Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake – Sugary, Spiced & Baked
Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake – Sugary, Spiced & Baked is a delightful evolution of the classic apple cider donut, transformed into a soft, tender cake that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
This recipe brings together the warmth of cozy spices, the tangy sweetness of apple cider, and the satisfying texture that only a well-baked cake can offer. The tradition of apple cider donuts hails from Northeastern American cider mills, where warm, sugary treats pair perfectly with fresh-pressed apple cider.
By transforming these flavors into a cake, you get all the joys of the original without the need for frying, making it a bit lighter and more convenient for home bakers.
This cake is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a sweet afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or hot apple cider. Apple cider not only infuses robust apple flavor but also adds subtle acidity, ensuring every morsel remains irresistibly moist.
Blending traditional donut spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice—creates a heartwarming aroma that immediately evokes the feeling of autumn. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, the Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake – Sugary, Spiced & Baked is easy to master and sure to become a family favorite.
Discover more about the history of apple cider donuts and other apple-based treats through trusted culinary resources like The Kitchn (https://www.thekitchn.com/apple-cider-donuts-23023452). It's time to fill your kitchen with the enchanting scent of baked apple, and experience a beloved classic in a whole new way.
Ingredients for Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake – Sugary, Spiced & Baked
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- For Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions for Making Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake – Sugary, Spiced & Baked
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or a 10-inch tube pan.
- Pour the 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until reduced to about 1 cup, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Slowly mix in the vegetable oil.
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Pour in the cooled, reduced apple cider, mixing gently.
- Add the remaining dry mixture and mix until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Brush the cake with melted butter while still slightly warm.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar for the coating, then sprinkle or pat it generously over the cake.
Nutritional Information
The Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake – Sugary, Spiced & Baked balances indulgence and nutrition. In each serving (about 1/12th of the cake), you'll find approximately 320 calories, with 14 grams of fat, 4 grams of protein, and 47 grams of carbohydrates.
While this cake is certainly an occasional treat, it does offer fiber from the flour and real apple cider, as well as beneficial antioxidants from the spices used. The fat content mainly comes from butter and vegetable oil, which contribute to the cake's remarkable moistness and tender crumb.
Using real apple cider offers trace vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, potassium, and polyphenols, known for their health benefits. If you’re interested in learning more about ingredient nutrition, refer to the USDA’s FoodData Central (https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/) for more comprehensive data.
For a lighter version, you can reduce the sugar and substitute some of the fat with unsweetened applesauce, which is a common technique in healthy baking. If you have dietary needs, using whole wheat pastry flour will slightly boost fiber and nutrients without altering the beloved texture.
Remember, this delicious cake is best enjoyed as part of a balanced diet, alongside good hydration and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Moderation is the key to reveling in a sugary, spiced treat like this while maintaining overall wellness.
Wine/Beverage Pairings With Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake – Sugary, Spiced & Baked
Pairing beverages with the Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake – Sugary, Spiced & Baked elevates the experience. The cake’s cinnamon and apple notes naturally complement hot drinks like cinnamon tea, chai lattes, or mulled apple cider for a comforting autumn treat.
For coffee lovers, a medium-roast or cinnamon-infused coffee deepens the caramel and apple flavors in the cake. If you prefer a cold beverage, sparkling apple cider refreshes the palate.
For a more grown-up pairing, consider serving the cake with a light, aromatic white wine such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer; their sweetness and acidity perfectly accentuate the cake’s spiced notes. Alternatively, a semi-dry hard apple cider provides a crisp contrast to the cake’s rich sugar coating.
No matter your choice, choosing a beverage that echoes the cake’s apple and spice profile will guarantee a harmonious taste experience.
Cooking Tips and Variations
To ensure your Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake – Sugary, Spiced & Baked turns out brilliantly every time, there are several expert baking tips to consider. First, always use fresh apple cider, not apple juice or hard cider, as it provides the most authentic flavor and natural tartness.
Reducing the cider is crucial; it concentrates the taste and prevents the batter from becoming too watery. When mixing the batter, be careful not to overmix after adding the flour, as overworking the gluten can make the cake less tender.
Allowing your butter, eggs, and sour cream to come to room temperature ensures the creamiest, most cohesive batter. For added fall flair, stir in a handful of diced apples or walnuts for texture variations.
If you love extra spice, feel free to increase the cinnamon, or add a pinch of ground ginger. This recipe is also adaptable; for a dairy-free version, use coconut oil and a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative.
