Description

Apple Cider Donut Cake takes everything you love about orchard-style apple cider donuts and bakes it into one easy, cozy snack cake. With tender crumb, spiced apple flavor, and a cinnamon-sugar topping, this fall dessert is perfect for brunch, coffee breaks, or sharing at autumn gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

1 ½ cups fresh apple cider
4 tbsp cold unsalted butter, diced
2 large eggs
⅓ cup granulated sugar
½ cup lightly packed brown sugar
⅓ cup light olive oil (or other neutral oil)
¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Pinch allspice
¼ tsp coarse kosher salt (use half if fine salt)
1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

For the Topping:

1 tbsp butter, room temperature
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
In a saucepan, boil apple cider until reduced by half (about 5 minutes). Whisk in diced butter until melted.
In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, both sugars, oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.
Slowly whisk in hot cider mixture until smooth. Stir in flour until just combined.
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 22–25 minutes, until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
While warm, spread 1 tbsp butter over the surface. Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly on top.
Cool slightly, lift out with parchment sling, slice into squares, and serve warm.

Notes

Use fresh apple cider, not juice, for authentic flavor.

Reducing the cider concentrates its flavor and sweetness.

Stir gently—overmixing can make the cake dense.

Serve warm for the best “donut” experience.

Prep Time: 10 minutes (+5 minutes cider reduction)
Cook Time: 22–25 minutes
Category: Cake, Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American