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 family nights, or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee, this cake will delight everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: No frying needed! Just mix and bake for a delicious result.
• Rich Flavor: The fresh apple cider adds a depth of flavor, making every bite delightful.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s fall festivities or a simple dessert at home, this cake fits right in.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve as is, or top with your favorite frosting for an extra special treat.
• Great Leftovers: This cake stays moist and flavorful for days, making it perfect for meal prep.

Tools and Preparation

For this recipe, you will need some essential tools that make the process smooth and efficient. Let’s gather what you’ll need!

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9” square baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• 9” square baking dish: Perfect size for even baking and easy slicing.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without spills.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing wet ingredients.
• Cooling rack: Allows airflow around the cake, preventing sogginess.

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 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 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 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
* Olive oil
* Sour cream
* Baking powder
* Baking soda
* Ground cinnamon
* Allspice
* Salt

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Slowly whisk the boiled cider into the wet mixture until well combined. Stir in the flour until just combined.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

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 6: Cool and Add Topping

Place the cake on a cooling rack for 5 minutes. Place butter on top of the warm cake and brush it around as it melts.

Step 7: Sprinkle Cinnamon Sugar

In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture liberally over the buttered surface of your cake.

Step 8: Finish Up

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

Enjoy your homemade Apple Cider Donut Cake as a sweet treat anytime!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, this cake brings warmth and flavor to any occasion.

With a Hot Beverage

• Coffee: Pair your cake with a steaming cup of coffee for a cozy morning or afternoon pick-me-up.
• Tea: A warm cup of chai or herbal tea complements the spices in the cake beautifully.
• Apple Cider: Serve warm apple cider alongside for an extra burst of apple flavor.

Topped with Extras

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that contrasts well with the dense cake.
• Ice Cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream drizzled over warm slices creates a delicious dessert experience.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce on top for added sweetness and a touch of indulgence.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Fruit Salad: Fresh fruit salad adds brightness and balance to the richness of the cake.
• Cheese Platter: Include a variety of cheeses for guests to enjoy alongside their slices; sharp cheddar works well.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

Achieving the perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you get it just right.

• Choose Fresh Cider: Using fresh apple cider enhances the flavor profile significantly, making your cake more aromatic and delicious.
• Measure Accurately: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results. Use kitchen scales for precise ingredient ratios.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to maintain a tender crumb. Overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow eggs and sour cream to reach room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
• Check Doneness with a Toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.
• Cool Before Serving: Let the cake cool slightly before cutting; this helps it set up properly and makes slicing easier.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Apple Cider Donut Cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad – A medley of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Yogurt Parfait – Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy side that contrasts nicely with the cake’s texture.
3. Granola Bars – Homemade or store-bought granola bars offer an easy, chewy option that’s great for snacking alongside.
4. Cheese Board – A selection of cheeses, nuts, and dried fruits creates an elegant platter perfect for serving guests.
5. Roasted Nuts – Seasoned roasted nuts provide crunch and savory flavors that enhance the sweetness of the cake.
6. Smoothie Bowl – A colorful smoothie bowl made with apples and spices can be both nutritious and visually appealing for serving alongside your cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Apple Cider Donut Cake, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Incorrect cider measurement: Ensure you reduce the apple cider properly. Measure it after boiling to get the right amount for your cake.
• Not cooling the cake: Allowing the cake to cool too quickly can lead to crumbling. Give it time on a cooling rack before cutting into squares.
• Skipping parchment paper: Without parchment, the cake may stick to the pan. Always line your baking dish for easy removal.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cake dense. Stir until just combined for a light texture.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cake while baking, as cooking times may vary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking slices to prevent sticking.

Freezing Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a pan over low heat for a few minutes each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I make my Apple Cider Donut Cake more flavorful?

You can enhance flavors by adding spices like nutmeg or vanilla extract to the batter.

Can I use different oils in this recipe?

Yes, substitute light olive oil with other neutral oils like canola or grapeseed oil without affecting flavor.

What’s the best way to serve Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Serve with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top or alongside a scoop of ice cream for a delightful treat.

Can I substitute ingredients in the Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt can replace sour cream, and other sweeteners like maple syrup can be used instead of granulated sugar.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different spices or toppings based on your preferences. It’s an easy-to-make snack that captures all the wonderful flavors of fall. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to be a hit!