The smell of autumn wafts through the kitchen as I prepare to bake my favorite seasonal delight: Apple Cider Donut Cake. This easy-to-make dessert captures the essence of fall with every bite, combining the warm, spicy tones of cinnamon and nutmeg with the sweetness of fresh apple cider. What’s even better? You’ll enjoy a delightful cake without the hassle of deep-frying! Perfect for cozy gatherings or simply indulging at home, this recipe delivers a tender crumb that will have everyone coming back for more. Curious about how to create this simple yet scrumptious treat? Let’s dive into the details!
Why is this Apple Cider Donut Cake special?
Simplicity at its Best: The Apple Cider Donut Cake is a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for bakers of any skill level.
Warm Autumn Flavors: Infused with the rich tastes of cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake brings the essence of fall into your home.
No Deep-Frying Required: Enjoy the beloved taste of apple cider donuts without the mess and extra calories of frying.
Versatile Variations: Feel free to customize toppings or mix in finely grated apples, making it uniquely yours every time.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for parties, this cake surely impresses guests when paired with coffee or spiced chai, just like our beloved Moist Apple Bread or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Apple Cider Donut Cake Ingredients
• Here’s everything you need to make your delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake!
For the Cake
- Fresh Apple Cider – Provides the essential autumn flavor. Substitution: Can use store-bought apple cider or juice.
- Cold Unsalted Butter – Adds richness and moisture. Substitution: Use margarine or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
- Large Eggs – Provides structure and helps bind the ingredients. Note: Room temperature eggs work best.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake. Substitution: Coconut sugar for a more caramelized flavor.
- Brown Sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor. No direct substitution; it uniquely contributes to the texture and taste.
- Light Olive Oil – Adds moisture and keeps the cake tender. Substitution: Can use any neutral oil like vegetable or canola.
- Sour Cream – Contributes to the cake’s moistness and tang. Substitution: Greek yogurt could be used instead.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Leavening agents for a fluffy texture.
- Ground Cinnamon – Provides warmth and spice. Note: Adjust cinnamon for less spice if desired.
- Allspice – Enhances the autumn flavor profile. Substitution: Nutmeg can be used as an alternative.
- Coarse Kosher Salt – Balances sweetness. Substitution: Use fine sea salt in half the amount.
- All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure. Substitution: For gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend.
For the Topping
- Melted Butter – Helps the topping adhere beautifully.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture – Adds a delightful, sweet crust. Tip: Adjust the cinnamon to your taste!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, take a bundt pan and generously grease it with butter or cooking spray, ensuring every crevice is covered. Then, dust the pan with a light sprinkle of flour, tapping out any excess. This preparation will help your Apple Cider Donut Cake release easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, allspice, and coarse kosher salt. This blend of dry ingredients is essential for achieving the right texture in your cake. Once well combined, set this bowl aside, allowing all the flavors to unite while you move on to the next step.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the cold unsalted butter until it becomes light and smooth. Gradually add in both granulated and brown sugars, mixing until the mixture is fluffy and well-combined. Next, incorporate the large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Then, stir in the light olive oil until fully incorporated, lending richness to your Apple Cider Donut Cake.
Step 4: Combine Liquids
In a separate bowl, whisk together the fresh apple cider and sour cream until smooth. This mixture will infuse your cake with that delightful autumn flavor. Make sure everything is blended well, creating a cohesive liquid mixture that will soon join the dry ingredients for a perfect balance of moisture and flavor in your batter.
Step 5: Combine Batter
With your mixer set to low speed, alternate adding the dry mixture to the butter-sugar-egg mixture and the liquid apple cider-sour cream blend. Start and end with the dry mixture to ensure optimal mixing. Blend until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense cake. Your Apple Cider Donut Cake batter should be fluffy and thick.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The cake is done when it has risen beautifully and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes for that golden-brown perfection!
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Once baked, remove the bundt pan from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the cake to set slightly and makes it easier to release. After the cooling time, carefully invert the bundt pan onto the wire rack, allowing the cake to slide out. Let it cool completely before adding the finishing touches.
Step 8: Apply Topping
To finish your Apple Cider Donut Cake, brush the top and sides with melted butter while it’s still warm. Then, generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over it, ensuring even coverage. This final touch creates a lovely sweet crust, reminiscent of the classic apple cider donuts, and elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative and personalize your cake with these delightful twists that will amaze your taste buds!
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Maple Glaze: Drizzle a maple glaze over the top for a sweet, sticky finish that echoes the flavors of Vermont’s fall foliage. The rich maple elevates every bite, making it even more indulgent!
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Cream Cheese Frosting: Top your cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting for a creamy, tangy contrast. This addition not only looks beautiful but also adds a delightful richness!
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Fruit Medley: Incorporate finely grated apple or chopped pears into the batter for an extra burst of fruity flavor. The added moisture and sweetness will keep your cake tender and delicious.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in toasted chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture and a nutty flavor profile. The nutty crunch perfectly complements the soft cake and autumn spices!
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Mini Cakes: Convert your recipe into mini cakes using a muffin tin or a mini bundt pan. Perfectly portioned, these little treats are ideal for sharing at cozy gatherings or as an adorable afternoon snack.
