Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

If you love the cozy, spicy flavors of autumn, the Apple Cider Donut Cake is going to become your new go-to treat. Imagine the irresistible aroma of fresh apple cider simmered down to perfection, baked into a moist, tender cake that captures all the magic of classic apple cider donuts in an easy, sliceable form. This cake brings together the perfect balance of cinnamon, allspice, and just a hint of warmth that will make your kitchen feel like a fall festival. I’m so excited to share this Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe with you because it’s a simple, comforting dessert that feels homemade yet special enough for company.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting this Apple Cider Donut Cake right starts with a handful of accessible ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the tangy apple cider reduction to the tenderizing sour cream and cozy spices, every element works beautifully to build layers of flavor, texture, and color.

• Fresh apple cider: Reducing it concentrates the sweetness and deep apple flavor, which is the star of the cake.
• Cold unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps balance the cider’s acidity.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and a lovely tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while keeping it light.
• Lightly packed brown sugar: Brings a hint of molasses flavor and moistness.
• Light olive oil (or neutral oil): Adds moistness without overpowering flavor.
• Sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Adds tang and keeps the cake tender.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Leaven the cake to a perfect rise.
• Ground cinnamon and allspice: Infuse warm, spiced notes.
• Coarse kosher salt (or fine sea salt): Enhances all flavors by balancing sweetness.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cake’s structure.
• Butter for topping: Adds a luscious finishing touch.
• Granulated sugar and cinnamon for dusting: Create that iconic sugar-spiced crust reminiscent of apple cider donuts.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Reduce the Cider

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9-inch square baking dish. Line it with parchment paper to make lifting the cake out a cinch later. Then, bring your fresh apple cider to a rapid boil in a large sauté pan and reduce it by half — about 5 minutes — until you have ¾ cup of intensely flavored, slightly syrupy cider. Stir in the cold diced butter until melted and smooth. This step is crucial because the concentrated cider forms the fragrant heart of the cake.

Step 2: Whisk Together Wet Ingredients and Spices

In a medium bowl, combine the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, olive oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Whisk them thoroughly so every ingredient is beautifully blended, creating a luscious batter base filled with warm, spiced notes ready to awaken your senses.

Step 3: Incorporate the Boiled Cider and Flour

Slowly add the warm cider and butter mixture into the wet ingredients, whisking continuously to avoid curdling the eggs. Once combined, gently fold in the flour until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing here to keep your Apple Cider Donut Cake tender and cakey, not dense.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Puffy

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for about 22 to 25 minutes or until the cake is puffed up, golden on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This is the moment when your kitchen starts smelling like an apple orchard on fall day!

Step 5: Add the Butter and Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool on a rack for 5 minutes. Then, spread the softened butter over the warm cake’s surface, letting it melt into every nook and cranny. Finally, sprinkle generously with a mix of cinnamon and granulated sugar to mimic that crisp, sugary bite apple cider donuts are famous for. Carefully lift the cake from the pan using the parchment sling and let it cool just enough to slice into squares without crumbling.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Garnishes

Just like apple cider donuts, this cake shines brightest with simple, complementary garnishes. A dusting of powdered sugar really highlights the cake’s edges. For a decadent touch, add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that melts over the warm cake, creating a dreamy contrast of flavors and textures.

Side Dishes

This Apple Cider Donut Cake pairs fantastically with a hot cup of spiced tea or a bold coffee. For brunch, serve it alongside apple butter or a sharp cheddar cheese plate to play with sweet and savory contrasts. Fresh apple slices or a small salad with nuts and cranberries also make lovely companions to balance the cake’s sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the Apple Cider Donut Cake into bite-sized squares for a charming dessert platter, perfect for sharing at gatherings. Alternatively, use cookie cutters to create fun shapes for festive occasions. Layer cubes of this cake with cinnamon-spiced whipped cream and fresh apples in glass trifle bowls for an eye-catching dessert that tastes as incredible as it looks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake keeps well covered at room temperature for up to two days. To maintain freshness and moisture, store it in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap. If your kitchen is warm, the fridge is a better spot but let it come to room temperature before serving to bring back its tender texture.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of Apple Cider Donut Cake for up to three months. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a ziplock freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or on the counter for a few hours.

Reheating

To revive your cake’s fresh-baked warmth, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or wrap in foil and warm gently in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. Brush with a little melted butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar to bring back that freshly baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple cider for this recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh apple cider is ideal for the best flavor, but high-quality store-bought apple cider works perfectly and often has the same rich, fruity essence that makes this cake so special.

What if I don’t have sour cream? Can I substitute it?

You can safely substitute sour cream with an equal amount of Greek yogurt or even buttermilk. These alternatives will still add moisture and a touch of tang without compromising texture.

Is this Apple Cider Donut Cake gluten-free friendly?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can experiment with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Keep in mind that texture may slightly vary, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Can I make this cake vegan?

To make a vegan version, swap the eggs for flax or chia eggs, use a plant-based yogurt instead of sour cream, and replace butter with a vegan alternative. Using a neutral oil like coconut or vegetable oil also helps keep the cake moist.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Look for a golden-brown, puffed-up top. Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Don’t overbake, or it might dry out.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is the perfect bridge between classic fall flavors and simple homemade comfort food. It’s a recipe that brings warmth to your table and smiles to your loved ones with every bite. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh from the oven or reheated with a cozy beverage, I promise it will quickly become a cherished favorite. Give it a try, and let the magic of apple cider and spice fill your kitchen and heart!

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