Apple Cider Donut Cake: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Treat

Apple cider donut cake is a delightful dessert that brings the flavors of fall into a moist, flavorful cake. This recipe captures the essence of traditional apple cider donuts, offering a sweet, spiced treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy day at home, this easy apple cider donut cake with glaze will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds. Read on to discover how to make this classic treat and some tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

What is Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Apple cider donut cake is a baked dessert inspired by the beloved apple cider donut. Unlike the fried donut, this cake version is baked, creating a tender and fluffy texture. Infused with apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg, the cake has a rich, warm flavor reminiscent of fall. The cake is typically topped with a sweet glaze, which adds a finishing touch that makes each slice even more delightful. It’s an excellent choice for a comforting dessert during the cooler months or as a special treat for any occasion.

Why Use Apple Cider in Your Cake Recipe?

Apple cider adds a distinctive and delicious flavor to baked goods. The natural sweetness and tang of apple cider enhance the taste of the cake, giving it a fruity and moist texture. When reduced, apple cider concentrates its flavor, making it an even more powerful ingredient. The acidity in apple cider helps to balance the sweetness of the cake, while the spices like cinnamon and nutmeg complement its flavor profile. Using fresh apple cider ensures the best taste and quality for your cake.

How to Make the Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

Creating the perfect apple cider donut cake involves a few key steps. Start by reducing apple cider to intensify its flavor, which will be mixed into the cake batter. Combine your dry ingredients, such as flour and baking powder, with wet ingredients like eggs and melted butter. Mix these ingredients until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can result in a dense cake. Pour the batter into your chosen pan and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool before applying the glaze for a delicious and well-rounded treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Apple Cider: Provides the essential apple flavor and moisture.
• Flour: Forms the base of the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and affects the cake’s texture.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Leavening agents that help the cake rise.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Spices that enhance the apple flavor.
• Butter: Adds moisture and a rich taste.
• Milk: Adjust the batter’s consistency.

Preparing the Cake Batter

To prepare the cake batter, start by whisking together your dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and then mix in the sugar, melted butter, and reduced apple cider. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so mix gently. If you prefer, you can fold in chopped apples for added texture. Once combined, pour the batter into your prepared pan and get ready to bake.

Choosing the Right Pan: Bundt Pan vs. Loaf Pan

Choosing the right pan can affect your cake’s baking time and texture. A bundt pan creates a beautifully shaped cake with even cooking due to its central tube. This pan is great for a decorative touch and ensures the cake bakes uniformly. Alternatively, a loaf pan is a simpler option and produces a more traditional cake shape. Adjust baking times based on the pan you use; bundt pans may need a slightly longer baking time. Regardless of your choice, ensure the pan is well-greased to prevent sticking.

Baking Tips for Apple Cider Donut Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Ensure your oven is at the right temperature before you start baking to promote even cooking.
2. Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done. If not, bake for a few more minutes.
3. Cool Properly: Let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. This helps prevent it from breaking apart and allows for even cooling.

Creating the Perfect Glaze for Your Cake

The glaze adds a sweet, finishing touch to your apple cider donut cake. To make a simple glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, a small amount of apple cider, and a bit of vanilla extract. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or cider as needed. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to set before slicing. For additional flavor, consider adding spices like cinnamon to the glaze. The glaze not only enhances the cake’s sweetness but also adds a beautiful shine.

Storing and Serving Your Apple Cider Donut Cake

To store your apple cider donut cake, cover it with plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw the cake at room temperature before serving. This cake is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea. For an extra treat, warm the cake slightly before serving to bring out the flavors and make it taste freshly baked.

Creative Variations on the Classic Apple Cider Donut Cake

• Add-Ins: Mix in ingredients like dried cranberries, walnuts, or chocolate chips for extra flavor and texture.
• Frosting: Instead of a glaze, top the cake with cream cheese frosting or a spiced buttercream for a different twist.
• Spiced Version: Experiment with other spices, such as cardamom or allspice, to create new flavor profiles.

These variations can help personalize the cake and add new dimensions to the classic apple cider donut flavor.

FAQs About Apple Cider Donut Cake

1. Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?

