Apple Cider Donut Cake has become my absolute favorite fall treat, bringing back so many cozy memories from my childhood. I used to love visiting the local apple orchard, and the smell of fresh apple cider donuts always filled the air. This easy Apple Cider Doughnut Cake recipe captures that nostalgic feeling perfectly, transforming those beloved flavors into a super simple snack cake. It’s got that warm spice and tangy apple kick, making it the ideal homemade apple cider donut cake for a chilly autumn afternoon. You’ll truly taste the season in every bite. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Donut Cake
I know you’ll fall in love with this Apple Cider Donut Cake for so many reasons. It captures all the warmth and spice of autumn in a simple, delightful dessert. Here are just a few:
- It tastes just like your favorite apple cider donuts, but in an easy-to-bake cake form.
- This easy Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe is incredibly quick to prepare, perfect for busy days.
- You’ll appreciate how budget-friendly it is, using common pantry ingredients.
- It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting treat without needing a deep fryer.
- This easy Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
- The moist texture and spiced apple flavor are simply irresistible.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Donut Cake
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a truly delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake. I’ve found that using fresh, quality components really makes a difference in the final flavor. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful Spiced Apple Cider Cake:
- 1-½ cups fresh apple cider – this is the star, reduced down for concentrated flavor.
- 4 tablespoons (66 grams) cold unsalted butter, diced – for richness and moisture.
- 2 large eggs – bind everything together and add structure.
- ⅓ cup (70 grams) granulated sugar – for sweetness.
- ½ cup (110 grams) lightly packed brown sugar – adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
- ⅓ cup (70 grams) light olive oil (or other neutral oil) – contributes to the cake’s moist texture.
- ¼ cup (66 grams) sour cream (or greek yogurt) – my secret for an incredibly tender crumb.
- 1-½ teaspoons baking powder – for lift.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – works with the cider for leavening.
- 1-½ teaspoons ground cinnamon – essential for that classic donut cake spice.
- Pinch allspice – enhances the warm spice profile.
- ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt – balances the sweetness (use half by volume if using fine sea salt).
- 1-¾ cups (210 grams) all-purpose flour – the base of our cake.
- 1 tablespoon butter, at cool room temperature – for the delicious topping.
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar – for the cinnamon sugar topping.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – for that irresistible cinnamon sugar coating.
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake
Making this Apple Cider Donut Cake is a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll love how easily it comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a wonderfully moist and flavorful cake in no time. The aroma alone as you’re baking apple cider cake will fill your kitchen with autumn cheer!
- Step 1: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, butter or spray a 9-inch square baking dish with oil. I always line mine with a piece of parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides; this creates a handy sling that makes removing the cake so much easier after baking.
- Step 2: In a large sauté pan, pour in the 1-½ cups of fresh apple cider. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer until it has reduced by half, which usually takes about 5 minutes. You’re aiming for exactly ¾ cup of concentrated cider. This reduced apple cider is truly key for that deep, authentic Apple Cider Donut Cake flavor. Once reduced, add the diced cold unsalted butter to the hot cider and whisk until it’s completely melted and combined.
- Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, light olive oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, 1-½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, allspice, and kosher salt. This creates your wet mixture, full of warm spices.
- Step 4: Slowly pour the warm, reduced cider and butter mixture into the wet ingredients. Whisk continuously as you pour to ensure everything is well incorporated without cooking the eggs.
- Step 5: Gently stir in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are fine and will result in a more tender cake. This soft batter is now ready for baking apple cider cake.
- Step 6: Pour the luscious batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out with a spatula if needed to ensure an even layer.
- Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes, or until the cake is puffed up, golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell will be absolutely incredible at this point!
- Step 8: Once baked, remove the Apple Cider Donut Cake from the oven and place it on a cooling rack for 5 minutes. While it’s still warm, take the tablespoon of cool room temperature butter and place it on top of the cake. As it melts, use a pastry brush to spread it evenly over the entire surface.
- Step 9: In a small bowl, mix together the ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Liberally sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture over the buttered top of the cake. This creates that iconic donut-like coating.
- Step 10: Using the parchment paper sling, carefully lift the cake out of the pan and let it cool completely on the rack. While it’s tempting, allowing the Apple Cider Donut Cake to cool slightly before cutting will give you cleaner slices.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Cider Donut Cake
I’ve made this Apple Cider Donut Cake countless times, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way that guarantee a perfect result every time. These expert tips will help you achieve that ideal texture and flavor, just like your favorite bakery-style donut.
- Always use fresh apple cider and reduce it properly. This concentrates the apple flavor, which is crucial for a truly authentic taste.
- Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined for a tender crumb.
- Make sure your butter and sour cream are at room temperature (except for the cold butter for the reduction). This ensures they incorporate smoothly into the batter.
- Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar topping. It’s what truly transforms this cake into an “apple cider donut” experience.
What’s the secret to perfect moist apple cider cake?
The secret to a perfectly moist apple cider cake lies in two key ingredients: the reduced apple cider and the sour cream (or Greek yogurt). The concentrated cider adds intense flavor and moisture, while the sour cream contributes to an incredibly tender and rich crumb that keeps the cake from drying out.
Can I make Apple Cider Donut Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Apple Cider Donut Cake is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can bake it up to 2 days in advance. Once completely cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Cider Donut Cake?
To avoid common mistakes with your Apple Cider Donut Cake, first, ensure your cider is reduced by exactly half; too little reduction means weaker apple flavor. Second, don’t overbake! Keep an eye on it and remove it as soon as a toothpick comes out clean. Lastly, resist the urge to cut into it before it cools slightly, as this helps it set and prevents crumbling.
