Oh my goodness, friends! Let me tell you about this delightful recipe for **Apple Cider Donut Cake** that has become my go-to favorite every fall. Whenever the leaves start to change and that crisp bite of autumn air creeps in, I find myself yearning for cozy evenings filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked goodies. This cake is the perfect combo of moistness and that classic apple cider donut flavor we all love—imagine diving into a slice and feeling like you’ve taken a stroll through an apple orchard in your grandmother’s old country home. Pure magic!
You know, it all began last year when I had some friends over for an apple-picking day, and of course, we came back with far more apples than we could eat. I wanted to whip up something special to celebrate our haul, and that’s when I stumbled upon this recipe. It has been a hit ever since! Plus, it’s super easy to make, and believe me, there’s nothing better than serving this warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—heaven!
## What’s in Apple Cider Donut Cake?
Let’s break down the scrumptious ingredients that make this cake a warm hug in dessert form:
All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your cake! It gives it structure and helps achieve that perfect slice. I typically use King Arthur flour; it’s my go-to brand for most baking!
Apple cider: This isn’t just for sipping! Reducing the cider intensifies its flavor, adding a wonderful essence of fall to the cake.
Granulated sugar and brown sugar: The granulated sugar gives a lovely sweetness while the brown sugar lends a hint of caramel. Trust me, you want both!
Vegetable oil: Using oil keeps the cake moist and tender, far superior to butter for this purpose.
Eggs: Essential for binding everything together; they also bring richness to the cake.
Vanilla extract: This adds a lovely warmth and depth of flavor. Always opt for pure vanilla extract if you can!
Baking powder and baking soda: These are your leavening agents, which help the cake rise just right.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: These spices are the stars of this dish—the perfect flavor duo that captures autumn!
Salt: A vital seasoning that enhances all the sweet flavors without making the cake taste salty.
Cinnamon-sugar for coating: A sprinkle of sugary cinnamon goodness to give that lovely donut-like finish!
## Is Apple Cider Donut Cake Good for You?
Now, let’s be real here—this is a dessert cake, so moderation is key! But it’s also packed with flavor thanks to those lovely spices.
Apple cider: Rich in antioxidants and may help with weight management. Who doesn’t love that?
Cinnamon: This wonderful spice can help lower blood sugar levels and has anti-inflammatory properties. Just another reason to love this cake a little more!
However, do keep in mind that this cake does contain sugars and fats (but isn’t that the case with all the best treats?). If you’re watching your sugar intake, consider enjoying smaller portions or pairing it with something nourishing!
## Ingredients
This recipe serves about 10-12 slices of deliciousness.
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup apple cider
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for coating)
## How to Make Apple Cider Donut Cake?
Alrighty, let’s roll up our sleeves and get baking!
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a bundt pan. Trust me, that bundt pan is going to give you that classic donut shape that we all love.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Let it simmer until it reduces down to about 1/2 cup—this will take around 10-15 minutes. Give it some love and then remove from heat to cool.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
4. In another large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until combined. Once smooth, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and the cooled reduced apple cider.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Remember, we are making cake, not bread, so don’t overmix it!
6. Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. While your cake is cooling, prepare the cinnamon-sugar coating! In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon.
9. After the cake has cooled, brush it lightly with melted butter and generously coat it with the cinnamon-sugar mixture for that perfect finishing touch!
## Sweet Tips and Serving Suggestions
You’ll want to make sure to enjoy this cake warm for the ultimate experience! Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert or drizzy-drizzy it with caramel sauce for that extra touch.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding in chopped nuts or a sprinkle of raisins for added texture. This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days—but let’s be real, it’s usually gone way before then!
So, friends, I hope you give this **Apple Cider Donut Cake** a whirl! It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or simply treating yourself on a chilly evening. And if you do, please share your experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out! Happy baking! 😊
