Apple Cider Donut Cake

Name: Apple Cider Donut Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1-½ cups fresh apple cider; 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced; 2 large eggs; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup lightly packed brown sugar; 1/3 cup light olive oil; ¼ cup sour cream; 1-½ teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 1-½ teaspoons ground cinnamon; Pinch allspice; ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt; 1-¾ cups all-purpose flour

Posted on November 21, 2025

Desserts & Sweets

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Love Apple Cider Donuts but don’t want to go through the steps to make them? This Apple Cider Donut Cake is the answer! It has all the flavor of our favorite seasonal treat, but made as a super easy snack cake. Perfect for gatherings, brunches, or even an afternoon treat, this cake stands out with its rich apple flavor and warm spices, making it a must-try for fall.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is easy enough for beginners yet satisfying for seasoned bakers.
Rich Flavor: The blend of fresh apple cider and spices delivers a deliciously comforting taste that evokes memories of autumn.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a dessert, breakfast, or snack; this cake fits any occasion!
Moist Texture: The addition of sour cream ensures that every slice is moist and tender.
Quick to Make: Ready in just over half an hour, you can whip this up in no time!

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

9” square baking dish
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Cooling rack

Why These Tools Matter

9” square baking dish: Perfect size for even baking and easy slicing.
Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing wet ingredients.
Cooling rack: Allows air circulation around the cake for even cooling.

Ingredients

Ingredients:
– 1-½ cups fresh apple cider
– 4 tablespoons (66 grams) cold unsalted butter, diced
– 2 large eggs
– 1/3 cup (70 grams) granulated sugar
– ½ cup (110 grams) lightly packed brown sugar
– 1/3 cup (70 grams) light olive oil (or other neutral oil)
– ¼ cup (66 grams) sour cream (or greek yogurt)
– 1-½ teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– 1-½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
– Pinch allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt (if using fine sea salt use half by volume)
– 1-¾ cups (210 grams) all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon butter, at cool room temperature
– ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9” square baking dish by buttering it or spraying with oil. Line the bottom with parchment paper long enough to hang over the sides to create a sling.

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

In a large sauté pan, bring the fresh apple cider to a boil until reduced by half, which should take about 5 minutes. Ensure you measure it to confirm you have ¾ cup. Remove from heat and add the cold diced butter into the hot cider, whisking until fully combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:
1. The eggs
2. Granulated sugar
3. Brown sugar
4. Olive oil
5. Sour cream
6. Baking powder
7. Baking soda
8. Ground cinnamon
9. Allspice
10. Salt

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Slowly whisk in the boiled cider mixture into the wet ingredients until well combined.

Step 5: Add Flour

Gently stir in the all-purpose flour until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Pour Batter Into Dish

Pour your batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.

Step 7: Bake in Oven

Place in the preheated oven and bake until puffed up and golden brown in color, about 22–25 minutes.

Step 8: Cool Briefly

Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes.

Step 9: Butter Topping

While still warm, place butter on top of the cake and brush it around as it melts across the surface.

Step 10: Cinnamon Sugar Finish

In a small bowl, mix together granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the melted buttered surface of your cake.

Step 11: Remove from Pan

Carefully lift out the cake using the overhanging parchment paper and allow it to cool completely on the rack.

Step 12: Slice and Serve

Let your cake cool slightly before cutting it into squares for serving. Enjoy your delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake!

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Serving Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful way to enjoy this seasonal treat. Whether it’s for a cozy gathering or a simple afternoon snack, there are many ways to elevate this cake.

Pair with Warm Beverages

Coffee: A fresh cup of coffee complements the spices in the cake perfectly.
Tea: A warm cup of chai or herbal tea enhances the flavors and makes for a comforting experience.
Hot Chocolate: For a sweeter option, hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with the spiced notes of the cake.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture of vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the moist cake.
Caramel Ice Cream: This adds an extra layer of flavor that harmonizes with the apple cider taste.

Drizzle with Glaze

Maple Glaze: A simple maple glaze drizzled on top adds sweetness and richness.
Cream Cheese Frosting: For a rich touch, cream cheese frosting brings creaminess that balances the spice.

Garnish with Fresh Fruit

Sliced Apples: Fresh apple slices add a crunchy texture and enhance the apple flavor.
Berries: Fresh berries provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

How to Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

To ensure your Apple Cider Donut Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

Boldly measure ingredients: Accurate measurements make a significant difference in baking success.
Boldly reduce cider properly: Make sure to boil down the apple cider until it’s reduced by half for optimal flavor concentration.
Boldly avoid overmixing: Gently fold in flour to maintain a light and fluffy texture in your cake.
Boldly check doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
Boldly cool before serving: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before cutting helps maintain its structure and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Cider Donut Cake

Apple Cider Donut Cake pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:

Chopped Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette balances out the sweetness of the cake.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or creamy brie, offers savory contrast to sweet notes.
Roasted Nuts: Spiced roasted nuts provide crunchiness and enhance seasonal flavors.
Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup adds heartiness and warmth alongside the cake.
Fruit Compote: A homemade fruit compote can bring out additional fruity flavors, enhancing enjoyment.
Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruit serves as a refreshing side that complements dessert nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Apple Cider Donut Cake can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your efforts. Here are some tips to ensure success.

Incorrect Cider Measurement: Make sure to reduce the apple cider properly; this intensifies the flavor. Measure precisely after boiling to ensure you have the right amount.
Overmixing the Batter: Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Combine ingredients until just blended for a light and fluffy texture.
Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking and helps the cake rise properly.
Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before cutting is essential for better texture. Cutting too early can make it fall apart.
Ignoring Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Every oven is different; check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested time.

Refrigerator Storage

item Store leftover Apple Cider Donut Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
item It will stay fresh for about 3-5 days.

Freezing Apple Cider Donut Cake

item Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
item Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Cider Donut Cake

Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10 minutes on a baking sheet. This keeps them soft and moist.
Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds until warm. Be careful not to overheat, as it may dry out the cake.
Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes. This method helps retain moisture while warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Apple Cider Donut Cake special?

This cake captures all the delightful flavors of traditional apple cider donuts in a simple, easy-to-make snack cake format.

Can I use other types of oil?

Yes! You can substitute light olive oil with any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil without affecting the flavor.

How should I serve Apple Cider Donut Cake?

Serve it warm or at room temperature, either plain or dusted with cinnamon sugar for added sweetness!

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or spices like nutmeg for a twist on this classic recipe.

How long does it take to make Apple Cider Donut Cake?

The total time is approximately 34 minutes, including prep and baking time.

Conclusion

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is an irresistible treat that brings all the seasonal flavors of autumn into one delicious dessert. Its simplicity and versatility mean you can easily customize it with your favorite add-ins or toppings. Try making this delightful cake today, and enjoy every bite!