Apple Cider Donut Cake: 7 Sweet Reasons to Bake It Today
Craving cozy fall flavors? This apple cider donut cake is moist, spiced, and easy to make. Learn 7 irresistible reasons to bake it today!
Introduction
There's something magical about the combination of apples and cinnamon that instantly evokes the warmth of fall. This apple cider donut cake brings that comforting blend to your kitchen in a delightful, easy-to-make dessert. Imagine a moist, spiced cake with the rich flavors of apple cider and a hint of cinnamon, all topped off with a sweet cinnamon-sugar coating. It's like enjoying a warm apple cider donut without the frying! I love how this cake captures the essence of autumn and is perfect for cozy gatherings or a special treat any time of year. Plus, it's ready in just about 1 hour and 10 minutes, making it a breeze to prepare.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- Apple Cider (1½ cups):
- Provides the rich apple flavor and moisture that defines this cake.
- Sugar (⅔ cup):
- Sweetens the batter, balancing the spices and apple cider.
- Eggs (2 large):
- Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Sour Cream (⅔ cup):
- Adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cake.
- Unsalted Butter (½ cup, melted):
- Enhances flavor and contributes to a tender crumb.
- Ground Nutmeg (1¼ teaspoons):
- Infuses the cake with a warm, aromatic spice.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon):
- Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Salt (½ teaspoon):
- Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour (1½ cups):
- Provides structure to the cake.
- Baking Powder (1½ teaspoons):
- Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
- Baking Soda (½ teaspoon):
- Assists in leavening and contributes to the cake's texture.
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:
- Ground Cinnamon (¼ teaspoon):
- Adds a warm, spicy note to the topping.
- Sugar (2 tablespoons):
- Sweetens the coating and gives it a delightful crunch.
Prep Time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Reduce the Apple Cider: In a small saucepan over medium heat, simmer the apple cider until it reduces to about ½ cup. This concentrates the flavor. Let it cool.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the reduced apple cider, sugar, eggs, sour cream, melted butter, vanilla extract, and ground nutmeg until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix together the ground cinnamon and sugar.
- Coat the Cake: Once the cake is cool, brush it with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy your homemade apple cider donut cake!
Tips & Tricks
- Use Fresh Apple Cider: For the best flavor, use fresh, unfiltered apple cider. If unavailable, cloudy apple juice can be a suitable substitute.
- Add Chopped Apples: For extra texture, fold in 1 cup of finely chopped apples into the batter before baking.
- Spice Variations: Experiment with adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a different flavor profile.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Coffee or Tea: Pair a slice with your favorite hot beverage for a cozy treat.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.