Best Ways to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake
This Apple Cider Donut Cake is truly versatile, and I love experimenting with different ways to serve it to enhance its deliciousness. It’s fantastic on its own, but a few simple additions can elevate it into a truly special dessert experience.
For a cozy, comforting treat, I often serve a warm slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The cool creaminess perfectly complements the warm, spiced cake. If you want to make it an elegant Apple cider dessert cake, consider drizzling it with a light caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted pecans for added texture. It’s also delightful alongside a hot mug of coffee or, of course, a fresh cup of apple cider for an extra autumnal touch.
Nutrition Facts for Apple Cider Donut Cake
I know many of you are curious about the nutritional information for your favorite treats, so here are the estimated facts for a single serving of this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake. This recipe yields about 12 slices, making it easy to portion out.
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Please remember that these nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and ingredients you choose to use.
How to Store and Reheat Apple Cider Donut Cake
Once you’ve baked your delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake, properly storing it ensures it stays fresh and moist for days. After the cake has completely cooled, which is crucial for preventing condensation, I recommend wrapping individual slices tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in an airtight container.
You can keep this delightful old-fashioned Apple Cider Cake at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, this cake freezes beautifully! Wrap slices individually, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; it will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw slices at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until just warm and soft.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Donut Cake
What is Apple Cider Donut Cake?
An Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delicious dessert that captures all the warm, spiced flavors of a traditional apple cider donut, but in an easy-to-bake cake form. I like to think of it as a simplified version of my favorite fall treat, perfect for when you crave that classic taste without the fuss of frying. It’s typically moist, full of apple cider flavor, and often topped with a cinnamon sugar coating, just like its fried counterpart.
Can I use a different type of oil in this Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe?
Yes, you absolutely can! While I prefer light olive oil for this Apple Cider Donut Cake because of its neutral flavor and moistening properties, you can easily substitute it with other neutral-flavored oils. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or even melted coconut oil (if you don’t mind a slight coconut hint) would work perfectly. The key is to use an oil that won’t overpower the delicate apple and spice flavors.
How do I get the best apple flavor in my Apple Cider Donut Cake?
The secret to the best apple flavor in your Apple Cider Donut Cake lies in reducing the apple cider. This step, where you boil down 1-½ cups of cider to ¾ cup, concentrates the apple’s natural sweetness and tang, infusing the cake with an intense, authentic taste. Don’t skip this crucial step! Using fresh, good quality apple cider also makes a noticeable difference, as does the addition of warm spices like cinnamon and allspice.
Can I make this Apple Cider Donut Cake in a Bundt pan?
Yes, you can certainly adapt this recipe to make an Apple Cider Donut Cake in a Bundt pan! You’ll likely need to increase the baking time slightly, typically by 5-10 minutes, as Bundt pans are deeper. Make sure to grease and flour your Bundt pan very thoroughly to prevent sticking, or use a non-stick baking spray. The cinnamon sugar topping can still be applied generously once the cake is out of the pan and still warm.
Variations of Apple Cider Donut Cake You Can Try
I love how adaptable this Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe is, allowing you to customize it to your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few variations I’ve tried that you might enjoy, ensuring this delicious autumn treat suits everyone:
- Gluten-Free Version: You can easily make this an amazing gluten-free Apple Cider Donut Cake by simply substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. The texture remains wonderfully moist.
- Cider Donut Bundt Cake: For a more elegant presentation, bake this recipe in a Bundt pan! It creates a stunning Cider Donut Bundt Cake that’s perfect for gatherings. Just be sure to grease and flour your pan well and adjust baking time slightly.
- Spiced Pear or Apple Swirl: For an extra burst of fruit flavor, swirl in some homemade spiced pear sauce or finely diced cooked apples into the batter before baking. It adds another layer of autumnal goodness to your Apple Cider Donut Cake.
- Cream Cheese Glaze: Instead of the cinnamon sugar topping, try a simple cream cheese glaze. Whisk together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, a splash of milk, and a tiny bit of vanilla for a tangy contrast to the spiced cake.
Apple Cider Donut Cake: 1 Sinfully Moist Treat
- Total Time: 00:34
- Yield: 12 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cider Donut Cake has all the flavor of your favorite seasonal treat, but made as a super easy snack cake. It’s perfect if you love apple cider donuts but want a simpler baking process.
Ingredients
- 1–½ cups fresh apple cider
- 4 tablespoons (66 grams) cold unsalted butter, diced
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup (70 grams) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (110 grams) lightly packed brown sugar
- ⅓ 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
- ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt (if using fine sea salt use half by volume)
- 1–¾ cups (210 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon butter, at cool room temperature (for topping)
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter (or spray with oil) a 9” square baking dish and line it with a piece of parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides to create a sling.
- In a large saute pan, boil the apple cider until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Measure to ensure it is ¾ cup. Add the butter to the hot cider, and whisk to combine. This reduced apple cider is key for the apple cider donut cake flavor.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice and salt.
- Slowly whisk the boiled cider into the wet mixture.
- Stir in the flour to combine. This forms your apple cider donut cake batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake in the pre-heated oven until the cake is puffed, golden and baked through the middle, about 22-25 minutes.
- Place the apple cider cake on a cooling rack for 5 minutes.
- Place the butter on top of the cake, and brush it around as it melts.
- In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture liberally over the buttered surface of the apple cider donut cake.
- Remove the cake from the pan, and let it cool on the rack.
- Allow the apple cider donut cake to cool slightly before cutting it into squares.
Notes
- Ensure the apple cider is reduced by half for concentrated flavor.
- Using a parchment paper sling makes removing the cake easy.
- Adjust salt if using fine sea salt.
- Prep Time: 00:12
- Cook Time: 00:22
- Category: Sweets
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
