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Apple Cider Donut Cake

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This Apple Cider Donut Cake captures all the cozy flavors of classic apple cider donuts without the hassle of frying. It’s soft, buttery, and covered in a warm cinnamon sugar coating. Perfect for fall mornings, casual gatherings, or a quick sweet treat, this easy snack cake delivers bakery-quality taste right from your oven.

  • Total Time: 34 minutes
  • Yield: 12 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ cups fresh apple cider

  • 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, diced

  • 2 large eggs

  • ⅔ 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)

  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon baking soda

  • 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • Pinch allspice

  • ¼ teaspoon coarse kosher salt (use half if fine salt)

  • 1¾ cups all-purpose flour

  • 1 tablespoon butter (for topping)

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter or oil a 9-inch square baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

  • In a large sauté pan, boil apple cider until reduced to ¾ cup (about 5 minutes). Add diced butter to the hot cider and whisk until smooth.

  • In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, sour cream, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, and salt.

  • Slowly pour the warm cider mixture into the wet ingredients while whisking.

  • Stir in flour until just combined—avoid overmixing.

  • Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread evenly.

  • Bake 22–25 minutes, until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

  • Cool on a rack for 5 minutes. Brush the top with 1 tablespoon butter.

  • Mix ¼ cup sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the cake.

  • Lift the cake out using parchment, cool slightly, and cut into squares before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use unfiltered apple cider.

  • Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for sour cream.

  • Add diced apples or a drizzle of vanilla glaze for variety.

  • Author: Layla
  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 22 minutes