Apple Cider Donut Cake

Name: Apple Cider Donut Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-½ cups fresh apple cider; 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced; 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 1/3 cup light olive oil; ¼ cup 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; 1-¾ cups all-purpose flour

Posted on October 9, 2025

Desserts & Sweets

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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 family nights, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, this dessert brings the warmth of autumn into any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: No frying or complicated techniques are required. Just mix and bake!
Delicious Flavor: This cake captures the essence of apple cider donuts with its warm spices and sweet apple flavor.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast treat.
Moist and Tender Texture: The combination of cider and butter creates a cake that’s irresistibly soft.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or just a cozy evening at home, this cake fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

9-inch square baking dish
Large sauté pan
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Cooling rack
Parchment paper

Why These Tools Matter

9-inch square baking dish: The perfect size to ensure even baking and easy serving.
Large sauté pan: Ideal for reducing apple cider without spilling.
Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly for a lump-free batter.
Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cake for proper cooling.

Ingredients

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) cup 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 a 9-inch square baking dish by buttering it or spraying it with oil. Line it with parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides; this will create a sling for easy removal later.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring the fresh apple cider to a boil. Cook until it reduces by half, which should take about five minutes. Measure out to ensure you have three-fourths of a cup. Add the diced butter to the hot cider and whisk until combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, olive oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, allspice, and salt until well blended.

Step 4: Combine Cider Mixture

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

Step 5: Add Flour

Stir in the all-purpose flour gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cake tender.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Bake in your preheated oven for about 22–25 minutes or until puffed and golden brown throughout.

Step 7: Cool Slightly

Once baked, place the cake on a cooling rack for five minutes.

Step 8: Add Butter and Cinnamon Sugar

Place butter on top of the warm cake and gently brush it around as it melts. In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon; sprinkle this mixture generously over the melted butter on top of your cake.

Step 9: Remove from Pan

Carefully remove the cake from the pan using the parchment sling. Let it cool completely on the rack before slicing into squares.

Enjoy your homemade Apple Cider Donut Cake!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

This delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Pair with Coffee

Enjoy slices of the cake alongside a warm cup of coffee to complement its sweet and spicy flavors.

Serve with Whipped Cream

A dollop of homemade whipped cream on top adds an airy texture that balances the dense cake beautifully.

Top with Ice Cream

Vanilla or caramel ice cream makes for a delicious pairing, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.

Add Fresh Fruit

Slices of fresh apples or pears can add an extra layer of freshness and enhance the autumnal vibe of the cake.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

A generous drizzle of caramel sauce elevates the sweetness and gives a decadent touch to each slice.

Dust with Powdered Sugar

For a simple yet elegant touch, sprinkle powdered sugar over the top just before serving for a beautiful presentation.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

To achieve the best results with your Apple Cider Donut Cake, keep these tips in mind:

Use fresh apple cider: Fresh cider enhances the flavor significantly compared to store-bought varieties.
Measure accurately: Make sure to measure your ingredients correctly for consistent texture and taste.
Cool properly: Allowing the cake to cool before cutting helps maintain its structure and prevents crumbling.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and allspice levels according to your taste preferences for added warmth.
Store correctly: Keep leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for optimal freshness.
Reheat slices: If you prefer warm cake, pop slices in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donut Cake

This cake pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Consider these options:

Cheese Board: A selection of cheeses like brie and sharp cheddar complements the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
Fall Salad: A mixed greens salad topped with walnuts, goat cheese, and vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup provides comforting warmth that pairs well with autumn flavors.
Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized roasted carrots or sweet potatoes can add depth and balance to your dessert spread.
Chai Tea: The spiced notes of chai tea make it a perfect beverage pairing that enhances the spices in the cake.
Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit offers a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the dense cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Apple Cider Donut Cake, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Bold measurement errors: Always measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you have the right amounts for optimal flavor and texture.
Bold skipping ingredient prep: Don’t skip the reduction of apple cider. This step intensifies the flavor, making your cake taste rich and delicious.
Bold improper cooling: Let the cake cool properly before cutting it. Cutting too soon can lead to a crumbly texture, ruining your presentation.
Bold ignoring oven temperature: Always preheat your oven fully before baking. An underheated oven can lead to uneven baking, affecting texture and doneness.
Bold using old spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for maximum flavor impact. Old spices may lose potency and affect the overall taste of your cake.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Make sure the cake is completely cooled before sealing it in.

Freezing Apple Cider Donut Cake

Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Cider Donut Cake

Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
Bold Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds until warm.
Bold Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Apple Cider Donut Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that captures the essence of traditional apple cider donuts but in a simple cake form.

Can I customize my Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Absolutely! You can add nuts, raisins, or even different spices like nutmeg for added flavor variation.

How should I serve Apple Cider Donut Cake?

This cake is perfect as an afternoon snack or dessert. Serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence!

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! The Apple Cider Donut Cake stores well in the refrigerator or freezer, making it great for meal prep or special occasions.

Conclusion

The Apple Cider Donut Cake combines seasonal flavors into an easy-to-make dessert that everyone will love. Its versatility allows for various customizations, so feel free to get creative with additions that suit your taste preferences!