Apple Cider Donut Cake

This Apple Cider Donut Cake captures the essence of a classic fall treat in a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. With its warm spices, rich apple cider, and a buttery, cinnamon-sugar coating, this cake delivers all the comforting flavors of apple cider donuts without the need for frying. It’s the ideal dessert for cozy gatherings, an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee, or as the centerpiece for your autumn celebrations. The aroma alone will make your home smell like a delightful bakery on a crisp fall day.

Ingredients:

• For the Cake:
  • 1 1/2 cups apple cider
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Coating:
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Reduce the Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce it to about 3/4 cup, then remove from heat and let it cool completely.
2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Set aside.
4. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.
5. Add Eggs and Sour Cream: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the reduced apple cider. Begin and end with the flour mixture, and mix until just combined.
7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Coat the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack. While the cake is still warm, brush it all over with the melted butter. Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl, then sprinkle or roll the cake in the cinnamon sugar mixture to coat.
9. Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. Enjoy the rich, spiced flavors with a cup of hot apple cider or coffee.