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 gatherings, cozy nights at home, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this cake brings a delightful twist to the classic donut in a cake form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No frying or complicated techniques required. Just mix and bake!
• Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the warm spices and rich apple cider flavor that everyone loves.
• Versatile Serving: Great for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack with coffee.
• Perfect for Sharing: Makes 12 slices, making it ideal for gatherings and parties.
• Moist and Tender: The addition of sour cream ensures a soft texture that melts in your mouth.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake, you will need some essential tools in your kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• 9” square baking dish: Provides even baking for your cake, ensuring it rises beautifully.
• Large sauté pan: Ideal for reducing the apple cider quickly without spilling.
• Whisk: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly and avoiding lumps in your batter.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to create this delicious Apple Cider Donut 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
• 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. Butter a 9” square baking dish or spray it with oil. Line it with parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides, creating a sling.

Step 2: Reduce the Cider

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

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. The eggs
2. The granulated sugar
3. The brown sugar
4. The oil
5. The 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 all-purpose flour until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake It Off

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and puffed up, about 22–25 minutes.

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, place the cake on a cooling rack for about 5 minutes.

Step 8: Add Topping

Place butter on top of the warm cake and let it melt while brushing it around evenly.

Step 9: Add Sugar Mixture

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

Step 10: Final Touches

Remove the cake from the pan using parchment paper and allow it to cool on a rack before cutting into squares.

Now you can enjoy every bite of this warm and comforting Apple Cider Donut Cake!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Serving your Apple Cider Donut Cake can enhance the experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful ways to serve this cake that will impress your family and friends.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm, spiced flavors of the cake.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: For an extra touch of warmth, try serving with cinnamon ice cream for a cozy dessert.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Homemade Caramel: A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce can add a rich sweetness that complements the apple cider flavors beautifully.
• Store-Bought Caramel: If short on time, store-bought caramel sauce works well for a quick and delicious addition.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Apples: Fresh apple slices can add a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the softness of the cake.
• Berries: Raspberries or blueberries offer a tartness that balances the sweetness in each bite.

With Coffee or Tea

• Brewed Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enhances the flavors of the Apple Cider Donut Cake, making it perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat.
• Herbal Tea: Pairing it with herbal tea can provide a soothing touch, especially on cooler days.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

To ensure your Apple Cider Donut Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind. They will help you achieve moistness and flavor.

• Use Fresh Apple Cider: Fresh cider brings out the best flavor in your cake, enhancing its natural sweetness and spice.
• Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can result in a dense cake. Stir until just combined for a light texture.
• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons for precision. This ensures proper ratios for baking success.
• Check Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer can help you verify that your oven is at the right temperature for baking.
• Cool Properly: Letting the cake cool slightly before cutting allows it to set, making slicing easier without crumbling.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Apple Cider Donut Cake can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Spiced Apples: Sautéed apples with cinnamon and nutmeg create a delightful complement to your cake’s flavors.
2. Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds richness and balances the spices in the cake.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing side that contrasts nicely with the cake’s sweetness.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese adds a savory note to counterbalance the sweet cake.
5. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup offers seasonal flavors that pair well with apple cider treats.
6. Chai Latte: The spices in chai make it an ideal beverage choice alongside your slice of Apple Cider Donut Cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Apple Cider Donut Cake, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that could affect the final result. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Using warm ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, especially butter and eggs, are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a uniform batter.

• Not measuring apple cider correctly: Reduce the apple cider as instructed until you have exactly ¾ cup. Too much or too little can change the flavor and texture of your cake.

• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can create a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.

• Skipping the parchment paper: Always line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal. This prevents the cake from sticking and ensures clean slices.

• Not checking doneness: Use a toothpick to test for doneness. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready. Don’t rely solely on time; ovens vary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Ensure the cake is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Wrap in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for optimal freshness.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with the date for reference.

Reheating Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through (about 5 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common inquiries regarding the Apple Cider Donut Cake that may help you during preparation.

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Yes, store-bought apple cider works perfectly fine! Just make sure it’s fresh for the best flavor.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute if you’re looking for a healthier option or if you don’t have sour cream on hand.

How do I make my Apple Cider Donut Cake gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a direct substitute for regular flour in this recipe.

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

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or diced apples can add delicious texture and flavor to your cake. Just fold them in gently before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not only easy to make but also captures the delightful flavors of fall in every bite. It’s perfect for family gatherings or as an afternoon snack with coffee. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts, fruits, or spices according to your taste preferences. Enjoy making this cozy dessert!