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. Ideal for cozy gatherings or a delightful dessert after dinner, this cake is sure to impress with its warm spices and sweet apple aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe allows you to enjoy the flavors of apple cider donuts without the hassle of frying.
• Flavorful Delight: Bursting with cinnamon and apple cider, every bite is a taste of fall.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert; it’s great for any occasion.
• Simple Ingredients: Most ingredients are pantry staples, making it easy to whip up whenever you crave something sweet.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With 12 generous slices, it’s perfect for sharing at parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Gathering the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• A 9” square baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• 9” square baking dish: This specific size ensures even cooking and perfect slice sizes for serving.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps in organizing your ingredients efficiently.
• Whisk: A good whisk is essential for combining wet ingredients and ensuring a smooth batter.

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 your 9” square baking dish by buttering it or spraying it with oil. Line it with parchment paper long enough 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 you have ¾ cup. Once reduced, add the diced butter into the hot cider and whisk until combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
* The two large eggs
* Granulated sugar
* Brown sugar
* Light olive oil
* Sour cream
* Baking powder
* Baking soda
* Ground cinnamon
* Allspice
* Coarse kosher salt

Slowly whisk in the boiled cider mixture until well incorporated.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Stir in the all-purpose flour gradually until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven until puffed, golden brown, and cooked through in the center; this should take about 22–25 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Top the Cake

Once baked, place your cake on a cooling rack for about 5 minutes. Then, place cool room temperature butter on top of the cake and brush it around as it melts evenly.

Step 7: Add Cinnamon Sugar

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

Step 8: Final Steps

Remove the cake from the pan using the parchment sling and let it cool completely on a rack. Allow it to cool slightly before cutting into squares for serving.

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 prefer it plain or dressed up, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience of this seasonal favorite.

For Breakfast

• With Coffee: Pair a slice with your morning coffee for a cozy start to the day.
• Topped with Yogurt: Add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for a creamy contrast.

As a Snack

• With Fresh Fruit: Serve alongside sliced apples or pears to complement the apple flavors.
• With Cheese: A slice of sharp cheddar cheese pairs beautifully with the sweet cake.

Dessert Option

• With Ice Cream: Enjoy warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
• Drizzled with Caramel Sauce: Add some warmth and sweetness with a drizzle of caramel on top.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

To achieve the best results with your Apple Cider Donut Cake, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your cake turns out moist and flavorful every time.

• Boldly Reduce Cider: Boil the cider until reduced by half for intensified apple flavor.
• Boldly Measure Ingredients: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect texture and taste.
• Boldly Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and butter to reach room temperature for better mixing and fluffiness.
• Boldly Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the center is baked through; it should come out clean when done.
• Boldly Cool Before Serving: Letting the cake cool slightly enhances its texture and makes slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Apple Cider Donut Cake pairs well with various side dishes, making it versatile for any occasion. Here are some excellent options to serve alongside your cake.

1. Bold Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Bold Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add savory flavor and color to your plate.
3. Bold Vanilla Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruits for a refreshing complement.
4. Bold Spiced Nuts: A bowl of spiced mixed nuts offers crunch and complements the cake’s spice notes.
5. Bold Hot Apple Cider: Serve warm apple cider as a cozy drink alongside each slice.
6. Bold Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup provides warmth and contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can lead to less-than-ideal results. Avoid these pitfalls for the best outcome.

• Bold measurement errors: Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin the texture and flavor. Use a kitchen scale for precision.
• Bold skipping the reduction step: Failing to reduce the apple cider will affect the flavor intensity. Always boil until it’s reduced by half.
• Bold overmixing the batter: Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined to keep it light and fluffy.
• Bold neglecting cooling time: Cutting into the cake too soon can affect its structure. Allow it to cool slightly before slicing for better results.
• Bold using improper baking temperature: Baking at incorrect temperatures can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven properly for consistent results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
• • Ensure the cake is completely cooled before sealing it to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Apple Cider Donut Cake

• • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• • Label with the date so you know when to use it.

Reheating Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid, for about 5 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about this delightful dessert, here are some frequently asked questions regarding Apple Cider Donut Cake.

Can I substitute other types of oil?

Yes, you can use any neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, in place of light olive oil without altering the flavor significantly.

How do I know when my cake is done?

The cake should be puffed and golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s fully baked.

Can I use other spices?

Certainly! Feel free to experiment with nutmeg or ginger alongside cinnamon for added warmth and depth of flavor.

What makes this recipe special?

The combination of fresh apple cider and warming spices brings out classic autumn flavors while being super easy to make.

Can I add nuts or fruits?

Yes! Chopped walnuts or diced apples can enhance texture and flavor—just fold them into the batter before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake captures all the delightful flavors of traditional apple cider donuts without the fuss of frying. It’s perfect for gatherings or as a cozy treat with your coffee. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite spices or add-ins for a personal touch!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Apple Cider Donut Cake

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 12 slices 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake! This easy-to-make snack cake captures the essence of traditional apple cider donuts without the frying fuss. With its warm spices and sweet apple aroma, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or as a comforting dessert after dinner. Whether you enjoy it plain, topped with yogurt, or paired with ice cream, this cake is sure to impress friends and family alike!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 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
• 1–¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon butter, at cool room temperature for topping
• ¼ cup granulated sugar for topping
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9” square baking dish with butter or oil and parchment paper.
2. Boil the apple cider in a large sauté pan until reduced by half (about 5 minutes). Whisk in the diced butter until melted.
3. In a medium bowl, mix eggs, sugars, oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Gradually whisk in the reduced cider mixture.
4. Gently fold in the flour until just combined.
5. Pour batter into the prepared dish and bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Cool slightly before topping with melted butter and a cinnamon-sugar mix.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 60mg