There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of freshly baked Apple Cider Donut Cake wafting through your home. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly autumn day, where every slice is a ticket to nostalgia, reminding you of fall festivals and hayrides. pumpkin coconut shrimp curry Imagine cutting into that soft, moist cake, the cinnamon-sugar topping glistening like tiny stars sprinkled right from the cosmos. sweet potato casserole bake Each bite is an explosion of sweet apple and warm spices that dances joyfully on your taste buds.

Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use store-bought apple cider for this recipe?
- How do I know when the cake is done baking?
- Can I freeze apple cider donut cake?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let me take you back to a sunny Sunday when I decided to surprise my family with this delightful treat. As soon as they caught wind of those cozy scents, it was as if I’d summoned them with the magical powers of pastry. The grin on my nephew’s face when he took his first bite? Priceless! Moments like these are what life—and baking—are all about.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Apple Cider Donut Cake is easy to prepare, perfect for beginners or busy bakers alike
- The flavor profile combines sweet apples with aromatic spices for a delightful taste
- Its golden-brown appearance makes it visually appealing for any gathering or brunch table
- Versatile enough for breakfast or dessert, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser
The reactions from my family were unforgettable; their smiles said it all as they devoured slice after slice.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works best here for a nice balance of texture and structure in the cake.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetness is key; adjust according to your taste but don’t skimp too much.
- Baking Powder: Essential for that lovely rise; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
- Cinnamon: This spice brings warmth; feel free to use extra if you’re a cinnamon lover!
- Apple Cider: Use fresh cider for maximum flavor; skip the store-bought stuff if you can.
- Apples: Chop up your favorite variety; Honeycrisp or Granny Smith works wonders here.
- Eggs: These help bind everything together; room temperature eggs work best.
- Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness; melt it before mixing for ease.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and depth; consider using dark brown sugar for more flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A little splash elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
- Cinnamon Sugar Mixture (for topping): A blend of sugar and cinnamon creates a sweet crust that’s irresistible!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat and Prepare Your Pan: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray so the cake slides out easily.
Mix Dry Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of all those lovely flavors.
Combine Wet Ingredients in Another Bowl: In another bowl, mix together melted butter, apple cider, eggs, vanilla extract, and chopped apples until blended smoothly. You want this mixture to be rich and aromatic.
Add Wet Ingredients to Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients gently folding them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want that airy texture!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake in your preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes until golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Coat with Cinnamon Sugar Topping : Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack. While it’s still warm, sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar so it sticks perfectly.
Now you have created an Apple Cider Donut Cake that is not only delicious but also filled with memories waiting to be made around your kitchen table! Enjoy each slice as you reminisce about cozy autumn days while sipping on hot cider or coffee—it truly is one delectable experience! delicious eggnog sticky buns.
You Must Know
- Apple cider donut cake is a blend of sweet and spice, perfect for fall gatherings
- The rich aroma wafting from the oven will have your neighbors knocking on your door
- It’s easy to make and even easier to devour, so be prepared to share!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients first, then add wet ones for a smooth batter. This ensures a fluffy cake that rises beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap apples with pears for a unique flavor twist. You can also sprinkle chopped nuts or cranberries into the batter for added texture.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover apple cider donut cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. creamy butternut squash mac and cheese Reheat slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best flavor, use fresh apple cider instead of store-bought juice
- Don’t overmix the batter; gentle folding helps maintain fluffiness
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling
Baking this apple cider donut cake reminds me of family gatherings—everyone gathered around the kitchen, smiles wide as they devoured slice after slice. For more inspiration, check out this Blueberry Lemon Donuts recipe.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought apple cider for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure it’s pure apple cider without added sugars or preservatives.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
Can I freeze apple cider donut cake?
Yes, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to three months.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
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Print
Apple Cider Donut Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Apple Cider Donut Cake is a delightful fall treat that captures the essence of autumn with its warm spices and sweet apple flavor. Each slice offers a tender texture, topped with a sparkling cinnamon-sugar crust that will transport you back to cozy festivals and family gatherings. Easy to make, this cake is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any occasion where you want to share a bit of seasonal magic with loved ones.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup apple cider (fresh)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups chopped apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- Cinnamon sugar mixture for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix melted butter, apple cider, eggs, vanilla extract, and chopped apples until well combined.
- Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just mixed; do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. While warm, sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg