Introduction
There’s something undeniably cozy about the aroma of freshly baked apple cider donuts wafting through the air. But what if you could combine that comforting flavor with the moist, rich texture of a classic cake? Enter the Apple Cider Donut Cake — a delectable fusion that brings together the best of both worlds. This cake is perfect for fall gatherings, cozy mornings, or any time you’re craving a taste of autumn. With its warm spices, tangy apple flavor, and a sweet cinnamon glaze, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your household.
The History
Apple cider donuts have roots in early American baking traditions, where apple cider was often used as a natural sweetener and flavor booster before refined sugar became widely available. These donuts were typically fried and sold at harvest festivals and farmers’ markets. Over time, bakers began incorporating cider into cakes and other baked goods, leading to modern twists like the Apple Cider Donut Cake. This version takes the essence of the traditional donut — cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and the tang of apple cider — and transforms it into a soft, spiced cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients Breakdown
The magic of the Apple Cider Donut Cake lies in its ingredients. Apple cider is simmered down to a syrupy consistency, intensifying its flavor and giving the cake a deep, rich apple taste. The dry ingredients include flour, baking powder, and a warm spice blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, which perfectly complement the apple base. Brown sugar adds a caramel-like depth, while oil keeps the cake moist and tender. A touch of sour cream ensures a velvety crumb, and the whole egg adds structure and richness. The finishing touch is a cinnamon-sugar glaze that mimics the signature coating of a classic apple cider donut.
Step-by-Step Recipe
- In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of apple cider to a gentle simmer and reduce it to about 1/4 cup. Let it cool completely.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a bundt pan or 9×13-inch cake pan by greasing and flouring it thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp allspice.
- Add 1 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup oil, 1 egg, and 1/2 cup sour cream to the dry ingredients. Mix well until smooth.
- Stir in the reduced apple cider until fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 2–3 tbsp of milk or apple cider until smooth.
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top before slicing and serving.
Tips
- Simmer the apple cider slowly to concentrate the flavor without burning it. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- For a lighter texture, you can substitute half of the oil with applesauce.
- Make sure your cake is completely cooled before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting off.
- If using a bundt pan, be extra careful when greasing and flouring to avoid sticking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Variations and Customizations
This cake is highly adaptable to your personal tastes and seasonal ingredients. For a boozy twist, add a splash of bourbon or rum to the glaze. Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangy, protein-rich alternative. You can also fold in chopped apples or walnuts into the batter for added texture. For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use plant-based sour cream and butter in the glaze. Try making mini versions in a muffin tin for individual servings at your next fall gathering.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
While the Apple Cider Donut Cake is a treat meant to be enjoyed in moderation, there are ways to make it healthier. Apple cider adds natural sweetness and antioxidants from the apples, while spices like cinnamon and nutmeg offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Using whole wheat flour or oat flour can increase the fiber content, and substituting some or all of the brown sugar with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit can reduce the glycemic impact. For a lower-fat version, replace the oil with unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana. However, due to the sugar, oil, and sour cream content, this cake is calorie-dense, so portion control is key when indulging.
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat/oat flour for a healthier option)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or melted coconut oil
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt or plant-based alternative)
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2–3 tbsp milk or apple cider
Directions
- Simmer the apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to about 1/4 cup. Set aside to cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or 9×13-inch cake pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- Add brown sugar, oil, egg, and sour cream to the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in the cooled reduced apple cider until fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While cake is baking, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar, cinnamon, and enough milk or cider to reach a drizzle-able consistency.
- Once cake is baked and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top.
- Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.
FAQ
- Can I use store-bought apple cider? Yes, 100% pure apple cider with no added preservatives or sugar works best for flavor.
- Can I make this cake ahead of time? Absolutely! It keeps well for up to 3 days at room temperature or a week in the fridge.
- Can I freeze the cake? Yes, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Can I skip the glaze? Of course, but the glaze enhances both flavor and presentation. If omitted, sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar before baking for a similar effect.
Summary
The Apple Cider Donut Cake blends the comforting flavors of fall with the moist texture of a classic cake, making it a perfect seasonal treat. Packed with warm spices, reduced apple cider, and a sweet cinnamon glaze, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert or breakfast option for any autumn day.