As the crisp autumn air envelops us, few treats are as comforting as an Apple Cider Donut Cake. This moist and delicious cake encapsulates the essence of fall with its aromatic spices and apple goodness, making it an irresistible dessert for any occasion.
When I was a child, my family would visit the local apple orchard every October. The highlight wasn’t just picking apples, but savoring those warm apple cider donuts that were always on sale. This recipe brings back those cherished memories in the form of a cake that combines all the beloved flavors into a single, delightful bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Apple Cider Donut Cake is a breeze to make and brimming with comforting flavors that everyone loves. The sweet and tangy apple cider infuses the cake with a depth of flavor that is both nostalgic and indulgent. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this cake offers a straightforward process that results in a stunning dessert sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients Notes
For best results, use fresh, high-quality apple cider; it intensifies the apple flavor in the cake. If apple cider is unavailable, apple juice is an acceptable substitute. Whole wheat flour can add a subtle nuttiness to the cake, but all-purpose flour works perfectly as well. Be sure to choose spices like cinnamon and nutmeg that are freshly ground to enhance the aroma and taste.
Recipe Steps
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt Cake pan for easy removal later. This step ensures your cake won’t stick, so take your time in preparing the pan properly.
Step 2
In a large bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. This not only combines them well but also aerates the mixture, which contributes to the cake’s light texture.
Step 3
In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add in eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and mix until smooth.
Step 4
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and apple cider into the wet mixture. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
Step 5
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool for a few minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Storage Options
To keep the cake at its best, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave at room temperature overnight and reheat slices in the oven for a freshly baked feel.
Variations & Substitutions
Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. For a healthier twist, substitute half the butter with unsweetened applesauce. Gluten-free flour blends can replace regular flour for a gluten-free version, just ensure they contain a binding agent like xanthan gum.
Serving Suggestions
This cake makes a wonderful centerpiece for any autumn celebration, whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, or a cozy weekend gathering. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Whipped Cream to complement its warm spices and sweet apple flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, it tends to taste even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it covered at room temperature until ready to serve.
What can I use if I don’t have a bundt pan? If you don’t have a bundt pan, a 9×13 inch baking dish or two 8-inch round cake pans can be used as an alternative. Just adjust the baking time accordingly, typically starting to check for doneness about 10 minutes earlier.
How can I make this cake more festive? To give this cake an autumnal flair, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar or a simple glaze made by mixing powdered sugar with a bit of apple cider. Top with apple slices or cinnamon sticks for a festive presentation.
Apple Cider Donut Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups apple cider reduced to 1 cup
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
- 0.75 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan generously.
- In a saucepan, reduce apple cider from 1.5 cups to 1 cup by boiling down on medium heat.
- In a bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugars, oil, reduced apple cider, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
