Apple Cider Donut Cake
If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve got to try this Apple Cider Donut Cake! It’s perfect for those days when you crave the rich flavors of apple cider donuts but don’t want to fuss with frying. This cake is incredibly simple to whip up, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again!
The beauty of this cake lies in its delightful blend of spices and the sweetness from fresh apple cider. It’s a beloved recipe in my home, and I can’t wait for you to experience the warmth and joy it brings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Easy: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, anyone can make this cake with ease.
- Family-Friendly: Kids adore this sweet treat, making it a hit at family gatherings or playdates.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: Feel free to bake it ahead of time; it tastes just as good the next day!
- Delicious Flavor: The warm spices and apple cider create a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy it as a dessert after dinner or as a cozy snack with your morning coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients makes baking even more enjoyable! Here’s what you’ll need to create your own delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake:
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) cup 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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to put your own spin on the Apple Cider Donut Cake:
- Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch in every bite.
- Mix in fruit: Fresh blueberries or diced apples can add extra moisture and flavor.
- Spice it up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for an exciting twist.
- Glaze option: Drizzle a light glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top for added sweetness.
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures your cake starts baking immediately at the right temperature. While it’s heating up, prepare your baking dish by buttering it or spraying it lightly with oil. Line it with parchment paper so you can easily lift out the cake later—this little trick makes cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Reduce the Cider
In a large sauté pan, bring your fresh apple cider to a boil until it’s reduced by half—about 5 minutes should do it. This step concentrates the flavor of the cider and adds depth to your cake. Once reduced, measure out ¾ cup and whisk in the cold diced butter until it’s melted and combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another medium bowl, whisk together two large eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, light olive oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Each ingredient plays an important role in creating a moist cake that rises beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly pour that delicious boiled cider mixture into your wet ingredients while whisking continuously. This helps incorporate everything without cooking the eggs. Once blended nicely, stir in your all-purpose flour until just combined. Avoid overmixing; we want our cake tender!
Step 5: Bake Away!
Pour the batter into your prepared dish and spread it evenly. Bake for about 22-25 minutes until it’s puffed up and golden brown on top. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be heavenly!
Step 6: Add That Magical Topping
Once baked, let your cake cool for about five minutes on a cooling rack before adding a tablespoon of cool room temperature butter on top. As it melts, brush it evenly across the surface. Combine granulated sugar with ground cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle generously over the buttery layer.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Carefully remove the cake from the pan using the parchment paper sling. Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into squares. Enjoy warm or at room temperature—this Apple Cider Donut Cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Now that you’ve got everything you need to make this delightful treat, I hope you enjoy every moment spent baking—and even more so sharing this cake with friends and family!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake
Making Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful experience, and a few handy tips can make it even better!
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Use fresh apple cider: The quality of your apple cider directly impacts the flavor of the cake. Fresh cider will give you that rich, authentic taste reminiscent of fall.
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Don’t skip the reduction: Reducing the cider intensifies its flavor and sweetness. This step is crucial for achieving that delicious apple cider donut taste.
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Measure accurately: Baking is a science! Make sure to measure your ingredients precisely to ensure the right texture and flavor in your cake.
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Cool before cutting: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before slicing helps maintain its structure and makes for cleaner cuts, ensuring each piece looks perfect.
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Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your personal taste. A bit more cinnamon or nutmeg can add an extra layer of warmth that complements the apple flavor beautifully.
How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake
This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not just tasty but also visually appealing! Here are some creative ways to present your delicious creation.
Garnishes
- Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, creamy texture that complements the cake’s richness.
- Chopped nuts: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a satisfying crunch and additional nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
- Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over warm slices, adding a creamy contrast to the spiced cake.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzling some warm caramel sauce enhances the autumn vibes and adds a sweet touch that pairs wonderfully with apples.
- Fruit salad: A fresh fruit salad brings a bright, refreshing element to your dessert spread, balancing out the richness of the cake.
- Coffee or chai latte: Enjoying a slice with a warm beverage like coffee or chai latte elevates the experience, making it perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon treats.
Enjoy sharing this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake with friends and family! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Make Ahead and Storage
This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to ensure your cake stays fresh and delicious.
Storing Leftovers
- Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer a longer shelf life, refrigerate it, where it will last about a week.
Freezing
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to label it with the date!
Reheating
- To reheat, simply microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
- Alternatively, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!
Can I use store-bought apple cider for the Apple Cider Donut Cake?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s fresh and not overly processed for the best flavor.
How can I achieve a more intense flavor in my Apple Cider Donut Cake?
To enhance the flavor, consider using spiced apple cider or adding a bit of grated apple to the batter alongside the spices.
Is there a gluten-free option for Apple Cider Donut Cake?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure that other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the Apple Cider Donut Cake?
Absolutely! Feel free to reduce the sugar amounts slightly if you prefer less sweetness, but keep in mind that it may alter the texture slightly.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this Apple Cider Donut Cake as much as I do! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate that celebrates the flavors of fall. Whether you’re cozying up with family or sharing with friends, this cake is sure to delight. Enjoy every bite, and feel free to share your thoughts or variations—I would love to hear from you!
Apple Cider Donut Cake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the warmth of autumn with this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake. Perfect for cozy family gatherings or a simple afternoon treat, this cake captures the rich flavors of fresh apple cider and aromatic spices without the fuss of frying. With its tender crumb and sweet cinnamon-sugar topping, each bite offers a comforting embrace that will have you reaching for seconds. Easy to prepare and even better the next day, this cake is a fall favorite that combines simplicity with deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 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
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1–½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1–½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1–¾ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare your baking dish with butter or oil and parchment paper.
- In a sauté pan, bring fresh apple cider to a boil until reduced by half (about 5 minutes). Measure out ¾ cup and mix in the diced butter until melted.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugars, olive oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
- Combine the boiled cider mixture into the wet ingredients while whisking. Stir in flour until just combined; do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared dish and bake for 22-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before brushing melted butter on top and sprinkling with a cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
