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 nights in, or when you simply crave something delicious. With its warm spices and sweet apple flavor, this cake will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple and requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for busy days.
- Flavorful: The combination of fresh apple cider and warm spices brings out rich flavors that remind you of fall.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast with your morning coffee.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings, this cake is sure to impress family and friends alike.
- No Frying Required: Get the taste of donuts without the mess of frying.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes baking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essentials for making your Apple Cider Donut Cake.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9” square baking dish
- Large saute pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cooling rack
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- 9” square baking dish: Ensures even baking and helps achieve the perfect texture for your cake.
- Whisk: Essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth batter.
- Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cake, preventing sogginess while it cools.
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) 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 line it with a piece of parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides to create a sling.
Step 2: Reduce the 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 Mixtures
Slowly whisk the boiled cider into the wet mixture until well combined.
Step 5: Incorporate Flour
Stir in the flour until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Bake in the pre-heated oven until puffed and golden brown in color—about 22–25 minutes.
Step 7: Cool Slightly
Place the cake on a cooling rack for about five minutes.
Step 8: Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Place butter on top of the warm cake and brush it around as it melts. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture liberally over the buttered surface.
Step 9: Final Cool Down
Remove the cake from the pan using parchment paper as handles. Let it cool on a rack before slicing into squares.
Now you have a delectable Apple Cider Donut Cake ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake
Apple Cider Donut Cake is a versatile treat that pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, there are plenty of ways to elevate your cake experience.
With Fresh Fruits
- Sliced Apples – Serve fresh apple slices on the side to enhance the apple flavor.
- Berries – A handful of mixed berries can add a burst of color and tartness.
With Whipped Cream
- Sweetened Whipped Cream – Top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
- Cinnamon Whipped Cream – Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to whipped cream for a delightful twist.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delicious contrast to the warm cake.
- Caramel Ice Cream – For a decadent treat, serve it with caramel-flavored ice cream.
With Coffee or Tea
- Coffee – Enjoy your cake with a steaming cup of coffee for the perfect morning boost.
- Herbal Tea – Pair with chamomile or chai tea for a soothing afternoon snack.
How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake
To make your Apple Cider Donut Cake even more delightful, consider these tips that ensure the best results every time you bake.
- Use Fresh Apple Cider – Fresh cider provides a more robust flavor compared to bottled options.
- Don’t Overmix Batter – Gently fold in the flour to avoid a dense cake; overmixing can lead to toughness.
- Check Oven Temperature – Ensure your oven is calibrated correctly for even baking and perfect texture.
- Let It Cool Completely – Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing for cleaner cuts and better presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donut Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Apple Cider Donut Cake can enhance its flavors and create a balanced meal. Here are some great options:
- Greek Yogurt – A small bowl of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein, making your snack more filling.
- Maple Syrup Drizzle – A drizzle of maple syrup complements the apple flavors beautifully and adds sweetness.
- Candied Nuts – Crunchy, candied nuts provide texture contrast and an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheese Platter – Include sharp cheddar or brie; their savory notes balance the sweetness of the cake.
- Pumpkin Soup – A warm bowl of pumpkin soup offers seasonal flavors that pair well with the cake.
- Chai Spiced Tea – The spices in chai tea echo those in the cake, enhancing your overall taste experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Apple Cider Donut Cake can be a delightful experience, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
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Using warm ingredients: Always make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Warm ingredients can affect the cake’s texture and rise.
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Not reducing the cider enough: Ensure the apple cider is boiled down to ¾ cup. Insufficient reduction can lead to a watery batter, affecting flavor and consistency.
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Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake rather than a light, fluffy texture.
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Skipping the parchment paper: Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes it easier to remove the cake from the pan. Always line your baking dish.
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Ignoring cooling time: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before cutting helps maintain its structure. Cutting too early can result in crumbly pieces.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place wax paper or parchment between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.
Freezing Apple Cider Donut Cake
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for best results.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Apple Cider Donut Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual pieces on high for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Apple Cider Donut Cake:
How do I enhance the flavor of my Apple Cider Donut Cake?
Adding fresh spices like grated nutmeg or cloves can deepen the flavor profile of your cake.
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, store-bought apple cider works perfectly fine! Just choose one that’s fresh and flavorful.
Is Apple Cider Donut Cake suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely! It makes a wonderful breakfast treat paired with coffee or tea.
How can I customize my Apple Cider Donut Cake?
Feel free to add nuts, chocolate chips, or even a glaze on top to make it uniquely yours!
Final Thoughts
Apple Cider Donut Cake is not only easy to make but also brings the cozy flavors of fall into any season. Its versatility allows you to customize it with additional ingredients or toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Apple Cider Donut Cake
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 9 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake, a simple yet scrumptious alternative to traditional apple cider donuts. This easy-to-make snack cake captures the essence of autumn, featuring fresh apple cider and warm spices that will make your home smell heavenly. With minimal prep time and no frying required, it’s perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home. Whether served as a dessert, paired with morning coffee, or enjoyed as an afternoon snack, this cake is bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 1–½ cups fresh apple cider
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup light olive oil
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1–¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1–½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1–½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Pinch allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon butter at cool room temperature
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and prepare a 9” square baking dish with butter and parchment paper.
- In a large saute pan, boil fresh apple cider until reduced by half (about 5 minutes). Mix in diced cold butter.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, sugars, oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
- Slowly add the boiled cider mixture to the wet ingredients and mix well.
- Gently fold in flour until just combined. Pour batter into the prepared dish.
- Bake for 22–25 minutes until golden brown. Cool slightly before adding melted butter and cinnamon sugar on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
