The smell of cinnamon and apple always brings me back to crisp autumn days. I remember going to the local apple orchard as a kid. Those warm, sugary apple cider donuts were always the best part. I loved how they tasted like fall. Now, as an adult, I still crave that delicious flavor. That’s why I worked to create this amazing Apple Cider Donut Cake. It brings all those cozy memories right into my kitchen.

This cake truly captures the essence of those classic donuts. It has that wonderful apple cider flavor. It’s also incredibly moist, just like a perfect donut. Here at 911Recipes.com, I always try to make comforting recipes easy. This Apple Cider Donut Cake is no different. It’s a simple way to bring that special fall feeling home. You’re going to love it!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Donut Cake

I promise, this apple cider donut cake will become a new favorite. It’s so easy to make, even for newer bakers. The flavors are just incredible. Imagine biting into a cake that tastes exactly like those fresh-from-the-orchard apple cider donuts. It’s a little bit of fall magic.

It’s super simple to put together.
The flavor is pure apple cider goodness.
It brings back happy autumn memories.
Perfect for sharing with loved ones.

The Irresistible Charm of Apple Cider Donut Cake

There’s something truly special about this apple cider donut cake. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The warm spices and rich apple flavor fill your kitchen. It feels like a cozy hug on a cool day. This cake stands out because it perfectly balances sweetness and spice. It’s comforting and familiar, yet exciting.

Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Cider Donut Cake

Gathering your ingredients is the first step. For this apple cider donut cake, you’ll need a few common items. Make sure your butter is softened. Your eggs should be large ones. Here’s what you’ll need handy:

2 cups apple cider
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1 cup buttermilk
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tablespoons apple cider (unreduced)

Key Components of a Perfect Apple Cider Donut Cake

A few items really make this apple cider donut cake shine. Reducing the apple cider is crucial. It concentrates that yummy apple flavor. This makes the cake taste so much like a real apple cider donut. Buttermilk is another star. It adds moisture and tenderness to the cake. It reacts with the baking soda and powder. This gives our cake a lovely, light texture. These ingredients work together perfectly. They create that amazing taste and feel.

How to Make Your Delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake

Making this apple cider donut cake is a fun process. I’ll walk you through each step. You’ll have a gorgeous, tasty cake in no time. First, we need to get that apple cider ready. This step is super important for flavor.

Reduce apple cider: Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, lower the heat to medium-low. Simmer until the cider reduces to 1/2 cup. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Set it aside to cool completely.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-12 cup bundt pan. This stops the cake from sticking.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat them until they are light and fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

Preparing the Apple Cider Donut Cake Batter

Now, let’s get that apple cider donut cake batter just right. This part is about mixing. But don’t overmix! That’s a common mistake. Overmixing can make your cake tough. We want it tender.

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Alternate with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Stir in the cooled, reduced apple cider. Mix until it’s evenly incorporated. Remember, do not overmix at this stage.
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared bundt pan.

Baking and Glazing Your Apple Cider Donut Cake

The baking part is exciting! Soon your kitchen will smell amazing. Then, we’ll add that perfect glaze. It really makes this apple cider donut cake special.

Bake for 45-55 minutes. Or, until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, invert it onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely. This is important for glazing.
Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of unreduced apple cider until smooth. Add more cider as needed. Use about 1/2 teaspoon at a time. Do this until you get your desired drizzling consistency for the apple cider donut cake.
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. Enjoy your delicious apple cider donut cake!

Tips for a Flawless Apple Cider Donut Cake

I want your apple cider donut cake to turn out perfectly. Here are my best tips for success. These little things make a big difference. They help ensure your cake is moist and full of flavor. You’ll avoid common baking mishaps too.

Mastering Your Apple Cider Donut Cake

First, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them mix smoothly. It makes for a better batter. Don’t rush reducing the apple cider. That concentrated flavor is key. When mixing the batter, stop as soon as everything comes together. Overmixing makes cakes tough. Also, let the cake cool completely before glazing. This lets the glaze set up nicely. It gives you a beautiful apple cider donut cake.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cider Donut Cake

I get lots of questions about this apple cider donut cake. Here are some common ones. I hope these answers help you feel confident. You’ll make the best apple cider donut cake around!

Can I Make This Apple Cider Donut Cake Ahead of Time?

Yes, you absolutely can! This apple cider donut cake is great for making ahead. The flavors actually get better overnight. Bake the cake, let it cool completely. Then, glaze it just before serving. That keeps the glaze fresh. It’s perfect for parties or events.

What is the Best Way to Store Apple Cider Donut Cake?

To keep your apple cider donut cake fresh, store it at room temperature. Use an airtight container. It will stay moist and delicious for 3-4 days. If it’s humid, you might want to store it in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Can I Use a Different Pan for My Apple Cider Donut Cake?

You sure can! While I love a bundt pan, a 9×13 inch baking pan works too. The baking time will change. It will likely be shorter, around 30-40 minutes. Just keep an eye on it. A skewer should come out clean. You can also use two 8-inch round cake pans. Adjust your baking time accordingly for your apple cider donut cake.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Apple Cider Donut Cake

I know many of you are curious about nutrition. Please know that exact nutritional values for this apple cider donut cake can vary. It depends on the specific brands you use. It also depends on how you measure ingredients. Because of these variations, I am not able to give precise nutritional details for this recipe.

Share Your Apple Cider Donut Cake Creations

I absolutely love seeing your baking triumphs! If you make this apple cider donut cake, please share your photos. Leave a comment below with your thoughts. Your feedback helps our community. It inspires me to keep creating new recipes. I can’t wait to see your beautiful apple cider donut cake!