Apple Cider Donut Cake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert Recipe

Apple cider donut cake: just the name conjures up images of crisp autumn days, cozy sweaters, and the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and spice. But what if I told you that you could capture all of that fall magic in a single, delectable cake? This isn’t just any cake; it’s a celebration of the beloved apple cider donut, transformed into a shareable, show-stopping dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.

The humble apple cider donut, a staple at orchards and farmers’ markets across the United States, has a history rooted in resourcefulness. Early recipes often utilized leftover apple cider pulp, transforming what would have been waste into a delicious treat. Over time, the donut evolved, becoming a symbol of autumn’s bounty and a cherished tradition for many families.

So, why do people adore this particular flavor profile? It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, the warm embrace of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the satisfyingly moist texture that keeps you coming back for more. And that’s precisely what makes this apple cider donut cake so special. It takes all those beloved qualities and elevates them into a cake that’s perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. Get ready to experience the taste of fall in every single bite!

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/2 cup (see instructions below)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• For the Apple Cider Reduction:
• 2 cups apple cider (for reduction)
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Preparing the Apple Cider Reduction:

This step is crucial for intensifying the apple flavor in our cake. Don’t skip it!

1. Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a medium saucepan.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the cider to a gentle simmer.
3. Continue simmering the cider, uncovered, until it reduces to 1/2 cup. This will take approximately 20-30 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning. The cider will thicken slightly as it reduces.
4. Once reduced to 1/2 cup, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the apple cider reduction cool completely. This is important because adding hot cider to the batter can affect the texture of the cake.

Making the Cake Batter:

Now, let’s get started on the cake batter. Make sure your butter is properly softened for a smooth and creamy batter.

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also use baking spray with flour if you prefer. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. The mixture should be pale and airy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the cooled apple cider reduction and sour cream. This mixture will add moisture and tang to the cake.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple cider-sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough cake. I usually add the dry ingredients in three additions and the wet ingredients in two.

Baking the Cake:

Time to bake our delicious apple cider donut cake! Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking.

1. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
2. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
3. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan and allows it to cool evenly.

Preparing the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:

This is what gives our cake that signature donut flavor! Don’t skimp on the cinnamon.

1. While the cake is cooling, prepare the cinnamon sugar coating. In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Mix well.
2. In a separate bowl, melt the butter. You can do this in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat.

Coating the Cake:

The final step! This is where the magic happens. Make sure the cake is completely cool before coating it.

1. Once the cake is completely cool, cut it into squares or rectangles.
2. Dip each piece of cake into the melted butter, ensuring all sides are coated.
3. Immediately dip the buttered cake into the cinnamon sugar mixture, coating all sides evenly.
4. Place the coated cake pieces on a wire rack to allow any excess cinnamon sugar to fall off.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize your apple cider donut cake:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the batter for an even warmer flavor.
• Add apples: Fold in 1 cup of diced apples to the batter for extra apple flavor and texture.
• Make it a bundt cake: Bake the batter in a greased and floured bundt pan for a beautiful presentation. You may need to adjust the baking time.
• Glaze it: Instead of the cinnamon sugar coating, you can make a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, apple cider, and a touch of vanilla extract. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
• Nuts: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the cinnamon sugar mixture for a nutty crunch.
• Serving: This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Troubleshooting:

Cake is dry: Make sure you are measuring the flour correctly. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Overmixing the batter can also result in a dry cake. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate.

Cake is not rising: Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Also, avoid opening the oven door frequently during baking.

Cake is sticking to the pan: Make sure you grease and flour the pan thoroughly. You can also use baking spray with flour.

Enjoy your homemade Apple Cider Donut Cake!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Apple Cider Donut Cake isn’t just a cake; it’s an experience. It’s a slice of autumn, a warm hug on a chilly day, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one delicious dessert. The moist crumb, the subtle spice, and that unmistakable apple cider flavor combine to create something truly special. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe, and I’m not just saying that because I created it!

Why is this cake a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal effort for maximum flavor payoff, and it’s a unique twist on a classic fall favorite. Forget standing over a hot fryer making individual donuts – this cake gives you all the comforting flavors of apple cider donuts in a convenient and shareable format. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes is simply divine. It’s the kind of scent that makes you want to curl up with a good book and a warm drink.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how to enjoy this masterpiece! My personal favorite way is to serve it warm, straight from the oven, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm cake and the cold ice cream is heavenly. A dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar also work wonders. For a more sophisticated touch, try serving it with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Oh my goodness, that’s a game changer!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with variations. You could add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a bit of crunch. Or, if you’re a fan of cream cheese frosting, go ahead and whip up a batch and slather it on top. A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and apple cider is another fantastic option. For a boozy twist, you could even add a splash of apple cider liqueur to the glaze or batter. Just be mindful of the alcohol content if you’re serving it to children.

Another fun variation is to bake the batter in muffin tins to create individual apple cider donut cakes. This is perfect for parties or for portion control (although, let’s be honest, you’ll probably want more than one!). You can also experiment with different spices. A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can add a lovely depth of flavor. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of apple pie filling to the center of the cake before baking. The possibilities are endless!

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from a casual weeknight treat to a festive holiday gathering. It’s a simple yet elegant way to celebrate the flavors of fall. And honestly, who can resist the allure of an apple cider donut cake?

Share Your Experience!

I truly hope you’ll give this recipe a try. And when you do, please, please, please let me know how it turns out! Share your photos and stories in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your variations, your serving suggestions, and any tips or tricks you discover along the way. Cooking is a collaborative process, and I’m always eager to learn from your experiences. So go ahead, bake this cake, share it with your loved ones, and spread the joy of apple cider donuts! Happy baking!

---