Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

The Apple Cider Donut Cake is an autumnal dream baked right into a bundt pan, combining all the cozy flavors you love in a perfectly tender cake. This show-stopping dessert marries the spicy warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg with the sweet tang of apple cider, finished with a luscious, buttery cider glaze that crystallizes into a cinnamon-sugar coating. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a big, comforting hug and is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a slice of fall magic, the Apple Cider Donut Cake offers a delightful and festive twist on traditional cakes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to create remarkable layers of flavor and texture in this Apple Cider Donut Cake. Each element plays a key role, from the fragrant spices that warm the palate to the apple cider that lends a moist, tangy depth, ensuring every bite is irresistibly delicious.

• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the cake its tender crumb and structure.
• Baking powder: Essential for lightness, helping your cake rise beautifully as it bakes.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Cinnamon: Adds a quintessential warm spice note that sings in every bite.
• Nutmeg: A fragrant undertone that deepens the spice profile delightfully.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture, making the cake unbelievably tender.
• Brown sugar: Contributes a deep caramel flavor alongside sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Balances texture and works perfectly in the cinnamon sugar coating.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together while adding richness and moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances and elevates the other flavors with its sweet aroma.
• Apple cider: The star ingredient, bringing in fruity brightness and natural sweetness that defines this cake.
• Demarara or turbinado sugar: Provides a delightful crunch in the coating, adding texture and extra sweetness.
• Salted butter (for glaze): Melts into the cider reduction, creating a smooth, buttery glaze.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl. This step ensures your spices are evenly distributed, so every bite bursts with warm, seasonal flavor. Setting this mixture aside gives you time to prepare your buttery batter.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with both the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture lightens in color and becomes fluffy. This process usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes, but trust me, the effort is worth it because it creates that perfect tender texture and caramel undertone for your cake.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then pour in the vanilla extract for that extra layer of aroma and sweetness. This step brings the batter together and helps create a moist, rich base for the Apple Cider Donut Cake.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Apple Cider

Add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients in three parts, mixing slowly to avoid overworking the batter. When all the flour is combined, stream in the apple cider at the mixer’s lowest speed, which gives the cake its signature tangy moisture and subtle sweetness. Scrape down the sides often to make sure everything is mixed evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a well-greased 12-cup bundt pan, smoothing the top gently. Bake at 350°F for 40 to 50 minutes until the cake edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Once baked, let the cake rest for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a cooling rack or plate.

Step 6: Prepare the Cider Glaze and Coating

While the cake bakes, simmer the apple cider in a saucepan over high heat and boil down to about one-third its original volume. Stir in salted butter until melted for a velvety glaze. In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, demerara sugar, and cinnamon. Brush the warm glaze over the cake, then sprinkle and press the cinnamon sugar mixture all over the surface, creating a delightful, crunchy topping reminiscent of a cider-dusted donut.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh apple slices can beautifully complement the cinnamon sugar coating and amplify the fresh fall flavors. Adding a sprig of fresh thyme or rosemary also introduces a lovely herbal contrast that’s unexpected but delightful.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For drinks, think warm spiced apple cider or a hot cup of chai tea to keep the cozy vibes flowing. It’s a wonderful choice for an afternoon coffee break or a holiday dessert table centerpiece.

Creative Ways to Present

Instead of cutting large slices, try serving the Apple Cider Donut Cake as individual mini bundts or even as cake bars with a drizzle of caramel sauce. For a festive touch, add edible gold leaf or cinnamon sticks as decoration. You can also serve it warm right from the oven to enjoy the gooey glaze at its best.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, keep any leftover Apple Cider Donut Cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. This way, it stays moist and flavorful. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the cake and dull the spices.

Freezing

If you want to save the cake for later, freeze it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temperature before serving to enjoy that pure autumn goodness fresh again.

Reheating

For best results when reheating, pop a slice in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm it in a low oven for 5 to 10 minutes. This revives the cake’s moistness and softens the cinnamon sugar coating without losing any of its charm.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider for the Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Yes, apple juice can be substituted, but apple cider usually has a spicier, more robust flavor that makes the cake taste richer and more complex. If you only have apple juice, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or allspice to mimic the cider’s depth.

Is it necessary to use a bundt pan for this recipe?

While a bundt pan helps create the classic donut shape and even baking, you can also use a tube pan or round cake pans. Just adjust the baking time accordingly and watch for doneness with a toothpick.

Can I make this Apple Cider Donut Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose baking blend that includes xanthan gum or another binder. Be sure to measure carefully and watch texture, as gluten-free batters sometimes need minor adjustments.

How long does the cider glaze keep its texture?

The glaze is best enjoyed the day of baking when it’s still slightly tacky and coats the cake beautifully. After a day or two, the sugar coating may harden slightly, but it still tastes amazing and adds a pleasant crunch.

Can I make this cake vegan?

To make a vegan version, replace butter with plant-based margarine or coconut oil, eggs with flax or chia egg substitutes, and ensure your sugars are vegan-friendly. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the Apple Cider Donut Cake that brings the flavors of fall right to your table in one glorious slice. It’s a recipe that invites warm memories and happy gatherings, no matter the season. Give this cake a try—you might just find your new favorite way to celebrate cozy moments with friends and family.

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