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Spice Variations: Experiment with more exotic spices like cardamom or ginger to give your cake a unique twist. Each spice adds its own warm character, inviting you to enjoy a world of autumn flavors!
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Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the sour cream and butter with coconut yogurt and coconut oil for a dairy-free delight. The coconut will add a subtle richness while ensuring everyone can enjoy this treat.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to cater to those with gluten sensitivities. You won’t lose any of the wonderful texture or flavor in the process!
Pair your Apple Cider Donut Cake with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert experience, much like what you would enjoy with a slice of Coconut Poke Cake or a generous piece of Buttermilk Breakfast Cake. The possibilities are endless, so dive in and let your creative spirit shine!
Storage Tips for Apple Cider Donut Cake
Room Temperature: Keep the Apple Cider Donut Cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to retain its moisture and flavor.
Fridge: If you prefer, you can store the cake in the refrigerator, but this may slightly alter its texture; wrap it well in plastic wrap or foil for up to a week.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual slices of the cake. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy your cake warm, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat in the microwave or oven until just warmed through, taking care not to dry it out.
Expert Tips for Apple Cider Donut Cake
• Perfect Egg Consistency: Ensure to beat eggs until they are pale yellow to achieve a light and fluffy texture in your Apple Cider Donut Cake.
• Mind the Mixing: Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent a dense cake; stop mixing as soon as all ingredients are just combined.
• Check for Doneness: Use a skewer or toothpick inserted in the center to check doneness; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
• Greasing Technique: Grease the bundt pan generously and flour it well for easy release; a stuck cake can ruin the perfect presentation.
• Get Creative: Feel free to customize your toppings! A maple glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar can take your Apple Cider Donut Cake to the next level.
• Storage Secrets: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days to maintain the cake’s freshness.
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Cider Donut Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks who want to enjoy fall flavors without the rush! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients as instructed, then cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate. For those who like to plan further ahead, the baked cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain its delightful moisture, wrap the cooled cake well in plastic wrap. When you’re ready to serve, just finish by brushing it with melted butter and adding the cinnamon-sugar topping for that warm, comforting finish—just as delicious as the day it was baked!
What to Serve with Apple Cider Donut Cake
Explore delightful pairings that enhance the cozy flavors of this beloved autumn dessert!
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Coffee: A classic companion that complements the cake’s sweetness, perfect for a warm morning or cozy afternoon treat.
“Imagine sipping a richly brewed cup while enjoying a slice of cake—pure bliss.” -
Spiced Chai: The warm spices in chai echo the cake’s cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a comforting experience, especially on chilly days.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy and smooth, ice cream adds a cool contrast to the warm, tender cake, making for a delightful texture combination.
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Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, a dollop of whipped cream on top creates a beautiful presentation and heavenly richness!
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Fresh Apple Slices: For a fresh and crisp contrast, serve thinly sliced apples alongside the cake. This adds a refreshing bite to the sweet treat.
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Maple Glaze: Drizzle a maple glaze for extra autumn flavor, deepening the overall sweetness and enhancing the cake’s warm spices.
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Nutty Granola: Crumble some nutty granola on top for an added crunch, providing texture and balancing the cake’s moistness beautifully.
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Warm Cider: Sip on warm apple cider spiced with cinnamon; it’ll elevate the entire dessert experience, wrapping everything in sweet nostalgia.
Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my apple cider is fresh enough for the recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, opt for fresh apple cider that’s ideally slightly unfiltered, providing a rich taste. If you notice any dark spots or an off smell, it’s time to discard it. When using store-bought varieties, look for those without preservatives for a more authentic flavor.
What’s the best way to store the Apple Cider Donut Cake?
To maintain freshness, store your Apple Cider Donut Cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer preservation, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container, although this might alter its texture slightly.
Can I freeze the Apple Cider Donut Cake?
Absolutely! To freeze your cake, cut it into individual slices and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. This way, it can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw the slices in the refrigerator overnight and warm them gently before serving.
What should I do if my cake comes out dense?
If your Apple Cider Donut Cake turns out dense, it’s often due to overmixing the batter. Make sure to mix only until combined—no more! Additionally, ensuring your baking powder and baking soda are fresh can also contribute to a fluffy texture since they’re essential leavening agents.
Are there any common allergies I should be aware of in this recipe?
Very! If you’re baking for someone with allergies, be mindful of the eggs, dairy (in butter and sour cream), and gluten (in all-purpose flour). For substitutions, you can use flax eggs or applesauce in place of eggs, dairy-free butter, and a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake more inclusive for various dietary needs.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely! To veganize the Apple Cider Donut Cake, replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water), opt for dairy-free butter or coconut oil, and substitute sour cream with a non-dairy yogurt. This will still give you that delightful cake while catering to vegan preferences.
Cozy Up with This Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe Today
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan with butter or cooking spray, then dust with flour.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, allspice, and coarse kosher salt until well combined.
- In another bowl, beat the cold unsalted butter until smooth. Gradually add in granulated and brown sugars, mixing until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time and incorporate the light olive oil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together fresh apple cider and sour cream until smooth. Combine this liquid with your butter-sugar-egg mixture, then mix with the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 45 to 60 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 10 to 15 minutes before inverting it to cool completely.
- Brush the warm cake with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top.
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