beautifully.

Serve with Ice Cream

• Pair warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream. The cold creaminess contrasts wonderfully with the warm, spiced cake.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Slice the cake into smaller pieces and arrange it on a dessert platter with seasonal fruits like apples and pears. This makes for an inviting presentation at gatherings.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over each piece. The sweet, buttery flavor adds another layer of delight to the cake.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

Achieving the best version of your Apple Cider Donut Cake is all about mastering the details. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect cake every time.

• Use fresh apple cider – Fresh cider enhances flavor significantly compared to bottled varieties.
• Measure ingredients accurately – Precision in measuring flour and liquids ensures a consistent texture and taste.
• Don’t overmix – Mixing just until combined helps maintain a tender crumb in your cake.
• Let it cool properly – Allowing the cake to cool before cutting helps it set, making it easier to slice without crumbling.
• Experiment with spices – Adjusting cinnamon and adding nutmeg or ginger can provide unique flavor variations that suit your taste.
• Store correctly – Keeping leftovers in an airtight container helps maintain moisture and freshness for several days.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Complementing your Apple Cider Donut Cake with side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Cheese Platter – A selection of sharp cheddar or creamy brie pairs nicely with the sweetness of the cake.
2. Roasted Nuts – Serve spiced or honey-roasted nuts for a crunchy contrast that adds texture.
3. Apple Salad – A fresh apple salad with greens and vinaigrette offers a refreshing bite alongside the rich flavors of the cake.
4. Maple Glazed Carrots – These sweet vegetables bring earthy notes that harmonize well with the spices in the cake.
5. Pumpkin Soup – A warm bowl of pumpkin soup provides comfort and complements fall flavors perfectly.
6. Chai Tea – A spiced chai tea enhances the aromatic qualities of your dessert, making for a cozy pairing.
7. Fruit Compote – A fruit compote made from seasonal fruits adds brightness and acidity that balances sweetness.
8. Cinnamon Sugar Popped Corn – Sweet popcorn sprinkled with cinnamon sugar offers fun texture and flavor contrast with each bite of cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding pitfalls can make your Apple Cider Donut Cake a success. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them:

• Boldly measuring ingredients – Not using precise measurements can lead to inconsistent results. Use a kitchen scale for accuracy, especially with flour and sugars.
• Boldly skipping the cider reduction – Failing to boil down the apple cider will result in a less intense flavor. Always reduce your cider to concentrate its sweetness and apple essence.
• Boldly underbaking the cake – Removing the cake too early can leave it doughy inside. Use a toothpick test; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
• Boldly neglecting butter application – Forgetting to brush melted butter on top can miss adding that essential rich flavor. Be sure to spread it evenly right after baking.
• Boldly ignoring cooling time – Cutting into the cake too soon can cause it to crumble. Allow it to cool slightly on a rack before slicing for cleaner edges.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Apple Cider Donut Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days when refrigerated.

Freezing Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake will keep well for about 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Oven – Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds. Check if warmed through, adding more time as necessary.
• Stovetop – Warm slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Apple Cider Donut Cake special?

Apple Cider Donut Cake captures the delightful flavors of fall with its rich apple cider base and warm spices, all in an easy-to-bake format.

Can I customize this Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts or raisins for texture or experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger.

How long does it take to make Apple Cider Donut Cake?

The preparation time is approximately 12 minutes, with an additional baking time of around 22-25 minutes, totaling about 34 minutes.

Is there a gluten-free option for Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking.

How do I store leftover Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not only simple but also packed with flavor that reflects the season. It’s perfect as a snack or dessert and can be easily customized with nuts or spices. Give this recipe a try and enjoy every delicious bite!