Name: Apple Cider Donut Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-482422H6M20S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups apple cider; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp ground cinnamon

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Picture this: a warm, spiced cake with the sweet scent of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of apple cider wafting through the kitchen. That’s the essence of Apple Cider Donut Cake—a perfect mash-up of two of the coziest, fall-inspired treats. This cake is incredibly moist, packed with the bold flavor of apple cider, and topped off with a cinnamon-sugar coating that gives it that classic donut feel. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee, or bringing it to a family gathering, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Donut Cake

This Apple Cider Donut Cake isn’t just about flavor; it’s about creating moments. Here’s why it’s a crowd-pleaser:

Perfect Fall Flavor

The combination of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg gives this cake a warm, comforting flavor that’s synonymous with cozy fall mornings. If you’re a fan of fall spices, this cake will quickly become a seasonal favorite.

Easy to Make

Forget complicated recipes! This cake is straightforward, so you don’t need to be a baking expert to make it. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!

Deliciously Moist

Thanks to the apple cider, this cake is incredibly moist. The cider infuses the batter with flavor and keeps it tender, making each bite a delightful experience.

Donut-Inspired

Love the idea of apple cider donuts but don’t want to deep fry anything? This cake brings all the flavors of a classic apple cider donut without the mess of frying—plus, it’s easier to share!

Crowd-Pleasing

This cake is always a hit with both kids and adults. It’s perfect for everything from a cozy morning treat to a festive fall celebration.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delightful cake:

Apple Cider: The star ingredient that brings that fresh, apple flavor and moisture to the cake.

Flour: The base for the cake batter.
Sugar: Granulated sugar for sweetness and a little brown sugar for extra moisture and flavor.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These leaveners work together to make the cake rise and stay light and fluffy.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic fall spices that give the cake its cozy, aromatic flavor.
Eggs: For binding the ingredients and giving the cake its structure.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture, making the cake perfectly tender.

Vanilla Extract: For a subtle, warm flavor that complements the apple cider and spices.
Salt: Enhances the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
For Topping: Cinnamon and sugar for rolling the cake after baking, giving it that donut-like finish.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Ready to dive into making this delicious cake? Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or a 9-inch cake pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Simmer the Apple Cider

In a small saucepan, heat the apple cider over medium heat and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it reduces by about half. This step concentrates the apple flavor, so don’t skip it!

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. You can use a hand mixer or stand mixer for this.

Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 6: Add the Dry Ingredients and Cider

Alternately add the dry ingredients and the reduced apple cider to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Roll in Cinnamon Sugar

Once the cake is completely cool, mix together cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Gently roll the cake in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat the outside evenly, just like a classic donut!

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the cake and serve it on a platter. Whether you enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee or as an afternoon snack, you’re in for a treat!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12 (1 slice per serving)
Calories per serving: 280
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 40g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 28g
Protein: 2g
Vitamin A: 8%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Cool Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

This cake is versatile, and there are so many great ways to serve it:

With Coffee or Tea: Pair a slice with a hot drink for a cozy, comforting treat—perfect for fall mornings.
For Brunch: It’s a great addition to any brunch spread, whether it’s a casual weekend get-together or a holiday celebration.
As a Dessert: After a hearty meal, serve it as a sweet, light dessert. It’s a nice change from heavier cakes or pies.

For a Picnic: Pack it up for a fall picnic! It holds up well and is easy to transport.

Additional Tips

Make it Sweeter: If you prefer a sweeter cake, add a simple glaze on top made with powdered sugar and apple cider for an extra indulgent touch.
Use Fresh Apple Cider: For the best flavor, use fresh, unfiltered apple cider. It really brings out the apple notes in the cake.

Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg levels based on your taste. If you like more spice, add a little more cinnamon or even a pinch of clove.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought apple cider?
A1: Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly fine in this recipe. Just make sure it’s unfiltered for the best flavor.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Yes! This cake actually gets better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Q3: Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?
A3: Yes, you can! If you don’t have a bundt pan, simply use a 9-inch round or square cake pan. Just adjust the baking time as needed.

Q4: How do I store leftover cake?
A4: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze slices for longer storage.

Q5: Can I make this cake without the cinnamon sugar coating?
A5: Yes! If you prefer, you can skip the cinnamon sugar coating and simply enjoy the cake as is. It’ll still be delicious!

Q6: Can I add other fruits to this cake?
A6: While this is an apple cider donut cake, you could add small diced apples for extra texture and flavor. Just make sure to pat the apples dry so they don’t make the cake too soggy.

Q7: Is this cake suitable for a gluten-free diet?
A7: You can try making this cake gluten-free by substituting the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, though the texture may vary slightly.

Q8: Can I use a different type of sugar?
A8: You can swap the granulated sugar for coconut sugar or even maple sugar for a different flavor. However, it may change the texture slightly.

Q9: Can I make this cake dairy-free?
A9: Yes! You can use a dairy-free butter substitute and almond milk instead of regular milk to make this cake dairy-free.

Q10: How can I make this cake extra moist?
A10: To make the cake even more moist, you can add a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter for extra tenderness.

Conclusion

Apple Cider Donut Cake is the ultimate fall-inspired dessert. With its rich apple flavor, cozy spices, and a light, moist texture, it’s a cake that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. Perfect for any occasion—from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations—it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, grab some apple cider and get baking—this cake is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall all year long!

Apple Cider Donut Cake