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 sharing at gatherings or enjoying with your family, this cake brings the comforting taste of fall into your kitchen with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful cake without any hassle.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich apple cider combined with cinnamon creates a warm and inviting flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family night or a festive get-together, this cake fits right in.
• Quick Baking Time: In just 34 minutes, you can have a fresh cake ready to serve.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it as is or pair it with whipped cream for an extra treat!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Apple Cider Donut Cake, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9” square baking dish
• Large sauté pan
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cooling rack
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking Dish: A 9” square baking dish is ideal for even cooking and easy serving.
• Whisk: Helps in combining ingredients smoothly, ensuring no lumps remain in your batter.

Ingredients

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 the oven to 350°F. Butter or spray a 9” square baking dish and line it with parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides.

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

Slowly whisk in the boiled cider mixture.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Stir in the flour until just combined.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

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

Step 6: Cool and Top

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

Step 7: Add Cinnamon Sugar

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

Step 8: Serve

Remove from pan and let cool on rack before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Serving Apple Cider Donut Cake can elevate any gathering or snack time. Its warm, spiced flavors make it a delightful treat for different occasions. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enjoy this delicious cake.

Pair with Hot Beverages

• Coffee – A rich cup of coffee complements the sweetness and spice of the cake beautifully.
• Apple Cider – Serve warm apple cider alongside for a cozy autumn vibe.
• Herbal Tea – Chamomile or cinnamon herbal tea adds a soothing contrast to the cake’s flavors.

Top with Creamy Additions

• Whipped Cream – A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that balances the cake’s density.
• Ice Cream – Vanilla or caramel ice cream brings a creamy richness that pairs wonderfully with warm cake.
• Yogurt – For a healthier option, serve with Greek yogurt, which adds tanginess and creaminess.

Create a Dessert Platter

• Cheese Selection – Include mild cheeses like brie or gouda for a savory contrast to the sweet cake.
• Fresh Fruits – Slices of apples, pears, or berries add freshness and color to your dessert platter.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

To ensure your Apple Cider Donut Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips. They will guide you through the process and enhance the final result.

• Boldly reduce cider – Simmering the apple cider until reduced intensifies its flavor, giving your cake that rich apple essence.
• Boldly use room temperature ingredients – Allow eggs and dairy products to reach room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Boldly check doneness – Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
• Boldly let cool before cutting – Allowing the cake to cool completely ensures cleaner slices and enhances flavor development.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Complement your Apple Cider Donut Cake with these delicious side dishes. They pair well with its sweet and spicy characteristics, making them perfect additions to your dessert table.

1. Apple Crisp – This warm dessert filled with spiced apples and a crumbly topping works wonderfully alongside the cake.
2. Pumpkin Soup – A creamy pumpkin soup provides a savory balance to the sweetness of the cake, perfect for fall gatherings.
3. Maple Roasted Carrots – Sweet roasted carrots glazed with maple syrup bring an earthy flavor that enhances the dish.
4. Cranberry Sauce – Tart cranberry sauce serves as a refreshing contrast that brightens up the overall meal.
5. Cheese Board – A selection of cheeses offers varied flavors that complement both sweet and savory tastes well.
6. Mixed Green Salad – A fresh salad dressed lightly provides crunch and freshness to balance out the rich cake flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Apple Cider Donut Cake, there are some common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are a few mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the cider reduction: Not boiling the apple cider can lead to a cake that’s too wet and lacks concentrated flavor. Always reduce the cider by half for the best taste.
• Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold eggs or butter can lead to uneven mixing and texture. Allow these ingredients to reach room temperature for even results.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can result in a tough cake. Stir just until combined to keep it tender and light.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different, so relying solely on the timer can be misleading. Always check for doneness with a toothpick rather than just timing it.
• Forgetting to cool before slicing: Cutting into the cake while it’s still hot can cause it to crumble. Let it cool slightly on a rack before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking slices.

Freezing Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, covering until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Apple Cider Donut Cake:

Can I use other types of flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour or gluten-free blends, but this may change the texture slightly.

How can I customize my Apple Cider Donut Cake?

You can add nuts, raisins, or even a glaze on top for extra flavor. Experiment with spices like nutmeg or ginger as well!

What is the best way to serve Apple Cider Donut Cake?

It’s delicious served warm with coffee or tea. You can also pair it with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Is this recipe suitable for vegan diets?

You can make this vegan by substituting eggs with flax eggs and using plant-based butter and yogurt alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is an easy-to-make treat that brings all the joy of traditional donuts without the fuss. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences, making it perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Try this recipe today and enjoy its delightful flavors!