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Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe: A Warm and Spiced Fall Favorite!

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Introduction

Apple Cider Donut Cake is a soft, moist, and spiced cake inspired by the classic apple cider donuts found at fall festivals and apple orchards. Infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider, this cake delivers a warm and comforting flavor, perfect for autumn mornings, holiday gatherings, or a cozy dessert with coffee.

Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Dish

  • Moist and flavorful – Made with real apple cider for rich taste.
  • Warm spices – A comforting blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
  • Easy to make – No frying like traditional donuts, just bake and enjoy!
  • Perfect for fall – A great treat for apple-picking season and holidays.
  • Pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or warm apple cider.

Origin of Apple Cider Donut Cake

  • Apple cider donuts originated in New England, USA, where apple orchards started making them as a fall treat.
  • The concept of cider-infused baked goods dates back to colonial times when apples were a staple ingredient.
  • This cake is a modern twist, transforming the flavors of cider donuts into a soft, sliceable dessert.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup apple cider (reduced for a stronger flavor)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider

  1. In a small saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until reduced to about ½ cup (this enhances the flavor).
  2. Let it cool before using in the batter.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy.
  4. Add eggs, vanilla, and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
  5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and reduced apple cider, mixing until just combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

  1. Pour the batter into the greased bundt pan.
  2. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  3. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 4: Add the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

  1. Brush the cake with melted butter while still slightly warm.
  2. In a bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle or roll the cake in the mixture until coated.

Cooking Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Tips:

  • Reduce the apple cider for concentrated flavor.
  • Use sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra moisture.
  • Coat the cake while warm so the cinnamon sugar sticks well.
  • Use a bundt pan for a traditional donut-like shape.

Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Not reducing the cider – The cake won’t have a strong apple flavor.
  • Overmixing the batter – This can make the cake dense.
  • Skipping the butter coating – It helps the cinnamon sugar stick properly.
  • Overbaking – Keep an eye on it to ensure it stays moist.

Serving Tips

  • Serve warm with a cup of hot apple cider, coffee, or tea.
  • Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
  • Drizzle with caramel sauce for a rich, sweet touch.
  • Enjoy as a breakfast treat or dessert.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

  • Apple Cider – Rich in antioxidants and promotes gut health.
  • Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Support metabolism and have anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Greek Yogurt/Sour Cream – Adds protein and probiotics.
  • Brown Sugar – Contains molasses, which provides trace minerals.

Interesting Facts About Apple Cider Donut Cake

  • Apple cider donuts became popular in the 1950s, especially at fall festivals.
  • Some versions use cider glaze instead of cinnamon sugar for a different texture.
  • The tradition of using apple cider in baking dates back to early American settlers.
  • Many apple orchards in the U.S. still serve warm cider donuts as a fall tradition.

Summarized Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10-12

Ingredients:
 Flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, apple cider, butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, sour cream, melted butter, cinnamon-sugar mix.

Instructions:

  1. Reduce apple cider and let it cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a bundt pan.
  3. Whisk dry ingredients in one bowl, and cream butter and sugars in another.
  4. Mix in eggs, vanilla, and sour cream, then alternate adding dry ingredients and cider.
  5. Pour into a bundt pan and bake for 40–45 minutes.
  6. Let cool, then brush with butter and coat with cinnamon sugar.

Final Thoughts

Apple Cider Donut Cake is a warm, spiced, and moist fall treat that brings the flavors of classic apple cider donuts into an easy-to-bake cake. Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a seasonal gathering, this cake is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite!

 

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