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Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 110 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 9 servings (9-inch square cake, cut into 3x3 squares) 1x

Description

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is a moist, spiced dessert that captures the flavors of traditional apple cider donuts in an easy-to-make cake form. With a tender crumb infused with cinnamon and allspice, reduced apple cider, and a sweet cinnamon sugar topping brushed with melted butter, this cake is perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave cozy, autumn flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 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

Topping

  • 1 tablespoon butter, at cool room temperature
  • ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter or spray a 9-inch square baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving enough overhang on the sides to create a sling for easy removal.
  2. Reduce apple cider: In a large sauté pan, bring the apple cider to a boil and cook until reduced by half, about 5 minutes. Ensure you end up with ¾ cup of reduced cider. Add the diced cold butter to the hot cider and whisk until combined.
  3. Combine wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt until smooth.
  4. Incorporate cider: Slowly whisk the warm reduced cider mixture into the wet ingredient mixture, mixing thoroughly.
  5. Add flour: Gently stir in the all-purpose flour until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
  6. Pour batter: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  7. Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the cake is puffed, golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool slightly: Place the cake on a cooling rack for 5 minutes after baking.
  9. Apply butter topping: Spread the tablespoon of room-temperature butter over the warm cake, brushing it around as it melts.
  10. Add cinnamon sugar topping: In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture liberally over the buttered cake surface.
  11. Remove from pan: Use the parchment paper sling to lift the cake out of the pan and set it on the cooling rack.
  12. Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before cutting into squares and serving.

Notes

  • You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream if preferred.
  • Use a neutral oil like light olive oil or vegetable oil for the best texture.
  • To make the cake more festive, consider adding a drizzle of glaze or serving with whipped cream.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • Rewarm slices slightly before serving to refresh their soft texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple cider donut cake, spiced cake, fall dessert, cinnamon cake, easy apple cake

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Find it online: https://flavorbylily.com/apple-cider-donut-cake-recipe/