While apple cider provides a richer flavor due to its concentration and acidity, you can use apple juice as a substitute. Keep in mind that the cake might be slightly less tangy and less flavorful. To enhance the apple flavor, you might want to reduce the juice to concentrate it before using it in the recipe.

2. How do I know when my apple cider donut cake is done?

To test if your cake is done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If the toothpick comes out with wet batter, the cake needs more time. Make sure to check for doneness a few minutes before the recipe’s suggested baking time to avoid overbaking.

3. Can I make apple cider donut cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the apple cider donut cake ahead of time. Bake the cake and let it cool completely before storing it. Cover the cake with plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

4. How can I make my glaze thicker or thinner?

To adjust the consistency of your glaze, add powdered sugar to thicken it or more apple cider to thin it out. Start with small increments, mixing well after each addition until you reach your desired consistency. A thicker glaze will create a more substantial coating, while a thinner glaze will be more drizzly and less defined.

5. What can I use if I don’t have a bundt pan?

If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a loaf pan instead. The cake will bake slightly differently, so adjust the baking time as needed. A loaf pan will produce a more traditional cake shape. Ensure the pan is well-greased to prevent sticking and check the cake for doneness with a toothpick.

Summary

• Apple Cider Donut Cake: A baked version of the classic apple cider donut with a rich, spiced flavor.
• Ingredients: Fresh apple cider, flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, and spices.
• Preparation: Reduce cider, mix dry and wet ingredients, pour into a pan, and bake.
• Pan Choice: Use a bundt pan for a decorative cake or a loaf pan for a traditional shape.
• Glaze: Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and apple cider, and drizzle over the cake.
• Storage: Keep covered at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.
• Variations: Try adding mix-ins or different frostings for a unique twist.Print
  

  Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe: A Delicious Fall Treat

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  • Author: Hood
  • Total Time: Total Time: 2 hrs 50 mins
  • Yield: Rest time: 1 hr 15 mins

  Print Recipe

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  Description

  Try this easy apple cider donut cake recipe! Moist, spiced, and glazed—perfect for fall. Quick to make and incredibly delicious.

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  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  • 1 ½ cups apple cider
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable shortening, or as needed
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 3 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup canola oil
  • ½ cup whole buttermilk
  • ¼ cup apple butter
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup white sugar, divided
  • 1 medium Honeycrisp apple, peeled and grated
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

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  Instructions

  Pour apple cider into a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat. Cook, without stirring, until reduced to about 1/2 cup, 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
  While cider reduces, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Generously rub shortening all over the inside of a 12-cup Bundt pan. Sprinkle some flour all over inside of pan over shortening and tap around to completely cover in flour. Tap out excess flour and set pan aside.

  Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cloves, and 2 teaspoons of the cinnamon in a medium bowl.

  Whisk together eggs, brown sugar, oil, buttermilk, apple butter, vanilla, 2/3 cup of the granulated sugar, and reduced apple cider in a large bowl. Add half of flour mixture to egg mixture and stir to combine. Add remaining half of flour mixture and grated apple and stir until just incorporated, but some lumps still remain, and making sure apples are evenly incorporated (you may need to use a fork to separate apple pieces). Pour into the prepared pan.
  Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean, 50 to 55 minutes. Cool cake in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Remove cake from pan to a wire rack to cool completely, about 1 hour.
  Stir together remaining 1/3 cup granulated sugar and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush melted butter evenly over outside and center ring of cake. Sprinkle top and sides of cake with cinnamon-sugar.

  Notes

  1. You could substitute Honeycrisp with really any apple. I used Smucker’s apple butter, but there are so many to choose from – use your favorite or even make your own homemade apple butter.
  2. Reducing the apple cider allows the apple flavor to concentrate and intensify, meaning you can add less of it and add more of the other yummy wet ingredients like buttermilk, apple butter, oil, etc.

  • Prep Time: 25 mins
  • Cook Time: 1hr 10 mins
  • Category: Desserts
  • Cuisine: American

  Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 10
  • Calories: 619 kcal per serving
  • Sodium: 462mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 82g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 69mg

  Keywords: Apple cider donut cake recipe, Apple cider cake, Apple cider donuts cake, Apple cider doughnut cake, Cider donut cake