Go Back
apple cider donut cake

Apple Cider Donut Cake

This Apple Cider Donut Cake is packed with fall flavor. Made with reduced apple cider, cozy spices, and a cinnamon sugar coating. Just like the donuts from the farm stand, but easier.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • cups apple cider
  • ½ cup unsalted butter softened
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
For the topping
  • 3 tbsp melted butter
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Method
 

  1. Reduce the cider: In a small saucepan, simmer apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about 3/4 cup. This will take about 15 - 20 minutes and makes the flavor much stronger. Let it cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a bundt pan (or loaf pan) well.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and cooled cider reduction.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in batches, alternating with sour cream. Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.
  6. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-45 minutes (bundt) or until a toothpick comes out clean. Adjust time if using a loaf pan.
  7. Cool for 15 minutes, then carefully turn out onto a cooling rack.
  8. Cinnamon sugar topping: While the cake is still warm, brush it with melted butter, then sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar.