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 cozy gatherings or a delightful afternoon treat, this cake offers a moist texture and warm spices that will have everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No deep-frying or complex techniques required. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
• Delicious Flavor: Bursting with the taste of apple cider and warm spices, it’s like having a slice of fall on your plate.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast with coffee!
• Perfect for Sharing: Makes 12 generous slices, ideal for gatherings or family get-togethers.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses common pantry staples, making it easy to whip up anytime.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Apple Cider Donut Cake, gather essential tools to ensure a smooth process and great results.

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: This size is perfect for even baking and easy slicing.
• Whisk: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly without lumps.
• Cooling rack: Helps the cake cool evenly after baking, preventing 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 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 the oven to 350°F. Butter (or spray with oil) a 9” square baking dish and line it with parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides to create a sling.

Step 2: Boil the 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 to combine.

Step 3: Combine 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

Slowly whisk in the boiled cider mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

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

Step 5: Bake the Cake

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

Step 6: Cool and Prepare Topping

Place the cake on a cooling rack for 5 minutes. Once cooled slightly, place butter on top of the cake and brush it around as it melts.

Step 7: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture liberally over the buttered surface of the cake.

Step 8: Final Touches

Remove the cake from the pan using parchment paper for easy lifting. Allow it to cool completely on a rack before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your delicious 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 you’re serving it for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, there are plenty of creative ideas to enhance its appeal.

With Coffee or Tea

• Pairing with your favorite hot beverage elevates the experience. The warmth complements the spice of the cake perfectly.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• A generous dollop of whipped cream adds a creamy texture and balances the dense cake beautifully.

Served Warm with Ice Cream

• Heating a slice slightly and adding a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream creates a comforting dessert that’s hard to resist.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce adds sweetness and richness, making each bite irresistible.

Accompanied by Fresh Fruit

• Serve alongside apple slices or berries for a refreshing contrast to the cake’s sweetness.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Include it in a brunch buffet alongside muffins, fruit salads, and savory dishes for a well-rounded meal.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

Perfecting your Apple Cider Donut Cake can elevate this already delicious recipe to new heights. Here are some handy tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh apple cider contributes more flavor than store-bought options. Always check expiration dates on other ingredients as well.
• Measure Accurately: Use kitchen scales where possible for precise measurements, especially for flour and sugars. This helps maintain the cake’s texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Mixing too much can lead to dense cake. Stir until just combined for best results.
• Check Oven Temperature: An accurate oven temperature ensures even baking. Consider using an oven thermometer if you suspect yours runs hot or cold.
• Cool Properly: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan briefly before transferring it helps maintain its shape and prevents breakage.
• Store Correctly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to retain freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Complementing your Apple Cider Donut Cake with suitable side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits brightens up your plate and adds refreshing acidity.

2. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast that pairs nicely with the cake’s sweetness.

3. Savory Quiche
   A slice of quiche offers savory flavors that balance out the sweetness of the cake perfectly.

4. Cheese Platter
   Include assorted cheeses like brie or cheddar; their saltiness pairs wonderfully with sweet desserts.

5. Nuts and Dried Fruits
   A small bowl of mixed nuts and dried fruits provides crunch and additional textures alongside the soft cake.

6. Chai Spiced Oatmeal
   A warm bowl of oatmeal spiced with chai complements the apple flavors while adding heartiness to your meal.

7. Vegetable Frittata
   Packed with veggies, this dish adds protein and balances out the sweetness of your dessert.

8. Pumpkin Soup
   This creamy soup introduces warm spices that harmonize beautifully with the flavors found in the Apple Cider Donut Cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an Apple Cider Donut Cake can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of:

• Skipping the Reduction: Not boiling the apple cider to reduce it can lead to a less intense flavor. Always ensure you boil the cider until it’s reduced by half for maximum taste.
• Incorrect Measuring: Using too much or too little flour can result in a dense cake. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially when it comes to dry ingredients.
• Overmixing Batter: Mixing the batter too much can make the cake tough. Stir until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Not Prepping the Pan: Failing to properly grease and line your baking dish can cause sticking. Always use butter or oil and parchment paper for easy release.
• Ignoring Cooling Time: Cutting the cake while it’s still hot may lead to crumbling. Allow it to cool slightly on a rack before slicing into squares.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Apple Cider Donut Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Cider Donut Cake

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

Reheating Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes for even heating.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a non-stick skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making and enjoying Apple Cider Donut Cake.

What makes this Apple Cider Donut Cake special?

The unique flavor of reduced apple cider combined with spices creates a delightful treat reminiscent of fall.

Can I use different oils in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute any neutral oil like avocado or canola oil if you don’t have light olive oil on hand.

How do I customize my Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Feel free to add nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor variations.

Is there a gluten-free version of Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a delicious alternative.

How should I serve this cake?

Enjoy it as is, or pair it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not only easy to bake but also incredibly versatile. Whether served at a gathering or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, its rich flavors will surely delight everyone. Feel free to experiment with spices or additional mix-ins to make it your own!