Apple Cider Donut Cake – Fall Dessert Delight
As fall approaches, many people look forward to enjoying delicious treats that celebrate the season. One standout favorite is the Apple Cider Donut Cake, a delightful dessert that captures the essence of freshly made apple cider donuts. This easy-to-make cake is moist and flavorful, thanks to its generous use of apple cider, and is baked to perfection in a bundt pan. Coated in cinnamon sugar, it reminds everyone of those sweet autumnal flavors.
Visiting local orchards is a cherished tradition during the fall, as it offers a perfect opportunity for apple picking and enjoying fresh cider. The experience of picking ripe apples adds to the excitement of creating special recipes at home. Even if orchards are not nearby, store-bought apple cider works well in this cake. This recipe brings together beloved aspects of both apple cider donuts and apple cakes, resulting in a dessert that is sure to charm anyone who tries it.
Key Takeaways
- Apple Cider Donut Cake captures fall flavors with apple cider and spices.
- Easy to make, it offers a nostalgic taste of seasonal treats.
- It can be enjoyed at home, even without a visit to an orchard.
Ingredients Notes:
Ingredients for the Cake:
- Dry Components: Essential items include flour, granulated sugar, salt, and baking powder. These create the base for a light and fluffy cake.
- Wet Components: For the batter, use eggs, vanilla extract, and softened butter. These ingredients help achieve the desired texture and flavor.
- Apple Spice Blend: Apple pie spice closely resembles pumpkin pie spice, sharing ingredients like cinnamon and allspice. If apple pie spice is unavailable, pumpkin pie spice serves as a suitable alternative, though it includes cloves which apple pie spice does not contain.
- Fresh Apple Cider: Whenever possible, opt for fresh apple cider from a local orchard for the best taste. While apple juice can be used, it has a sweeter profile, which could alter the flavor of the cake.
What Makes This Recipe Special:
- Apple cider donuts are a favorite, and this cake offers a delightful twist by mimicking a giant donut.
- The topping features a crunchy cinnamon sugar crust, enhancing that classic donut flavor. The cake is brushed with melted butter, imparting a rich, deep-fried doughnut essence.
- It is a straightforward recipe, yet it impresses anyone who tries it.
- Serve the cake plain, or enhance it with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel for added indulgence.
Topping Ingredients:
- Cinnamon and Sugar Blend: This combination will infuse the cake with warm, sweet flavors. The entire cake is generously coated, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Brush of Melted Butter: After baking, applying melted butter to the surface gives the cake a rich taste and texture that mimics a deep-fried donut. Skipping this step is not recommended as it significantly enhances the flavor.
Recommended Hand Mixer:
A handy hand mixer makes preparing desserts easier. Compact and efficient, it is an essential tool in any kitchen. Its user-friendly design simplifies the mixing process, making it a favorite among home bakers.
How To Create Apple Cider Donut Cake:
The Best Bundt Pan Choice
A great Bundt pan is important for baking. This option is non-stick, affordable, and frequently used in the kitchen.
Serving Suggestions:
Helpful Hints
- Bundt Pan Use: Selecting a sturdy bundt pan is essential. It’s important to generously coat the pan with butter and then dust it with flour. This prevents the cake from sticking after baking.
- Quality of Cider: Using fresh apple cider enhances the flavor. If fresh is not available, store-bought cider or even apple juice can be suitable alternatives.
- Perfecting the Topping: Applying a mix of melted butter and cinnamon sugar generously creates a delightful crust. This adds to the cake’s flavor and mimics the taste of traditional fried donuts.
- Baking Temperature: Baking at a lower temperature is key. It allows the cake to cook evenly, ensuring the center is fully baked while preventing the edges from becoming too dark.
Pairing Ideas
- Tasty Toppings: Serve with a generous scoop of whipped cream and drizzle with caramel sauce for extra richness. While this strays from the original donut style, it enhances the dessert experience.
Beverage Choices: Leftover apple cider is a great option for kids. Adults might enjoy a fall-inspired drink like apple cider mimosas or caramel apple sangria to complement a slice of cake.
Common Questions:
What is apple cider donut cake?
It is a unique combination of a classic bundt cake and an apple cider donut. The cake is topped with a crispy cinnamon sugar layer that adds texture and flavor.
Can apple juice be substituted for apple cider?
Yes, apple juice can replace apple cider in the recipe. However, the cake might turn out slightly sweeter due to the juice’s higher sugar content.
How should the cake be stored?
This cake can be kept at room temperature in a covered container for 3 to 4 days. For extended freshness, it can be refrigerated or frozen for several months without losing quality.
Apple Cider Donut Cake
Savor the comforting flavors of fall with this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake. Inspired by the beloved apple cider donuts, this bundt cake brings together the warmth of apple pie spice and the sweetness of cinnamon sugar, making it an ideal dessert for the autumn season. Simple to prepare yet rich in taste, this cake is perfect for gatherings or as a cozy treat with a hot beverage.
Ingredients
- For the cake:
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 ½ cups softened butter
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup apple cider
- For topping:
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup melted butter
Instructions
To make the cake:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Generously grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, apple pie spice, salt, and baking powder.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and apple cider to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for approximately 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes before carefully transferring it to a cake stand or serving plate. Let the cake cool completely before applying the topping.
To top the cake:
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Using a pastry brush, gently coat the exterior of the cooled cake with melted butter, ensuring an even coverage.
- Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered cake, pressing it lightly with your hands to adhere the mixture to the cake’s surface.
- Slice and serve the cake, enjoying its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Notes
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Nutrition Information:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 82 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Total Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 164 mg
- Sodium: 348 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 56 g
