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 captures all the flavor of our favorite seasonal treat but comes together as a super easy snack cake, perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s an afternoon gathering or a cozy family dessert, this cake is sure to impress with its moist texture and warm spices.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Apple Cider Donut Cake comes together quickly, making it perfect for both beginners and busy cooks.
• Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the rich, cinnamon-infused taste that mimics traditional apple cider donuts without the fuss.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm, at room temperature, or with a scoop of ice cream for a delightful twist.
• Perfect for All Occasions: Whether it’s a fall gathering or a simple family dinner, this cake fits right in.
• Minimal Cleanup: With just one bowl for mixing and a single baking dish required, cleanup is a breeze.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake, you will need some essential tools. Having them ready will streamline your baking process.

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

• 9” square baking dish: Ensures even baking and provides the perfect shape for slicing into squares.
• Large sauté pan: Ideal for reducing apple cider quickly while maximizing flavor extraction.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly, ensuring no clumps remain in your batter.

Ingredients

For the Cake Base

• 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 with oil. Line the bottom with parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring the apple cider to a boil until reduced by half, which should take about 5 minutes. Measure it afterward to ensure you have about ¾ cup. Add the diced butter to the hot cider and whisk until fully combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium mixing 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

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Slowly whisk in the boiled cider mixture into your wet ingredients until well blended.

Step 5: Add Flour

Stir in the all-purpose flour until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Bake

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and place it in your preheated oven. Bake for about 22-25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown throughout.

Step 7: Cool and Top

Let your cake cool on a rack for about 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. Brush melted butter over the top while it’s still warm.

Step 8: Sweeten Up

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar with ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over your buttered cake surface.

Step 9: Final Cooling

Remove the cake from its pan and allow it to cool on a rack completely before cutting into squares.

Now you can enjoy every slice of this flavorful Apple Cider Donut Cake!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this cake pairs wonderfully with different accompaniments.

Classic Pairings

• Coffee – The warm flavors of coffee complement the spices in the cake beautifully.
• Tea – A soothing cup of tea makes for a comforting pairing with this sweet treat.

Creative Toppings

• Whipped Cream – A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy texture to every bite.
• Caramel Sauce – Drizzling caramel sauce over the top enhances the sweetness and adds richness.

Seasonal Fruit

• Sliced Apples – Fresh apple slices provide a crisp contrast to the soft cake.
• Berries – Mixed berries offer a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the cake.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

To achieve the best results with your Apple Cider Donut Cake, consider these helpful tips.

• Boldly Reduce Cider – Ensure you boil the apple cider until it reduces by half; this intensifies the flavor.
• Cold Butter Technique – Use cold diced butter when mixing into the hot cider for a richer taste and better texture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients – Make sure eggs and sour cream are at room temperature for an even batter consistency.
• Don’t Overmix – Stir just until combined when adding flour; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Check for Doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Apple Cider Donut Cake tastes amazing on its own but can be enhanced with these side dishes. Each option brings out different flavors and textures that perfectly complement the cake.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delicious contrast with the warm cake.
2. Maple Syrup – A drizzle of maple syrup adds an extra layer of sweetness that pairs well with apple flavors.
3. Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with fruits and granola gives a refreshing crunch next to the soft cake.
4. Cheese Platter – Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese provide a savory contrast that elevates each bite.
5. Nuts and Seeds Mix – A simple mix of roasted nuts and seeds adds crunch and complements the spices in the cake.
6. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad brings freshness and balances out the richness of the dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Apple Cider Donut Cake, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a delicious result.

• Using too much cider: Ensure you reduce the cider properly to ¾ cup. Overly watery batter can lead to a soggy cake.
• Skipping the buttering step: Don’t forget to grease your baking dish well. This prevents sticking and ensures clean slices.
• Not checking for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out with wet batter, it needs more time.
• Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
• Ignoring cooling time: Allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting. This helps the texture set and makes for easier slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• If you prefer, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap for easy access.

Freezing Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Freeze slices in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Label with the date for reference.

Reheating Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F, place slices on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slice in a pan over low heat, cover, and warm until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making an Apple Cider Donut Cake.

Can I use other types of oil?

Yes, you can substitute light olive oil with any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil for similar results.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to adjust based on the blend’s specific instructions.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can replace sour cream with Greek yogurt in equal amounts for a similar texture and flavor.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Consider adding nuts or raisins into the batter or using different spices like nutmeg for added depth of flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge until serving.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not only quick and easy but also captures all the flavors of classic apple cider donuts. It’s perfect as a dessert or snack throughout the day. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts, spices, or even a glaze on top. Enjoy making this delightful treat!