Apple Cider Donut Cake
The apple cider donut cake is the eventual celebration of autumn’s finest flavors. Combining the warmth of fragrant spices with the sweetness of crisp apples and the rich texture of cider, this apple cider donut cake is a delectable nod to the cozy comforts of fall. Whether you’re gathering with friends or indulging in a solo treat, this cake delivers the essence of seasonal joy in every bite. Perfect for brunches, family gatherings, or just a casual weekend baking project, this apple cider donut cake brings the heartwarming nostalgia of apple-picking straight into your kitchen.
The marriage of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and mace with tart Granny Smith apples makes it a balanced yet indulgent treat. The cake’s moist crumb comes from the apple cider reduction, while the cinnamon-sugar coating gives it the signature donut appeal. Its aroma is bound to fill your home with the comforting essence of autumn.
Ingredients Breakdown
This recipe calls for a thoughtful selection of ingredients that work together to create a harmonious blend of texture and flavor.
Flour, baking powder, and baking soda provide the structure and rise to the cake, ensuring a soft yet firm texture. The sugars both granulated and light brown contribute to the sweetness and bring a subtle caramel undertone, with the brown sugar adding extra moisture. Salt enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness while the warm spices of nutmeg and mace lend depth to the cake’s profile, evoking the essence of classic autumn treats.
The Granny Smith apple is key to achieving that slightly tart, fresh flavor. Its natural acidity beautifully cuts through the richness, and when paired with the apple cider, it forms the backbone of the cake’s moisture. Apple cider not only boosts the apple flavor but also adds a pleasant tang and softness to the cake’s crumb.
The sugar coating that finishes the cake isn’t just decorative. This classic combination of cinnamon, sugar, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt mirrors the beloved flavors of a cinnamon donut, giving the cake its unique identity. It’s this final touch that seals the warm, donut-like essence of the recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Cake
Begin by ensuring your bundt pan is thoroughly prepped to avoid any sticking. A generous spray of non-stick cooking spray, or even a light dusting of flour after greasing, is essential for smooth removal post-baking.
Simmering the apple and cider is a key step that intensifies the fruit’s flavor. Be patient as the mixture reduces; you want the apples to be soft enough to mash but still slightly chunky to provide texture in the cake. Reducing the cider also concentrates its flavor, creating that rich apple essence we seek.
Mixing the batter requires care. When combining the wet and dry ingredients, alternate between the two to avoid overmixing, which could toughen the cake. The batter should be smooth but not overworked a quick final stir after the vanilla is added will ensure everything is evenly combined. As the apple cider donut cake bakes, rotating the pan halfway through ensures even browning and baking.
Checking for doneness is simple a toothpick inserted into the thickest part of the cake should come out clean. If you prefer a slightly denser cake, err on the side of under-baking by a minute or two. Cooling the cake before removing it from the pan ensures that it retains its shape and structure.
Once cooled, the cinnamon-sugar coating is easily applied to the warm cake, allowing the sugar to adhere perfectly. Don’t skip this step it’s what gives the cake its signature donut-like quality!
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- Choosing the right apples: Granny Smith apples offer the perfect tart balance to the sweet and spiced elements of this cake, but feel free to experiment with other apple varieties if you prefer a sweeter cake.
- Simmering cider correctly: When reducing the apple cider, aim for a thick consistency. This intensifies the flavor and prevents the cake from becoming too watery. A slow, gentle simmer will give you the best results.
- Greasing a bundt pan: To avoid any disasters when removing the cake, ensure every nook and cranny of the bundt pan is well greased. You can use a pastry brush to spread the oil evenly or opt for a spray with flour built-in.
- Applying the sugar coating: For even coverage, sprinkle the sugar mixture over the cake while it’s still warm and press gently with your fingers, allowing the sugar to stick to all sides. This step is essential for creating the iconic cinnamon-sugar donut flavor.
- Can I make this cake without a bundt pan? Absolutely! If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can use a loaf or round cake pan. Just adjust the baking time, checking frequently to ensure it doesn’t overbake.
What to Serve with This Recipe
This apple cider donut cake pairs beautifully with cozy, warming drinks or a few indulgent sides. A hot cup of spiced cider or freshly brewed coffee will complement the cake’s flavors perfectly. If you’re feeling extra decadent, top your slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess adds a luxurious contrast to the warm, spiced notes of the cake.
For an additional treat, drizzle the cake with a rich caramel sauce. This creates a gooey, melt-in-your-mouth experience that elevates the cake from a simple dessert to a gourmet indulgence.
Variations on the Recipe
There’s plenty of room to get creative with this apple cider donut cake, allowing you to tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond or oat milk, and use coconut oil instead of butter. You can also play with textures by adding chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for a bit of crunch.
Spice lovers can increase the cinnamon or even add a hint of ginger or allspice for an extra layer of warmth. If you prefer a milder flavor, consider cutting back on the nutmeg or mace. The versatility of this cake makes it easy to adjust based on your personal preferences or the ingredients you have on hand.
Final Thoughts and Serving Suggestions
Apple cider donut cake is a must-try for anyone who loves the flavors of fall. The rich, moist crumb combined with the warmth of cinnamon and the slight tartness of apple makes for a perfectly balanced treat. Whether served at breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake is sure to delight both your palate and your guests.
For an added personal touch, try incorporating your own variations perhaps add a drizzle of caramel or experiment with a different type of apple. Whatever direction you take, this Apple Cider Donut Cake is bound to become a seasonal favorite, offering the best flavors of fall in every bite.
Apple Cider Donut Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground mace
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider
- 1 large Granny Smith apple peeled, cored, and chopped (about 8 ounces)
- 1/2 cup milk room temperature
For the Sugar Coating:
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and position the oven rack in the middle. Generously coat a bundt pan with non-stick spray, ensuring all surfaces are covered to prevent sticking.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apple and apple cider, bringing them to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, or until most of the cider has reduced and the apples can be easily mashed with a fork. Take the pan off the heat, let it cool for about 5 minutes, and then mash the mixture using the back of a spoon. Measure out 1 cup of the mashed apple mixture, stir in the milk, and set it aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, and mace. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
- In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Pour in the oil and mix until it’s fully incorporated, which should take around 1 minute.
- Lower the mixer speed to the slowest setting, and gradually incorporate the dry ingredients in three batches. Alternate between adding the flour mixture and the apple mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined. Once all the ingredients are added, increase the mixer speed to medium and beat the mixture just until everything is well combined, about 20 seconds. Stir in the vanilla extract, giving it one final mix for about 10 seconds to combine.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top if necessary. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time. The cake is done when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the thickest part comes out clean.
- Once the cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a cooling rack placed over a baking sheet to catch any excess sugar coating.
For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- In a small bowl, combine the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. While the cake is still warm, sprinkle this mixture over the cake, using your hands to gently press the cinnamon sugar onto the sides to ensure even coverage.