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 fall gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or any occasion where you crave something sweet, this cake captures the essence of apple cider donuts in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe simplifies the process of making apple cider donuts, allowing you to enjoy all the flavors with minimal effort.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich apple cider combined with warm spices like cinnamon and allspice creates a mouthwatering treat.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast! This cake is perfect for any time of day.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 generous slices, it’s an ideal dessert for family gatherings or potlucks.
• Autumn Vibes: Embrace the fall season with this delightful cake that evokes feelings of warmth and comfort.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

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: The perfect size for even baking and easy serving.
• Whisk: Essential for thoroughly combining ingredients to achieve a smooth batter.
• Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cake so it cools evenly and prevents sogginess.

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 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. Butter or spray a 9” square baking dish and line it with parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Reduce 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 diced butter to the hot cider and whisk until combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
The eggs
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Olive oil
Sour cream
Baking powder
Baking soda
Ground cinnamon
Allspice
Salt

Slowly add in the boiled cider mixture while whisking continuously.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Stir in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

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

Step 6: Cool and Top

Once baked, place the cake on a cooling rack for about 5 minutes. Brush butter over the surface while it’s still warm.

Step 7: Add Cinnamon Sugar

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

Step 8: Final Cooling

Remove the cake from the pan using parchment overhangs. Let it cool on a rack before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your homemade Apple Cider Donut Cake!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Serving Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful experience, as this cake pairs well with various accompaniments. Here are some fun and delicious serving suggestions to elevate your dessert.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream complements the warm spices in the cake.
• Cinnamon Ice Cream: For an extra cinnamon kick, pair it with cinnamon-flavored ice cream.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Homemade Caramel: A rich homemade caramel sauce adds sweetness and richness that enhances the flavor profile.
• Store-bought Caramel: For convenience, drizzle store-bought caramel over each slice before serving.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Apples: Fresh apple slices provide a crisp contrast and enhance the apple flavor in the cake.
• Berries: A medley of blueberries or raspberries adds a tartness that balances the sweetness.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: A warm cup of coffee is perfect for enjoying with this sweet cake, making for a cozy treat.
• Spiced Tea: A cup of spiced tea can elevate the experience with complementary flavors.

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How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

To ensure your Apple Cider Donut Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh apple cider: This enhances the flavor significantly. Opt for unfiltered cider for the best taste.
• Measure accurately: Precision in measuring ingredients ensures proper texture and rise, especially with flour and sugar.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Check doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs for optimal baking.
• Cool completely: Allowing the cake to cool fully before slicing helps maintain its structure and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Apple Cider Donut Cake can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess that complements the cake wonderfully.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad brings brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake, making it more enjoyable.
3. Maple Syrup: Drizzling maple syrup over each slice adds an extra layer of flavor that works beautifully with apple cider notes.
4. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy contrast and an additional hint of warmth through their spices.
5. Yogurt Parfait: Layering yogurt with granola and berries creates a delightful parfait that pairs well with dessert.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can serve as a savory counterpart to balance out the sweetness of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Apple Cider Donut Cake, avoiding common pitfalls can lead to a better final product. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the cider reduction: Failing to reduce the apple cider can result in a cake that’s too wet. Always boil the cider until it’s reduced by half to concentrate the flavor.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Incorrect measurements can change the texture and taste of your cake. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can create a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Using an inaccurate oven temperature can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
• Cutting the cake too soon: Cutting into the cake while it’s still warm can cause it to crumble. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Apple Cider Donut Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• The cake will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.

Freezing Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the slices on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 15-20 seconds. This is quick but may make it slightly soggy.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add a slice and cover it, reheating for about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Apple Cider Donut Cake:

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Yes, using store-bought apple cider works perfectly fine for this recipe. Just ensure it’s fresh and not overly processed.

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

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

Can I customize this Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, raisins, or even chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.

What should I serve with my Apple Cider Donut Cake?

This cake pairs well with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a cup of coffee or tea.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not only easy to make but also delivers all the delightful flavors of traditional apple cider donuts. Its versatility allows you to customize it with your favorite mix-ins or toppings. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!