Apple Cider Donut Cake

There’s something about the combination of apple cider and warm spices that just screams fall, right? If you’re anything like me, you probably crave those cozy, comforting flavors every chance you get. Well, let me tell you, this Apple Cider Donut Cake is about to be your new favorite treat. Imagine biting into a tender, moist cake with the sweet tang of apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg, all rolled into one deliciously spiced bite. The best part? It’s a cake that tastes just like your favorite apple cider donuts, but in a perfectly shareable form! You’ll want to make this again and again—trust me, it’s a total game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Donut Cake

This isn’t just another cake—this Apple Cider Donut Cake is a true standout. Here’s why you’ll be making it every season:

• Versatile: Perfect for everything from a cozy breakfast to a delightful afternoon snack. Serve it at a family gathering, a special occasion, or just to enjoy with your favorite hot beverage. It fits any moment!
• Budget-Friendly: No need for fancy ingredients here—just the staples that you likely already have in your pantry. Apple cider, cinnamon, and a few other essentials come together to create a cake that’s truly extraordinary.
• Quick and Easy: You don’t need any fancy equipment or complicated steps to make this beauty. Just a bowl, a whisk, and your oven—no sweat!
• Customizable: Love a little extra spice? Add more cinnamon or even a touch of ginger for an added zing. You can adjust this recipe to suit your flavor preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it at a party or sharing it with your family, this cake will be the one everyone asks for seconds of. It’s perfectly spiced, not too sweet, and incredibly moist—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible Apple Cider Donut Cake:

Apple Cider

The star of the show! The apple cider infuses the cake with that sweet, tangy flavor that reminds you of crisp fall days. It gives the cake both moisture and flavor, making every bite feel like a seasonal treat.

Flour

Flour gives the cake structure and helps it rise to that perfect, tender texture. It’s the backbone of the cake, so be sure to measure carefully!

Sugar

A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar adds sweetness and moisture. The brown sugar gives the cake a lovely caramelized note that pairs beautifully with the spices.

Baking Powder

This helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy. It’s a key player in making sure your cake has the perfect texture.

Cinnamon and Nutmeg

These warm spices give the cake that classic “apple cider donut” flavor. They add a comforting, cozy vibe that’s perfect for any fall occasion.

Eggs

Eggs provide structure and help bind the ingredients together, giving the cake a lovely, smooth consistency.

Butter

Butter adds richness and flavor, making the cake wonderfully moist and tender. It helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave.

Vanilla Extract

Just a splash of vanilla gives the cake a soft, subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavor profile. It pairs perfectly with the apple cider and spices.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the easy steps to create this show-stopping cake:

Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden-brown crust.

Prepare Your Baking Pan

Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan (or use non-stick spray). This helps the cake come out easily once it’s done baking, so you can show off that beautiful, golden shape.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the apple cider, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. This will give the cake its rich, flavorful base. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This combination of spices and dry ingredients will give your cake that signature apple cider donut flavor. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want the cake to stay light and fluffy.

Pour into the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly. The batter will be slightly thick, but don’t worry—this is normal!

Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top and slightly firm to the touch.

Let It Cool

Once the cake is done baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures that the cake stays intact and doesn’t fall apart.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the cake is cool, slice it up and enjoy! You can dust the top with powdered sugar or even drizzle with a simple glaze for a little extra sweetness. Serve with a cup of hot apple cider or coffee to complete the fall experience.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10
Calories per serving: 310

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

This cake is perfect for any occasion, and there are a few ways to elevate your serving experience:

• With a Dusting of Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the cake makes it look even more inviting and adds a touch of sweetness.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. It’s an apple cider donut turned into a full-on treat!
• Pair with Warm Drinks: This cake goes perfectly with a warm drink like hot apple cider, coffee, or tea. The flavors of the cake and drink will complement each other beautifully.
• Top with Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent dessert, top each slice with a dollop of whipped cream. It adds a creamy richness that’s hard to resist!

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Add an Extra Spice Kick: If you love spice, add a little extra cinnamon or a pinch of ginger to give the cake an extra warming flavor.
• Use Fresh Apple Cider: For the best flavor, use fresh, unfiltered apple cider. It gives the cake that authentic, fruity flavor that’s so comforting.
• Prep Ahead: You can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pour it into the pan and bake when you’re ready.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, wrap it in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month.
• Glaze It: For an added touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider over the cake after it cools.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use store-bought apple cider for this cake?
A1: Absolutely! Just make sure to use a good-quality, unfiltered apple cider for the best flavor.

Q2: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the cake a day or two ahead and store it in an airtight container. It’ll stay moist and flavorful.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, freeze it for up to a month.

Q4: Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?
A4: Yes! You can use a regular 9-inch round cake pan instead. Just be sure to adjust the baking time slightly since a round pan will cook a bit faster.

Q5: Can I add more apple flavor to this cake?
A5: Yes! You can add finely chopped apples to the batter for a little added texture and flavor. Make sure to fold them in gently so they don’t weigh down the batter.

Q6: Can I substitute the butter with something else?
A6: You can substitute the butter with vegetable oil or a non-dairy butter for a dairy-free version. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Q7: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A7: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend you choose has a good structure to hold up the cake.

Q8: Can I make this cake without eggs?
A8: Yes, you can use an egg substitute like flax eggs or applesauce. The texture may be slightly different, but the flavor will still be great.

Q9: Can I top this cake with frosting instead of powdered sugar?
A9: Of course! A simple cinnamon buttercream would pair beautifully with this cake if you want something a little richer.

Q10: Can I use a different pan size?
A10: Yes! You can use a different size pan, but make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller pans will bake faster, while larger pans will take a bit longer.

Conclusion

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is everything you’ve ever wanted in a fall dessert—warm, comforting, and bursting with all the cozy flavors we love. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just enjoying a slice with your afternoon coffee, it’s sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, bake it, share it, and savor every bite of this delightful treat—you deserve it!

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