Go Back
To make this spiced apple cider donut cake, gather these fresh ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup apple cider (fresh if possible) - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup chopped apples (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith) You can swap ingredients to suit your needs. Here are some ideas: - Use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version. - Replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. - Applesauce can be used in place of eggs for a vegan option. - Coconut oil can substitute unsalted butter for a dairy-free choice. - Any sweet apple, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, works well instead of Granny Smith. Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Here’s how to pick fresh ones: - Look for apples that are firm and free from bruises. - Choose apple cider that is cold-pressed and unfiltered for the best flavor. - Check that your baking powder and baking soda are fresh; they should be less than 6 months old. - Smell your spices; they should be fragrant, not stale. - Use high-quality unsalted butter for a richer taste. These tips will help ensure your cake is as delicious as possible! To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step warms your oven so the cake bakes evenly. Grease a 9-inch bundt or donut pan with baking spray. This helps the cake come out easily once baked. Gather your ingredients so they are ready to use. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry items. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Mix until everything is well blended. In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine 1 cup of apple cider, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter, and 2 large eggs. Stir until the sugar starts to dissolve. Then, take the dry mix and add it gradually to the wet mix. Do not overmix. Just blend until you see no dry flour. Finally, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped tart apples, like Granny Smith. This gives the cake a lovely fruity flavor. Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Place it in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps set the texture. For extra sweetness, you can dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of apple cider. Enjoy your cozy and delicious treat! To get a soft and moist cake, mix your wet and dry ingredients gently. Overmixing makes the cake dense. Use a spatula to fold in the apples. This keeps the pieces whole and adds nice bites to your cake. Bake it just until a toothpick comes out clean. This is key to a fluffy cake. Apple cider gives the cake a warm taste. Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor. Ground spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring out cozy notes. For a twist, try adding a pinch of cloves or allspice. These spices make your cake feel like autumn with every bite. Serve slices on rustic wooden boards for a warm touch. Garnish with thin apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This adds color and invites your guests to dig in. For extra sweetness, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider. It not only tastes great but also looks beautiful, making your cake a showstopper at any gathering. {{image_2}} You can make this cake gluten-free! Use a good gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that has xanthan gum. This helps to mimic the texture of regular flour. Substitute 1:1 for the all-purpose flour in the recipe. Make sure to check that all your other ingredients are gluten-free too. Feel free to get creative with flavor add-ins! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. You can also mix in caramel bits for extra sweetness. These flavors blend perfectly with the apple and spices. Consider adding raisins or cranberries for a fruity twist. Just make sure to adjust the liquid if you add a lot. Icing can make your cake even more special. A simple glaze works great. Mix powdered sugar with a splash of apple cider until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for a sweet touch. You can also sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a classic look. For a richer flavor, try a cream cheese frosting. Just blend cream cheese, butter, and sugar until creamy. To keep your spiced apple cider donut cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also store it in an airtight container. Make sure the cake is completely cool before wrapping it. This keeps moisture in and prevents it from drying out. For extra protection, you can place a piece of parchment paper inside the container. When stored properly, your cake can last up to five days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, store it in the fridge. In the fridge, it can last up to a week. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy it within a few days. If you notice any signs of mold or unusual smells, it's best to discard it. To reheat your cake, slice a piece and microwave it for about 10 to 15 seconds. This warms it up nicely without making it dry. If you prefer, you can also warm it in the oven. Just wrap the cake slice in foil and heat it at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 10 minutes. This method keeps the cake moist while warming it through. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a drizzle of apple cider glaze! Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider. It saves time and works well in this recipe. Just choose a good quality cider for the best flavor. If you can find fresh cider, it will add a nice touch. The spices will blend perfectly with any cider you choose. To make this recipe dairy-free, swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free butter. You can also use coconut oil or vegetable oil as a great alternative. Just make sure your apple cider does not contain any dairy. This way, you can enjoy the cake without any dairy ingredients. This cake tastes great with different sauces. Try a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider. You can also serve it with caramel sauce for a rich flavor. A dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream adds a nice touch too. These sauces will enhance the cozy vibe of the cake. In this post, we explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for making a great Spiced Apple Cider Donut Cake. I shared ingredient swaps and how to choose fresh options. We learned how to achieve the ideal texture and enhance flavors. Different variations, such as gluten-free options, also made the cake fun. Finally, I covered storage tips to keep it fresh. Embrace your creativity in the kitchen, and enjoy all the delicious variations!

Spiced Apple Cider Donut Cake Cozy

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this Spiced Apple Cider Donut Cake! This moist and delightful cake is infused with fresh apple cider, warm spices, and chunks of tart apples for the perfect cozy treat. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of cider, it's easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Click to explore the full recipe and bring a touch of autumn to your kitchen!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup apple cider (fresh if possible)

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup chopped apples (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch bundt pan or donut pan with baking spray.

    In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt until well combined.

      In a separate bowl, combine the apple cider, granulated sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Mix until the sugar starts to dissolve and all ingredients are well blended.

        Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.

          Fold in the chopped apples gently, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the batter.

            Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

              Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Optional: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of apple cider for extra sweetness.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 10

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve slices of the cake on rustic wooden boards or plates, garnished with thin apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon for that cozy autumn feel.