Get ready to meet your new autumn obsession! This Apple Cider Donut Cake captures all the nostalgic charm of a farm-stand apple cider donut but wraps it up in a delightfully simple, tender cake. With its cinnamon-kissed crumb and cider-infused aroma, every bite transports you straight to the heart of fall—no deep fryer or donut pan required.

Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Cider Donut Cake pulls off its magic with a short list of everyday ingredients, each one working hard for flavor, texture, and that signature cider tang. Let’s take a quick tour through what you’ll need and exactly why it matters.

Fresh apple cider: The real star—reducing it concentrates the flavor so every crumb sings with apple goodness.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create that classic, tender cake texture.
Large eggs: Bring moisture, structure, and a lovely golden hue to the cake.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and boosts the crisp cinnamon-sugar finish.
Lightly packed brown sugar: Deepens the flavor with just a touch of subtle molasses.
Light olive oil (or other neutral oil): Keeps the crumb moist and impossibly soft.
Sour cream (or Greek yogurt): Adds tang and ensures your cake bakes up plush and tender.
Baking powder and baking soda: This duo guarantees a lofty rise and light crumb.
Ground cinnamon and a pinch of allspice: Key for delivering that signature donut spice.
Coarse kosher salt (use half as much if using fine sea salt): Balances all those sweet, warm flavors.
All-purpose flour: Keeps things classic and allows the apple and spices to shine.
Butter for topping: Helps the cinnamon-sugar finish cling for that iconic crust.
Cinnamon-sugar topping: The famous finishing touch that brings the Apple Cider Donut Cake experience home.

How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Butter (or spray) a 9-inch square baking dish and line it with parchment so the paper hangs over the sides. This sling makes it easy to lift out your finished cake without a crumb lost!

Step 2: Reduce the Apple Cider

Set a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, pour in the apple cider, and let it bubble away until reduced by half—about 5 minutes. Reducing the cider intensifies the flavor and infuses your cake with incredible autumn aroma. Once reduced to ¾ cup, add diced butter and whisk until melted and smooth.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, both sugars, oil, and sour cream. Toss in the baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is velvety and uniform, making sure all the brown sugar has dissolved.

Step 4: Combine the Batter

Slowly whisk the warm cider-butter blend into your wet mixture. The fragrance is heavenly already! Stir in the flour right until everything’s just combined. Try not to overmix—this keeps your Apple Cider Donut Cake super tender.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepped pan. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the cake is puffed and a toothpick comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell absolutely irresistible right about now!

Step 6: Add the Iconic Topping

Let the cake cool for 5 minutes, then place the extra tablespoon of butter on top and brush it across the warm cake as it melts. In a small bowl, mix the cinnamon and sugar, then sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttery surface. This step is pure donut magic.

Step 7: Cool and Slice

Lift the cake from the pan using the parchment sling and set it on a cooling rack. Once it’s just warm, slice into squares and marvel at the tender crumb and shimmering cinnamon sugar crust.

How to Serve Apple Cider Donut Cake

Garnishes

To bring a festive touch to your Apple Cider Donut Cake, try a light dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or just serve it as-is—honestly, that cinnamon sugar top is a showstopper all on its own.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with mugs of hot apple cider or chai. For brunch, serve alongside crisp apple slices, tangy yogurt, or a salty slab of cheddar cheese for a farm-stand-style spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut the cake into bite-sized squares for a playful party snack, stack slices with vanilla ice cream for dessert sandwiches, or even turn leftovers into a decadent trifle layered with spiced apples and whipped cream.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Apple Cider Donut Cake fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cinnamon sugar topping will hold its crunch best on the first day, so sneak a slice whenever you can!

Freezing

This cake freezes surprisingly well. Wrap squares tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep their beautiful texture and flavor for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for best results.

Reheating

To recapture that bakery-fresh warmth, simply microwave individual squares for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. The topping will crisp up and the kitchen will smell like fall all over again.

FAQs

Can I make this Apple Cider Donut Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder and sour cream are gluten-free as well.

What type of apple cider works best?

Go for a fresh, unfiltered apple cider from your local market or cider mill for the boldest flavor. Shelf-stable cider also works in a pinch—just avoid apple juice, which is sweeter and less flavorful.

Can I use more spices?

Of course! Add nutmeg, cardamom, or even a little ground ginger to play around with the coziness. Just keep in mind that cinnamon should remain the star for that true donut nostalgia.

Is it possible to double the recipe?

Yes! You can easily double everything and bake the batter in a 9×13-inch pan. Watch the baking time and start checking for doneness around 30 minutes.

Should I serve it warm or at room temperature?

Both are delicious, but serving your Apple Cider Donut Cake slightly warm really brings out the cozy aromas and melty cinnamon butter topping. If you have leftovers, a quick reheat does wonders.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving fall flavors, you absolutely have to try this Apple Cider Donut Cake. It’s easy, utterly comforting, and sure to spark joy all year long. Get ready for rave reviews around your table—there’s just something magical about this cozy treat!