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 an afternoon pick-me-up, this cake brings warmth and nostalgia with every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the rich taste of apple cider combined with warm spices that create a delightful treat for your taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast—it’s delicious any time of day!
• Great for Sharing: Slice it into squares and share with friends and family at gatherings or potlucks.
• No Special Ingredients Required: All ingredients are easy to find at your local store, making it a hassle-free baking experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making this Apple Cider Donut Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch square baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• 9-inch square baking dish: This is essential for creating the perfect cake shape and ensures even baking throughout.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for efficient mixing of wet and dry ingredients separately before combining them.
• Whisk: A good whisk makes it easy to blend ingredients smoothly, ensuring a light texture in your cake.

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 line it with a piece of parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides to create a sling.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

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.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.

Step 4: Combine Cider Mixture

Slowly whisk the boiled cider into the wet mixture until well combined.

Step 5: Add Flour

Stir in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.

Step 6: Pour Batter Into Dish

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish evenly.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the pre-heated oven until the cake is puffed, golden and baked through in the middle, about 22-25 minutes.

Step 8: Cool Slightly

Place the cake on a cooling rack for about 5 minutes.

Step 9: Prepare Topping

Place butter on top of the cake as it melts. In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle liberally over the melted buttered surface.

Step 10: Remove from Pan

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

Now you have your delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Serving Apple Cider Donut Cake can be as fun and creative as making it! This cake is versatile and pairs well with various toppings and sides, making it perfect for any occasion.

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream – The classic pair that adds creaminess.
• Cinnamon ice cream – Enhances the spice notes of the cake.
• Caramel swirl ice cream – Adds a sweet, rich flavor contrast.

Drizzled with Glaze

• Simple icing – A mix of powdered sugar and milk creates a sweet finish.
• Maple glaze – Infuses the cake with warm, autumnal flavors.
• Cream cheese glaze – Adds tanginess that complements the sweetness.

Fresh Fruit Toppings

• Sliced apples – Fresh apple slices add crunch and freshness.
• Poached pears – Soft pears boost the dessert’s elegance.
• Berries – Strawberries or raspberries add a tart touch to balance sweetness.

Warmed Up

• Microwaved slices – A quick way to bring back warmth and enhance flavors.
• Topped with whipped cream – Light and airy, it makes the cake indulgent.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

To ensure your Apple Cider Donut Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh apple cider – Opt for freshly pressed cider for robust flavor.
• Measure accurately – Precision in measuring ingredients helps achieve the right texture.
• Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender.
• Check doneness – Use a toothpick; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
• Let it cool properly – Cooling prevents sogginess and helps maintain texture.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Pairing side dishes with your Apple Cider Donut Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Coffee – A warm cup complements the spices in the cake perfectly.
2. Hot Tea – Earl Grey or chai adds a fragrant touch that pairs well with sweetness.
3. Caramel Sauce – Drizzle on top for an extra indulgent treat; easy to make at home!
4. Fruit Salad – A light option that balances sweetness with fresh flavors, using seasonal fruits.
5. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola for a creamy, crunchy contrast alongside the cake.
6. Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can create an interesting savory contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can hinder your success. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using too much flour: Over-measuring flour can lead to a dry cake. Always spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy.
• Not reducing the apple cider enough: Failing to boil the cider down can result in a watery batter. Ensure that you reduce the cider by half to concentrate its flavor.
• Skipping the cooling step: Cutting into the cake too soon can make it fall apart. Allow it to cool slightly on a rack before slicing for better texture.
• Ignoring oven temperature calibration: Every oven is different; if yours runs hot or cold, adjust the baking temperature accordingly. Consider using an oven thermometer for precision.
• Forgetting to butter the pan: Not greasing your baking dish can lead to sticking. Butter (or oil) and line with parchment paper for easy release.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Apple Cider Donut Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• 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 slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one slice at a time on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions people have about making Apple Cider Donut Cake.

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Yes, store-bought apple cider works great! Just ensure it’s fresh and has no added preservatives.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for sour cream in this recipe, providing similar texture and tanginess.

How do I know when my Apple Cider Donut Cake is done?

The cake is done when it is puffed up, golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Can I make this Apple Cider Donut Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

What’s the best way to serve this cake?

This cake is delicious served warm with coffee or tea, making it perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack!

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake brings all the flavors of your favorite seasonal treat into an easy-to-make snack cake. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it at breakfast or as dessert. Feel free to customize with nuts or different spices according to your taste!