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 any time you crave a delicious dessert, this cake is sure to impress with its warm spices and delightful sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, this cake comes together quickly.
• Delicious Flavor: The rich taste of apple cider combined with warm spices creates a comforting dessert.
• Versatile Treat: Serve it as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast; it fits any occasion!
• No Frying Required: Enjoy the classic apple cider donut flavors without the mess of frying.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 12 slices, making it ideal for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process. Having everything ready will help you enjoy making this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9” square baking dish
• Large sauté pan
• Medium mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cooling rack
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• 9” Square Baking Dish: Provides even baking and is the perfect size for this cake.
• Large Sauté Pan: Ideal for reducing the apple cider quickly without splattering.
• Whisk: Ensures all ingredients are well combined for a smooth batter.

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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 your oven to 350°F. Prepare your baking dish by buttering it or spraying it with oil. Line it with parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides, creating a sling for easy removal later.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

In a large sauté pan, boil the apple cider until reduced by half. This should take about 5 minutes. Measure out to ensure you have about ¾ cup. Add in the diced cold butter and whisk until melted and combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. The eggs,
2. Granulated sugar,
3. Brown sugar,
4. Olive oil,
5. Sour cream,
6. Baking powder,
7. Baking soda,
8. Ground cinnamon,
9. Allspice,
10. Coarse kosher salt.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Slowly whisk the reduced apple cider into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 5: Add Flour

Gently stir in the all-purpose flour until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven until puffed and golden brown—about 22 to 25 minutes.

Step 7: Cool Slightly

Allow the cake to cool on a rack for about 5 minutes once removed from the oven.

Step 8: Add Topping

Place room temperature butter on top of the warm cake; brush it around as it melts evenly across the surface.

Step 9: Cinnamon Sugar Finish

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

Step 10: Final Cooling

Remove the cake from its pan using your parchment sling and let it cool completely on a rack before cutting into squares.

Enjoy this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake! Each slice offers that comforting flavor reminiscent of fall treats while being incredibly easy to prepare year-round.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Apple Cider Donut Cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate your serving experience with a few simple additions. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delicious cake.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for a light and airy contrast to the dense cake.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Pair your cake with vanilla or caramel ice cream for a comforting dessert that combines warm and cold textures.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Add richness by drizzling warm caramel sauce over the top. The sweetness enhances the apple flavors beautifully.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Serve with slices of fresh apples or pears on the side for a refreshing crunch that complements the cake’s sweetness.

Coffee or Tea Pairing

• Enjoy a slice with your favorite coffee or tea. The warm spices in the cake pair perfectly with these hot beverages.

Dusting of Powdered Sugar

• For a simple presentation boost, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar right before serving.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

Perfecting your Apple Cider Donut Cake is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure it turns out just right every time.

• Use Fresh Apple Cider: The flavor of your cake largely depends on the quality of cider. Opt for fresh cider from local orchards when possible.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Ensure precise measurements for baking powder and flour. This will help achieve the correct texture.

• Don’t Overmix: Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light one.

• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center to check if it’s done. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

• Cool Properly: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 5 minutes before transferring it to a rack, allowing it to set up without falling apart.

• Store Correctly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donut Cake

While Apple Cider Donut Cake shines as a stand-alone dessert, pairing it with complementary sides can enhance your meal experience. Consider these options:

1. Spiced Chai Latte: A warm cup of spiced chai latte adds cozy flavors that resonate well with cinnamon notes in the cake.

2. Maple Pecan Salad: A salad made with mixed greens, toasted pecans, and maple vinaigrette provides crunch and balances sweetness.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Savory roasted sweet potatoes offer a delightful contrast and bring out the autumnal flavors in both dishes.

4. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich and creamy mashed potatoes serve as comfort food that pairs well with dessert courses after hearty meals.

5. Apple Crisp: Another apple-themed dish like apple crisp can create an enjoyable combination of textures while remaining seasonally appropriate.

6. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can enhance flavors and make for an inviting appetizer alongside your cake serving.

7. Cinnamon-Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts with cinnamon seasoning provide crunch and depth, echoing the flavors found in your donut cake.

8. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the sweetness of the cake nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Apple Cider Donut Cake, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Incorrect measuring of ingredients: Using too much or too little flour can result in a dense cake. Always use a kitchen scale or the spoon-and-level method for accuracy.

• Not reducing the apple cider enough: Failing to boil the cider until it’s reduced by half can lead to a watery batter. Make sure to measure after reduction for the right consistency.

• Overmixing the batter: This can make your cake tough instead of light and fluffy. Mix just until the dry ingredients are combined with the wet ingredients.

• Skipping room temperature butter: If you don’t allow butter to soften slightly before mixing it into the batter, it may not blend well, resulting in uneven texture. Aim for cool room temperature butter.

• Underbaking or overbaking: Baking time varies with oven types. Always check for doneness using a toothpick inserted in the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

• Neglecting to cool properly: Cutting the cake while it’s still too warm can lead to crumbling. Let it cool adequately on a rack before slicing.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your cooled 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 slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds on high power.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making an Apple Cider Donut Cake:

Can I use other types of oil?

Yes, you can substitute light olive oil with other neutral oils like vegetable oil or canola oil without affecting the flavor significantly.

How can I make my Apple Cider Donut Cake gluten-free?

You can replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for better structure.

What is the best way to serve this Apple Cider Donut Cake?

This cake is delightful served warm or at room temperature, and pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea!

Can I add nuts or toppings?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add nice texture. You could also drizzle caramel sauce over individual slices for extra sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or dessert, its flavors capture the essence of fall. Feel free to customize it by adding spices or toppings that suit your taste!