Delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake
Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe
If you’re looking for a dessert that beautifully captures the essence of fall, the Apple Cider Donut Cake is the perfect choice. This delightful cake combines the rich flavors of apple cider with warm spices and a tender crumb, reminiscent of classic apple cider donuts. It’s an ideal treat for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings, inviting everyone to savor a slice with a warm drink.
Why Make This Recipe
This Apple Cider Donut Cake is not just any ordinary dessert; it’s an experience. The reduction of apple cider intensifies its flavor, creating a moist and aromatic cake. With the added warmth of cinnamon and a buttery topping, this cake is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Best of all, it can be enjoyed any time of the year, making it a versatile choice for potlucks, family gatherings, or even a sweet snack at home.
How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own Apple Cider Donut Cake.
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
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter (or spray with oil) a 9” square baking dish, then line it with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over the sides.
- In a large sauté pan, boil the apple cider until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Measure to ensure it’s ¾ cup. Add the cold butter to the hot cider, whisking until combined.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
- Slowly whisk the boiled cider mixture into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the flour until the batter is just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes, or until the cake is puffed, golden, and baked through the center.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes on a cooling rack.
- Brush the top of the cake with the remaining butter as it melts.
- In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture liberally over the melted butter.
- Carefully remove the cake from the pan, and let it cool completely on the rack before slicing into squares.
How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake
This cake is best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Serve it as is, or consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. A warm cup of apple cider or coffee makes the perfect companion to this sweet delight.
How to Store Apple Cider Donut Cake
To keep your Apple Cider Donut Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze individual slices for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake
- Ensure the apple cider is fresh for the best flavor.
- For an even richer taste, consider adding chopped apples to the batter.
- Don’t skip the cinnamon sugar topping – it adds delightful flavor and texture.
Variations
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to customize the flavor profile.
- Add nuts or raisins for added texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, store-bought apple cider works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure it’s pure apple cider without added sugars or preservatives for the best flavor.
2. How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached, the cake is done.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just reheat slices in the oven briefly before serving for that fresh-baked taste.
Enjoy making and sharing your Apple Cider Donut Cake with friends and family, and bask in the cozy flavors of autumn!
Apple Cider Donut Cake
Ingredients
For the cake
- 1.5 cups fresh apple cider Make sure it's fresh for the best flavor.
- 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced Plus 1 tablespoon for brushing.
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup light olive oil Or other neutral oil.
- 1/4 cup sour cream Can substitute with Greek yogurt.
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt If using fine sea salt, use half by volume.
- 1.75 cups all-purpose flour
For the topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter (or spray with oil) a 9” square baking dish, then line it with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over the sides.
- In a large sauté pan, boil the apple cider until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Measure to ensure it’s ¾ cup. Add the cold butter to the hot cider, whisking until combined.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
- Slowly whisk the boiled cider mixture into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the flour until the batter is just combined.
Baking
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 22-25 minutes, or until the cake is puffed, golden, and baked through the center.
Finishing Touches
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes on a cooling rack.
- Brush the top of the cake with the remaining butter as it melts.
- In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this cinnamon sugar mixture liberally over the melted butter.
- Carefully remove the cake from the pan, and let it cool completely on the rack before slicing into squares.
