Apple Cider Donut Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, this Apple Cider Donut Cake is just what you need! Imagine the warm spices and sweet apple flavor of your favorite apple cider donuts, all baked into a simple cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends and family, this cake makes everything feel special.

What I love most about this recipe is its effortless charm. You don’t have to worry about frying donuts or making fancy glazes; instead, you can enjoy the rich flavors in a delightful cake form. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up that you might find yourself making it every weekend!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious dessert ready in no time!
• Family Favorite: Everyone will adore this cake, from kids to grandparents. It’s sure to become a staple in your home.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or enjoying a quiet evening in, this cake fits right in.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: This Apple Cider Donut Cake keeps well, so you can bake it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
• Warm and Cozy Flavors: The combination of cinnamon and apple cider brings the comforting flavors of fall right to your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Apple Cider Donut Cake requires only simple, wholesome ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake

• 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 (or other neutral oil)
• ¼ cup 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 all-purpose flour

For Topping

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with these variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Incorporate Fruit: Try adding grated carrots or shredded zucchini for extra moisture and sweetness.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist.
• Make It Glazed: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the cooled cake for extra sweetness.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F. Greasing your 9” square baking dish with butter or oil ensures that your cake will come out easily once it’s baked. Lining it with parchment paper makes cleanup even simpler.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring the fresh apple cider to a boil until it reduces by half—about 5 minutes should do it. This step concentrates the flavor, making every bite of cake bursting with apple goodness. Once reduced, add the diced butter into the hot cider and whisk until combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. This mixture is where all those warm flavors come together!

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly whisk the boiled cider mixture into your wet ingredients. Gradually stir in the flour until just combined—be careful not to overmix! This way, you’ll keep your cake light and fluffy.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven until it’s puffed up and golden brown—this usually takes about 22-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it perfectly baked through!

Step 6: Cool Down & Add Toppings

Once baked, let it cool on a rack for about five minutes before placing cool room temperature butter on top. As it melts, brush it around for an irresistible finish! In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon then sprinkle generously over the buttery surface.

Step 7: Cut and Serve

Finally, carefully remove your cake from the pan and let it cool slightly before cutting into squares. Enjoy this delicious treat warm or at room temperature; either way is just as delightful!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake is straightforward, but a few tips can elevate your baking experience!

• Use fresh apple cider: Fresh cider enhances the flavor of the cake, giving it that authentic apple taste that makes this dessert a fall favorite.

• Don’t skip the cooling time: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before cutting helps maintain its structure, preventing it from crumbling apart when served.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking! Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger can give your cake an extra layer of flavor.

• Store properly: To keep your cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can also freeze individual slices for later enjoyment!

• Serve warm: For an extra treat, serve your cake slightly warmed. It enhances the flavors and provides a cozy feeling perfect for chilly days.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Presenting your Apple Cider Donut Cake beautifully can turn this simple dessert into a showstopper at any gathering. Here are some creative ideas to make your presentation shine!

Garnishes

• Powdered sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds elegance and sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
• Caramel drizzle: Drizzling homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over slices offers a rich contrast that complements the apple cider perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream balances the warm spices in the cake and adds a delightful creaminess.

• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, whipped coconut cream adds a light and airy touch while enhancing the autumn flavors.

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits like apples and pears provides a bright contrast and rounds out the meal beautifully.

• Hot cider or tea: Pairing this cake with a warm mug of spiced cider or herbal tea creates a comforting experience perfect for fall gatherings.

Enjoy every slice of this incredible Apple Cider Donut Cake — it’s bound to become one of your go-to recipes for cozy get-togethers!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for meal prep and can be stored and enjoyed throughout the week. Whether you’re planning a cozy brunch or need a sweet treat for the kids, this cake holds up wonderfully!

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Freezing

• Cut the cooled cake into squares.
• Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label and date them!

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen cake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
• For a warm treat, reheat individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.

FAQs

Have questions about making this delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake? Here are some common inquiries!

Can I use store-bought apple cider for this Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure it’s fresh and not overly sweetened.

What can I substitute for sour cream in the Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for sour cream. You can also use plant-based yogurt if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.

How do I know when my Apple Cider Donut Cake is done baking?

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

Can I add nuts or other toppings to my Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch. You could also drizzle with maple syrup or serve with whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is such a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall! It’s simple enough for any day but special enough for gatherings. I truly hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you! Happy baking!