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, casual get-togethers, or even a delightful afternoon treat, this cake will surely impress your family and friends with its warm spices and moist texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: This Apple Cider Donut Cake combines all the delicious flavors without the fuss of frying donuts.
- Moist and Flavorful: The use of fresh apple cider infuses each bite with an irresistible apple flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or breakfast option – it fits any occasion!
- Quick to Make: With a total time of just 34 minutes, you’ll have a delightful cake ready in no time.
- Kid-Friendly: This recipe is perfect for baking enthusiasts of all ages; kids will love helping!
Tools and Preparation
Before you begin making this delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the baking process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9” square baking dish
- Large sauté pan
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- 9” square baking dish: Perfect size for even baking and easy removal of the cake.
- Whisk: Ensures all wet ingredients are well combined for a consistent batter.
Ingredients
To make this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake, gather the following ingredients:
- 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
- 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. Grease a 9” square baking dish with butter or spray 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 apple cider until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Measure to ensure you have ¾ cup left. Add the diced cold butter to the hot cider and whisk until combined.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. The 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 reduced cider mixture into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Add Flour
Gently stir in the flour until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Pour into Baking Dish
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 22–25 minutes or until puffed up and golden in color.
Step 8: Cool Slightly
Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack for about 5 minutes.
Step 9: Add Butter Topping
Place one tablespoon of butter on top of the warm cake. Brush it around so it melts evenly across the surface.
Step 10: Create Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, mix together:
1. ¼ cup granulated sugar
2. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture liberally over the melted butter on top of the cake.
Step 11: Remove from Pan
Carefully remove the cake from its pan using the parchment paper sling and let it cool on a rack.
Step 12: Slice and Serve
Allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting it into squares for serving. Enjoy your delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake!
How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake
Serving Apple Cider Donut Cake can enhance its deliciousness and elevate your dessert experience. Here are some creative ideas to enjoy this delightful cake.
Pair with Coffee or Tea
- Rich Brewed Coffee: The bold flavors of coffee complement the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
- Spiced Chai Tea: A warm chai tea adds a hint of spice that matches the cinnamon notes in the cake.
Add Ice Cream or Whipped Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm cake.
- Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Lightly spiced whipped cream can add an extra layer of flavor and richness.
Serve with Fresh Fruit
- Sliced Apples: Fresh apple slices provide a refreshing crunch that balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Berries: A mix of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries adds a tartness that enhances the overall taste.
How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake
To ensure your Apple Cider Donut Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Apple Cider: Fresh cider brings an authentic flavor that enhances the taste of your cake.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precise measurements help achieve the right texture and flavor balance in your cake.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix until just combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
- Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when fully baked.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donut Cake
If you’re looking for side dishes to serve alongside your Apple Cider Donut Cake, consider these delicious options that pair perfectly.
- Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup complements the seasonal flavors beautifully.
- Maple Glazed Carrots: Sweet carrots with a maple glaze echo the sweet notes in your cake.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can balance sweetness with savory flavors.
- Cranberry Sauce: Tart cranberry sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet cake.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offsets the richness of the cake.
- Pecan Pie Bars: For those who love desserts, pecan pie bars will create a nutty contrast.
- Fruit Compote: A warm fruit compote made from seasonal fruits adds moisture and flavor.
- Honey Yogurt Dip: This healthy dip pairs well with fruit slices and adds creaminess alongside the cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Apple Cider Donut Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are a few common mistakes that can hinder your results.
- Not reducing the apple cider enough: Ensure you boil the cider until it’s reduced by half. This concentrates the flavor, resulting in a richer cake.
- Skipping the room temperature ingredients: Using cold butter or eggs can affect the mixing process. Let your butter and eggs sit at room temperature before starting to ensure a smooth batter.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Stir just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Always preheat your oven properly. An oven that is too hot or too cold can alter the baking time and texture of your cake.
- Not using parchment paper: Forgetting to line your baking dish can make it hard to remove the cake. Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Ensure the cake has cooled completely before sealing it to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing Apple Cider Donut Cake
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in an airtight container.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Apple Cider Donut Cake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds. This is quick but may make the cake slightly soggy if overdone.
- Stovetop: For a crispy exterior, place slices in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally for even warming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Apple Cider Donut Cake different from regular cakes?
Apple Cider Donut Cake uses fresh apple cider as a key ingredient, giving it a unique flavor reminiscent of traditional apple cider donuts while being easier to prepare.
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, store-bought apple cider works perfectly! Just ensure it’s fresh for the best flavor in your Apple Cider Donut Cake.
How do I customize my Apple Cider Donut Cake?
You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra texture. Spices like nutmeg or vanilla extract can also enhance the flavor profile.
Is Apple Cider Donut Cake suitable for special diets?
You can make adjustments such as substituting gluten-free flour or using dairy alternatives to fit various dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not only easy to make but also brings the delightful flavors of fall into every bite. Perfect as a snack or dessert, this versatile recipe allows for customization to suit your taste preferences. Give it a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Apple Cider Donut Cake
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake. Combining the essence of traditional apple cider donuts with the convenience of a simple snack cake, this recipe is perfect for any occasion—be it cozy family gatherings or casual afternoon tea. With its moist texture and aromatic spices, this cake will impress your loved ones while being incredibly easy to whip up. In just 34 minutes, you can create a delicious treat that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea, making every bite a comforting experience.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups fresh apple cider
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup 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 kosher salt
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a square baking dish lined with parchment paper.
- In a sauté pan, boil apple cider until reduced by half (about 5 minutes). Add diced butter and whisk until melted.
- In a bowl, combine eggs, sugars, oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
- Mix in the reduced cider mixture.
- Gently fold in flour until just combined.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for about 22–25 minutes or until golden.
- Let cool slightly on a rack; top warm cake with melted butter and sprinkle cinnamon sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor. To customize, consider adding nuts or chocolate chips. For dietary needs, substitute gluten-free flour or dairy alternatives.
