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’s perfect for family gatherings or just a sweet pick-me-up on a busy weeknight, this cake will fit right in. It’s simple to whip up, and trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in just about 34 minutes! Perfect for those times when you want something delicious without spending all day in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone will love the warm spices and sweet apple flavor. It’s a fantastic way to get kids excited about dessert!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can bake this cake ahead of time and store it for later. It tastes great on its own or with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream.
• Delicious Flavor: With fresh apple cider and warming spices, this Apple Cider Donut Cake captures the essence of fall in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake. You probably have most of these items in your pantry already!

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 Topping:

• 1 tablespoon butter, at cool room temperature
• ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is! Here are a few fun variations to try:

• Add Nuts: Throw in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Use Different Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or ginger for a twist on flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those with dietary restrictions.
• Frost it Up: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and water for added sweetness.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter (or spray with oil) a 9” square baking dish and line it with parchment paper. This will help your cake come out easily after baking.

Step 2: Reduce the Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring your fresh apple cider to a boil until it reduces by half—about 5 minutes. Measuring out ¾ cup afterward ensures that you have just the right amount for that rich apple flavor. Add your diced butter into the hot cider and whisk until melted and combined.

Step 3: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, olive oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Mixing these ingredients well incorporates air into the batter, making your cake fluffy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Slowly whisk the boiled cider mixture into your wet ingredients. This step is crucial because it blends in that warm apple flavor throughout the cake batter.

Step 5: Add Flour

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

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven until golden brown and puffed up—this usually takes about 22-25 minutes.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, place your cake on a cooling rack for about five minutes. This allows it to set before adding any toppings.

Step 8: Top It Off

Place room temperature butter on top of the warm cake and brush it around as it melts. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and cinnamon; sprinkle this liberally over your buttery surface for that classic donut vibe.

Step 9: Finish Cooling

Carefully remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely on the rack before cutting into squares.

And there you have it—a deliciously simple Apple Cider Donut Cake that’s sure to be a hit! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making the perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake is a breeze with a few helpful tips!

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh cider has a more vibrant flavor that enhances the taste of your cake. Opt for local cider if available for the best results.
• Don’t skip the reduction: Boiling down the cider concentrates its flavors, giving your cake that rich, authentic apple cider taste. This step is crucial for achieving a deep flavor profile.
• Room temperature ingredients: Allow your butter, eggs, and sour cream to reach room temperature before mixing. This ensures better emulsification and contributes to a beautifully tender crumb.
• Check for doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Use a toothpick to test for doneness; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
• Let it cool properly: Allowing the cake to cool slightly in the pan helps maintain its texture and makes cutting easier without crumbling.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

This delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake is not only delicious but also visually appealing when presented well! Here are some ideas to elevate your serving game.

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of sweetness and elegance to each slice.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over individual pieces can create an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist.

Side Dishes

• Whipped coconut cream: This dairy-free option adds a creamy texture that complements the spices in the cake perfectly.
• Warm spiced apple slices: Sautéed apples with cinnamon and nutmeg can enhance the apple flavor in your cake and add warmth to your dessert table.
• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast that pairs wonderfully with the warm donut cake.
• Coffee or chai tea: Serving this cake alongside a cup of coffee or spiced chai can enhance its cozy, comforting vibe, making it perfect for any gathering.

Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake — it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep! It stores well and can be enjoyed throughout the week, making it an excellent choice for busy days when you crave something sweet.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake, where it will keep for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label the bag with the date to keep track of freshness.

Reheating

• To reheat, let the slices thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or until just heated through.
• For a crispier texture, pop them in a toaster oven for a few minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly in this Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe. Just make sure to choose a quality brand for the best flavor.

How long does the Apple Cider Donut Cake last?

The Apple Cider Donut Cake can last up to 3 days at room temperature or about a week if refrigerated. For longer storage, consider freezing it.

Can I substitute another type of oil?

Yes! While light olive oil is recommended, you can use any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil as a substitute in this recipe.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can easily replace sour cream with Greek yogurt. It will provide similar moisture and tanginess to your Apple Cider Donut Cake.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Apple Cider Donut Cake as much as I do! It’s such a comforting treat that captures all the cozy flavors of fall. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or savoring it on your own, this cake is bound to bring smiles all around. Happy baking!