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, holiday brunches, or a delightful afternoon snack, this cake stands out with its warm spices and rich apple cider essence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe simplifies the donut-making process into a quick and straightforward cake.
• Rich Flavor: Enjoy the delicious combination of fresh apple cider and warm spices that evoke fall vibes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive celebration or just a cozy evening at home, this cake fits right in.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as is or dress it up with toppings like whipped cream or ice cream for added indulgence.
• Great for Leftovers: This cake stays moist and delicious for days, making it perfect for meal prep or snacks.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your essential tools. The right equipment will ensure your Apple Cider Donut Cake comes out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9” square baking dish
• Large sauté pan
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Mixing spoon
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• 9” square baking dish: This size is perfect for even baking and easy cutting into squares.
• Large sauté pan: Used to reduce the apple cider efficiently without splattering.
• Whisk: Essential for combining wet ingredients smoothly, ensuring a well-mixed batter.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

The ingredients for this Apple Cider Donut Cake are simple yet flavorful. Gather these items before you start baking:

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 the 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 your oven to 350°F. Prepare your 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.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

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

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

Slowly whisk in the boiled cider mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Stir in the flour gently until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay!

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and bake in the preheated oven until puffed, golden, and baked through in the center—this should take about 22-25 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Top

Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a rack for about 5 minutes. Place cool room temperature butter on top of the warm cake; brush it around as it melts evenly across the surface.

In a small bowl, mix together:
– ¼ cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over your buttered cake before carefully removing it from the pan to cool completely on the rack.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

Allow your Apple Cider Donut Cake to cool slightly before cutting it into squares. Enjoy this delightful treat fresh or stored for later!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, there are plenty of creative options to enhance your experience.

With a Drizzle of Glaze

• A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider will add sweetness and a glossy finish to the cake.

Topped with Fresh Fruit

• Slices of fresh apples or pears on top can add a refreshing crunch and complement the flavors of the cake beautifully.

Paired with Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream served alongside warm slices of cake makes for an indulgent dessert perfect for chilly days.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• Enjoying a slice with your favorite hot beverage enhances the cozy, fall-inspired flavors of the cake.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Include it in a brunch buffet alongside other pastries and fruit for a festive gathering that everyone will love.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

Perfecting your Apple Cider Donut Cake ensures that every bite is delicious. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

• Use Fresh Apple Cider: Fresh cider provides intense flavor compared to processed varieties, enhancing the overall taste of your cake.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Using precise measurements ensures consistent results, so always double-check your quantities before mixing.

• Don’t Overmix: Mixing just until combined helps maintain a tender texture. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.

• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready to come out of the oven.

• Let It Cool: Allowing the cake to cool before cutting helps improve its texture and makes slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Apple Cider Donut Cake can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Warm Spiced Apples: Sautéed apples with cinnamon and nutmeg create a comforting side that matches perfectly with the cake.

2. Maple Syrup Drizzle: A drizzle of maple syrup adds another layer of sweetness that complements the apple flavors beautifully.

3. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that contrasts nicely with the dense cake.

4. Roasted Nuts: A mix of roasted pecans or walnuts provides crunch and richness, enhancing each bite of cake.

5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a refreshing contrast that balances the sweetness of the cake.

6. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs well, especially milder varieties like brie or goat cheese, adding depth to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Apple Cider Donut Cake, avoiding common pitfalls can lead to a better result. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the cider reduction: Not boiling the apple cider can lead to a cake that lacks depth of flavor. Always reduce the cider first for a more concentrated taste.
• Using room temperature butter: If your butter is too warm when mixing, it may cause the batter to become greasy. Use cold, diced butter as specified in the recipe.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can dry out your cake. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different; if yours runs hot or cold, consider using an oven thermometer. This will help ensure even baking and prevent burning.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The Apple Cider Donut Cake will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Wrap slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a pan over low heat, covered, and warm gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Apple Cider Donut Cake:

Can I use other types of oil?

Yes! You can substitute light olive oil with any neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.

How do I know when my cake is done?

The cake is done when it’s puffed up, golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Can I add nuts or fruit?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or apples would make excellent additions, enhancing both flavor and texture.

Is this recipe suitable for special diets?

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is versatile and can easily be made dairy-free by using plant-based alternatives for butter and sour cream.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not only easy to make but also captures all the beloved flavors of traditional apple cider donuts. Perfect as a snack or dessert, it offers great versatility. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!