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 evenings, or just a delightful afternoon treat, this cake brings the essence of fall right to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This cake simplifies the process of making traditional apple cider donuts while retaining all their delicious flavors.
- Rich Flavor: Infused with fresh apple cider and warm spices, this cake delivers that classic fall taste you love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, topped with cinnamon sugar, or as a dessert with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual snack, this cake fits right in.
- Quick to Prepare: With just 12 minutes of prep time, you can whip it up in no time!
Tools and Preparation
To make your Apple Cider Donut Cake efficiently, having the right tools is essential. These tools will help streamline your baking process and ensure the best 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 ensures even baking and perfect portions for your cake.
- Large sauté pan: Ideal for reducing the apple cider; a larger surface area helps speed up the process.
- Whisk: A must-have for mixing ingredients thoroughly and incorporating air into your batter.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 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) cup 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 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: Reduce 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 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
Step 4: Combine Cider with Wet Mixture
Slowly whisk the boiled cider mixture into the wet ingredients until well combined.
Step 5: Add Flour
Stir in the flour gently until combined without overmixing.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven until puffed, golden, and baked through in the middle—about 22–25 minutes.
Step 7: Cool Down
Place the cake on a cooling rack for about 5 minutes before moving on to add toppings.
Step 8: Add Butter and Sugar Mixture
Place one tablespoon of butter on top of the warm cake and brush it around as it melts. In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Sprinkle generously over the melted butter on top of the cake.
Step 9: Remove from Pan
Carefully remove the cake from the pan using parchment paper as handles. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Enjoy your delicious 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. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying a slice with your morning coffee, here are some creative serving suggestions.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm cake, enhancing its flavors and adding a delightful contrast in texture.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- A generous drizzle of caramel sauce over the cake adds sweetness and richness, making it an indulgent dessert option.
Topped with Fresh Whipped Cream
- Light and airy whipped cream complements the dense texture of the cake, making each bite feel luxurious and refreshing.
Accompanied by Hot Apple Cider
- Serve this cake alongside a warm mug of spiced apple cider for a cozy fall-inspired treat that enhances the apple flavor.
Sprinkled with Nuts
- Chopped pecans or walnuts on top add a crunchy element that elevates both presentation and taste.
Served as Breakfast
- Enjoy slices of Apple Cider Donut Cake as a sweet breakfast option, perfect with coffee or tea for a satisfying start to your day.
How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake
To ensure you create the best Apple Cider Donut Cake possible, consider these helpful tips.
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Use fresh apple cider: Freshly pressed apple cider gives the best flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the cake.
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Don’t skip reducing the cider: Reducing the cider intensifies its flavor, ensuring your cake has that rich apple essence.
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Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to test if the cake is baked through. It should come out clean when inserted into the center.
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Let it cool properly: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before cutting helps maintain its structure and moisture.
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Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust cinnamon and allspice levels according to your taste preferences for added warmth.
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 excellent options to consider.
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Spiced Nuts: A mix of roasted nuts seasoned with cinnamon and nutmeg complements the flavors in the cake beautifully.
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can balance out the sweetness of the cake while adding vibrant color to your plate.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a nutritious side that contrasts nicely with the rich cake.
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Cheese Board: An assortment of cheeses offers savory elements that pair well with sweet desserts like this donut cake.
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Herbed Biscuit: Flaky biscuits infused with herbs provide a savory option to balance the sweetness of your dessert.
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Hot Chocolate: A warming beverage like hot chocolate makes for an inviting pairing on chilly days when you enjoy this cake.
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Pumpkin Soup: Creamy pumpkin soup brings seasonal flavors together and acts as a comforting starter before dessert.
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Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Crispy tortilla chips dusted with cinnamon sugar offer an extra crunch and fun way to enjoy more apple flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Ignoring the cider reduction – Failing to reduce the apple cider can lead to a cake that lacks depth in flavor. Always boil it down to half for the best taste.
- Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can make your cake dense. Stir until just combined for a lighter texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Using too much or too little of key ingredients can alter the cake’s consistency. Use precise measurements for success.
- Skipping the cooling step – Cutting into the cake too soon can result in a messy slice. Allow it to cool slightly before serving.
- Using warm butter for topping – If the butter is too warm, it may melt away instead of coating the cake. Use butter at cool room temperature for better coverage.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Apple Cider Donut Cake in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Apple Cider Donut Cake
- Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
- The cake will maintain its quality for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Apple Cider Donut Cake
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F and heat slices for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave – Heat individual slices on high for 15-20 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
- Stovetop – Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying Apple Cider Donut Cake.
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, store-bought apple cider works well! Just ensure it’s fresh and not too sweet.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt or even buttermilk for similar moisture and tang.
How do I make this cake gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Adjust baking time as needed.
What toppings go well with Apple Cider Donut Cake?
Consider adding whipped cream, caramel sauce, or nuts for extra texture and flavor!
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cider Donut Cake is a cozy treat that captures all the beloved flavors of classic apple cider donuts. Its ease of preparation makes it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or drizzles of icing. Try making this delightful dessert today!
Apple Cider Donut Cake
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 9 servings 1x
Description
Apple Cider Donut Cake is the ultimate fall treat that captures the essence of traditional apple cider donuts in a simple, easy-to-make cake form. Bursting with rich flavors of fresh apple cider and warm spices, this delightful cake is perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home. With just 12 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a dessert that pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of spiced cider. Enjoy this comforting cake as a delicious afternoon snack or a festive holiday dessert that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups fresh apple cider
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup light olive oil
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch square baking dish and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large sauté pan, boil the apple cider until reduced by half (about 5 minutes). Measure to ensure you have ¾ cup. Add diced butter and whisk until melted.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, olive oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
- Slowly mix in the reduced cider mixture until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the flour until just mixed; avoid overmixing.
- Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 22–25 minutes or until golden and baked through.
- Cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before adding toppings.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 90g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
