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 cozy gatherings, family brunches, or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee, this cake has a moist texture and delightful spices that will warm your heart.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious cake in no time.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich apple cider adds a unique sweetness and depth that captures the essence of fall.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with butter, or as a sweet treat any time of day—breakfast, dessert, or snack!
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: This cake yields 12 slices, making it perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings.
• No Special Equipment Needed: You don’t need complicated tools—just basic kitchen items will do!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Apple Cider Donut Cake, gather a few essential tools. These items will ensure that your cake turns out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• 9” square baking dish: Perfect for even baking and easy removal of your cake once it’s done.
• Parchment paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes transferring the cake hassle-free.
• Whisk: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cake so it cools evenly.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake Base

• 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

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter (or spray with oil) a 9” square baking dish. Line it with a piece of parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides to create a sling.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

In a large sauté pan, boil the apple cider until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Measure to ensure it is ¾ cup. Add the butter to the hot cider and whisk to combine.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. 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 into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Add Flour

Stir in the flour until combined well.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake in the pre-heated oven until puffed, golden, and baked through in the middle—about 22–25 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Top

Place the cake on a cooling rack for 5 minutes. Place butter on top of the cake and brush it around as it melts.

Step 8: Add Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture liberally over the buttered surface.

Step 9: Final Cooling

Remove the cake from the pan and let it cool on a rack before cutting it into squares.

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Serving Apple Cider Donut Cake can elevate your dessert experience. This cake is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy it!

With Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy touch that complements the cake’s spiced flavors.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream creates a delicious contrast, making each bite indulgent and refreshing.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A warm caramel drizzle enhances the sweetness and adds a rich texture, perfect for special occasions.

Accompanied by Fresh Apples

• Fresh apple slices provide a crisp, juicy balance to the cake’s moistness, enhancing the apple flavor.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Slice the cake into smaller pieces and serve alongside other desserts like cookies or brownies for a varied treat experience.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

To achieve the best results when baking your Apple Cider Donut Cake, consider these helpful tips:

• Use fresh apple cider: The quality of cider impacts the flavor; opt for fresh, high-quality cider for the best taste.

• Measure flour accurately: Spoon and level your flour to avoid dense cake; too much flour can lead to dryness.

• Cool down before serving: Letting the cake cool slightly allows flavors to meld and improves texture before cutting.

• Experiment with spices: Adjusting spice levels can personalize your recipe—try adding nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Apple Cider Donut Cake can enhance its appeal. Here are some great options:

1. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai complement the apple cider flavors beautifully.

2. Pumpkin Spice Latte: A seasonal favorite that pairs excellently with the cake’s cinnamon notes.

3. Cinnamon Roll Pancakes: These fluffy pancakes echo the cake’s flavor profile, creating a comforting brunch option.

4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits offers a bright contrast to the rich cake.

5. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits provides a light, tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the cake.

6. Maple Syrup Glazed Bacon: For those who enjoy savory flavors, this sweet and salty option can be an interesting pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Apple Cider Donut Cake, a few common mistakes can prevent you from achieving the best results. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Using cold ingredients: Always use room temperature eggs and butter for better mixing and texture. Cold ingredients can lead to a dense cake.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until the flour is incorporated. Overmixing can create a tough cake instead of a tender one.
• Not measuring accurately: Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients. Inaccurate measurements can alter the cake’s texture and flavor.
• Ignoring baking times: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Every oven is different, so check for doneness a few minutes early to prevent overbaking.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allow your Apple Cider Donut Cake to cool properly before cutting. This helps maintain its structure and prevents crumbling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Apple Cider Donut Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm the slices for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Apple Cider Donut Cake that may help you perfect your baking skills.

Can I use different types of oil in my Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Yes, you can substitute light olive oil with other neutral oils like vegetable or canola oil without affecting the flavor significantly.

How do I make my Apple Cider Donut Cake more flavorful?

Consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins for added texture and taste.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately.

What is the best way to store leftovers of Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

How can I customize my Apple Cider Donut Cake?

You can add spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth, or incorporate lemon zest for a citrusy twist!

Final Thoughts

The Apple Cider Donut Cake combines the beloved flavors of classic apple cider donuts into an easy-to-make cake that everyone will enjoy. It’s perfect as a snack or dessert, and you can easily customize it with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Give this delicious recipe a try; it’s sure to be a hit!