For those interested in gluten-free baking, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well, though the crumb may be slightly different. Instead of a bundt pan, you can bake this in a 9×13-inch pan for easy slicing, though reduce the baking time by about 10-15 minutes.
For more on baking substitutions, check out King Arthur Baking’s ingredient guides (https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/learn/ingredient-substitutions). No matter the variation, this cake stays impressively moist for several days—simply wrap it tightly or store under a cake dome.
Serving Suggestions
For an impressive presentation, serve your Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake – Sugary, Spiced & Baked on a rustic cake stand, garnished with thin apple slices, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
The cake is most tender and flavorful when enjoyed slightly warm, so consider gently reheating individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
If offering as part of a brunch spread, slice the cake into generous wedges and pair with seasonal fruits, Greek yogurt, or a dollop of whipped cream. For festive occasions, accompany each slice with a cinnamon stick and a mug of hot cider to enhance the autumnal vibe.
The cake’s structure allows for easy transport, making it a favorite choice for picnics, potlucks, or gifting—simply wrap slices in parchment and place in a tin.
As a dessert centerpiece or a comforting treat with afternoon coffee, this cake is versatile, inviting, and sure to bring a smile to every guest. Its beautiful bundt shape adds elegance to any table, while the crunchy cinnamon sugar crust offers a nostalgic donut-like bite.
Be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze tightly wrapped slices for up to 1 month. Serve it your way, and savor the warm, sugary, and spiced magic in every bite.
Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake – Sugary, Spiced & Baked Health Benefits
While the Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake – Sugary, Spiced & Baked is primarily a sweet indulgence, it does come with a few health benefits thanks to its wholesome ingredients.
Real apple cider, used to flavor and moisten the cake, provides natural antioxidants such as polyphenols, which are associated with heart health and reducing inflammation. The spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice—add more than just flavor; cinnamon, for example, may support healthy blood sugar levels and has natural antimicrobial properties.
Choosing to include apples or whole wheat flour boosts fiber content, which supports digestion and helps keep you feeling fuller longer.
If you opt for healthier ingredient swaps, such as reducing sugar or using unsweetened applesauce in place of some fat, you can tailor the cake to suit your dietary needs while keeping it delicious. Remember, moderation is important when enjoying baked treats, as they are higher in sugars and fats.
For more on the health properties of apples and spices, visit Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s article on apples (https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/apples/). When paired with a balanced diet and active lifestyle, enjoying occasional slices of this spiced, sugary cake can certainly be part of a wholesome way of living.
FAQs About Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake – Sugary, Spiced & Baked
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider in the Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake – Sugary, Spiced & Baked?
It’s best to use fresh apple cider, as it offers a more complex, tangy flavor and natural sweetness. Apple juice is typically filtered and sweeter, which may affect the cake’s taste and moistness. If cider is unavailable, unfiltered apple juice is a better substitute.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking to the bundt pan?
Generously grease every nook and cranny of your pan with butter or nonstick spray, then dust with flour, tapping out the excess. Letting the cake cool for about 15 minutes in the pan before unmolding also helps prevent sticking.
How do I store the Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake – Sugary, Spiced & Baked?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped slices for up to a month; thaw at room temperature or gently reheat before serving.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors actually improve after a day. Bake the cake, cool it completely, add the cinnamon sugar coating, and store in an airtight container. Wait to slice until right before serving for best texture.
Is it possible to make a gluten-free version of the cake?
Yes, substitute a quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for all-purpose flour. The cake may have a slightly different crumb, but it will remain flavorful and moist.
The Moist Apple Cider Donut Cake – Sugary, Spiced & Baked is the ultimate celebration of apple season, combining all the beloved flavors of a classic donut with the ease and elegance of a homemade cake. By using reduced apple cider, cozy spices, and a sugary cinnamon coating, this treat promises warmth, nostalgia, and comfort in every slice. Its incredible moistness, appealing fragrance, and impressive appearance make it a must-bake for fall gatherings, casual brunches, or any time you crave the taste of autumn. Versatile in its presentation and adaptable to different dietary needs, this cake invites creativity and brings people together. Whether you serve it as a centerpiece for special occasions or as a sweet surprise for weekday snacking, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to make and how much everyone will love it. So preheat your oven, embrace the scents of spice and baked apple, and enjoy every morsel of this timeless, sugary, and spiced cake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For topping: 1/4 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt or tube pan.
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2In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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3In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
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4Mix in apple cider, sour cream, and vanilla extract until combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
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5Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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6Allow cake to cool for 15 minutes in the pan, then invert onto a wire rack. Brush warm cake with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with cinnamon-sugar topping.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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