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 afternoons, or even a sweet breakfast, this cake stands out with its moist texture and delightful cinnamon-sugar topping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Apple Cider Donut Cake comes together in just 34 minutes, making it a hassle-free treat.
• Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the warm flavors of apple cider and spices that evoke the essence of fall.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast paired with coffee or tea.
• No Special Equipment Needed: You can whip this up using simple kitchen tools you likely already have on hand.
• Family-Friendly: This cake is sure to please both kids and adults alike with its sweet taste and appealing aroma.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• 9” square baking dish: The perfect size for creating a thick, moist cake that bakes evenly.
• Large saute pan: Essential for reducing the apple cider, concentrating its flavor to enhance your cake.
• Whisk: Helps in blending ingredients smoothly for a consistent batter texture.

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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 your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9” square baking dish by buttering it or spraying it with oil. Line it with parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides, creating a sling for easy removal.

Step 2: Reduce the Cider

In a large saute pan, bring the apple cider to a boil. Reduce it by half, which should take about 5 minutes. Measure out ¾ cup once reduced. Remove from heat and whisk in the diced butter until melted and 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. Kosher salt

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Slowly add the boiled cider mixture into the wet ingredients while whisking gently until well combined.

Step 5: Add Flour

Stir in the flour until just combined; be careful not to overmix as this can make your cake dense.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 22–25 minutes until puffed and golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Top

Once baked, place the cake on a cooling rack for about 5 minutes. Use one tablespoon of butter on top of the warm cake; allow it to melt completely.

Step 8: Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Generously sprinkle this mixture over the melted butter on top of your cake.

Step 9: Final Touches

Remove the cake from the pan using the parchment sling and let it cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.

Enjoy your homemade 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. Its sweet, spiced flavor makes it versatile for different occasions and pairings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your cake experience.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm spices in the cake.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Adding a drizzle of rich caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a decadent touch.

Topped with Whipped Cream

• Light and fluffy whipped cream provides a refreshing contrast to the dense cake.

Accompanied by Fresh Apples

• Serve slices alongside fresh apple wedges for a crunchy, fruity balance that echoes the cake’s flavors.

Paired with Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy this cake with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon snack.

Garnished with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

Creating the perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out just right.

• Use Fresh Apple Cider: The flavor of your cake greatly depends on the quality of apple cider used. Opt for fresh, unfiltered cider for the best taste.

• Measure Accurately: Precision in measuring ingredients ensures consistent results. Use standard measuring cups and spoons for best accuracy.

• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold in the flour once you’ve added it to maintain a light texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

• Cool Properly: Allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting it. This helps achieve clean slices and allows flavors to settle.

• Store Correctly: Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze it for longer storage.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Apple Cider Donut Cake can be enjoyed as part of a larger meal or snack spread. Here are some side dishes that pair wonderfully with this sweet treat.

1. Spiced Chai Latte: A warm spiced chai latte adds cozy flavors that complement the cinnamon notes in the cake.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits balances out the sweetness of the cake beautifully.

3. Cheese Plate: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast that enhances flavors when paired with the cake.

4. Pumpkin Soup: A bowl of creamy pumpkin soup offers warming spices that echo those found in the cake, creating harmony on your plate.

5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a savory option that pairs well with dessert, adding depth to your meal.

6. Caramelized Pears: Sweet, caramelized pears bring additional fruitiness that complements the apple cider flavor in your cake.

7. Hot Chocolate: Indulge in a rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows for a cozy pairing that delights every sweet tooth.

8. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a light, tangy side dish that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the donut cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Apple Cider Donut Cake turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Bold measurements: Not measuring the apple cider accurately can lead to an overly dry or wet cake. Use a liquid measuring cup for precision.
• Bold butter temperature: Using warm butter instead of cold butter can affect the texture. Always ensure your butter is cold and diced before using.
• Bold oven temperature: Opening the oven door too soon can cause the cake to sink. Wait until the baking time is almost up before checking.
• Bold mixing too much: Overmixing the batter can result in a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light, fluffy texture.
• Bold cooling properly: Cutting into the cake too early can lead to crumbling. Allow it to cool on a rack for at least 5 minutes before slicing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The cake can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Apple Cider Donut Cake

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

Reheating Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Apple Cider Donut Cake.

What makes this Apple Cider Donut Cake unique?

The combination of fresh apple cider and spices gives this cake its unique flavor, reminiscent of fall treats without all the fuss.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may affect the texture. Start with a blend of both flours for best results.

How should I serve Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Serve it plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar. It pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea as an afternoon treat.

Is this recipe suitable for dietary restrictions?

This recipe avoids common allergens like pork and alcohol while using substitutes that maintain flavor, making it more accessible to many diets.

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

Absolutely! Chopped apples or walnuts could enhance texture and flavor. Just fold them gently into the batter before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its delightful flavors evoke seasonal joy while being easy to prepare. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or add-ins like nuts or fruits to make it your own!