Apple Cider Doughnut Cake: A Fall Baking Delight

Fall is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the season than with a delicious Apple Cider Doughnut Cake? This cake captures the essence of autumn with its warm spices, moist crumb, and unmistakable apple cider flavor. It’s like biting into a fresh apple cider doughnut, but in cake form! Perfect for a cozy weekend brunch, a festive gathering, or simply a comforting treat, this recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite. Get ready to fill your kitchen with the delightful aroma of apples and cinnamon!

## Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake

* **Nostalgic Flavor:** This cake perfectly mimics the taste of apple cider doughnuts, bringing back fond memories of fall festivals and orchard visits.
* **Moist and Tender:** The addition of apple cider and sour cream ensures a moist and tender crumb that stays fresh for days.
* **Easy to Make:** While it looks impressive, this cake is surprisingly simple to make with readily available ingredients.
* **Versatile:** Enjoy it plain, with a simple glaze, or topped with whipped cream and fresh apples. The possibilities are endless!
* **Perfect for Fall:** The warm spices and apple flavor make it the ideal dessert for autumn celebrations and gatherings.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients. It’s always helpful to have everything measured and ready to go!

### For the Cake:

* **3 cups all-purpose flour:** Provides the structure for the cake. Make sure to measure accurately!
* **1 teaspoon baking powder:** Helps the cake rise and become light and airy.
* **1 teaspoon baking soda:** Reacts with the acidity of the apple cider and sour cream to create a tender crumb.
* **1 teaspoon ground cinnamon:** Adds warmth and spice to the cake.
* **1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg:** Enhances the cinnamon flavor and adds a subtle nutty note.
* **1/4 teaspoon ground cloves:** A little goes a long way! Cloves add a deep, warm spice.
* **1/2 teaspoon salt:** Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
* **1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened:** Provides richness and moisture. Make sure it’s softened, not melted!
* **1 3/4 cups granulated sugar:** Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
* **2 large eggs:** Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
* **1 teaspoon vanilla extract:** Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
* **1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/4 cup:** Concentrated apple cider flavor is key! Reducing it intensifies the taste.
* **1 cup sour cream:** Adds moisture and tang, creating a tender crumb.

### For the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:

* **1/2 cup granulated sugar:** Provides sweetness and texture.
* **2 teaspoons ground cinnamon:** Adds warmth and spice to the coating.
* **1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted:** Helps the cinnamon-sugar adhere to the cake.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Two 9-inch round cake pans:** These are the standard size for layer cakes.
* **Mixing bowls:** For mixing the dry and wet ingredients.
* **Electric mixer (stand or hand-held):** Makes mixing easier and faster.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Rubber spatula:** For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding ingredients.
* **Wire rack:** For cooling the cakes.
* **Saucepan:** For reducing the apple cider.
* **Parchment paper:** To line the cake pans and prevent sticking.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions to create your perfect Apple Cider Doughnut Cake.

### Step 1: Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction

1. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of apple cider. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
2. Cook, uncovered, until the cider is reduced to 1/4 cup. This will take about 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
3. Remove from heat and let cool completely. This concentrated apple cider is the key to the cake’s signature flavor.

### Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Cake Pans

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with butter or cooking spray.
3. Cut out circles of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the pans and place them inside. This will ensure the cakes release easily.

### Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Whisking ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Set aside.

### Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar

1. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
2. Creaming the butter and sugar creates air pockets, which contribute to the cake’s light and airy texture.

### Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

1. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract.

### Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients

1. In a small bowl, combine the cooled apple cider reduction and sour cream.
2. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the apple cider-sour cream mixture. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
3. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
4. The order is important: dry, wet, dry, wet, dry. This helps to prevent gluten development and ensures a tender crumb.

### Step 7: Divide and Bake the Batter

1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a kitchen scale for precision, if desired.
2. Spread the batter evenly in the pans.
3. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cakes should be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.

### Step 8: Cool the Cakes

1. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes.
2. Invert the cakes onto a wire rack and remove the parchment paper.
3. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting or glazing.

### Step 9: Prepare the Cinnamon-Sugar Coating

1. In a shallow dish, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon. Mix well.
2. In a separate small bowl, melt the butter.

### Step 10: Dip and Coat the Cakes

1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, brush the tops and sides of each cake layer with melted butter.
2. Immediately dip the buttered surfaces into the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

### Step 11: Assemble and Serve

1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
2. Top with the second cake layer, coated side up.
3. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

## Tips for the Perfect Apple Cider Doughnut Cake

* **Use Good Quality Apple Cider:** The flavor of the apple cider is crucial to the success of this cake. Choose a good quality, unfiltered apple cider for the best results.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Measure Accurately:** Baking is a science! Accurate measurements are essential for consistent results. Use measuring cups and spoons specifically designed for baking.
* **Let the Cakes Cool Completely:** Frosting warm cakes can cause the frosting to melt and slide off. Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting or glazing.
* **Adjust Spices to Your Liking:** Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to suit your personal taste.
* **Add Toppings:** Get creative with toppings! Consider adding a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, or a dollop of whipped cream.

## Variations and Additions

* **Apple Chunks:** Fold diced apples into the batter for extra apple flavor and texture.
* **Caramel Glaze:** Drizzle a homemade or store-bought caramel glaze over the cake for added sweetness and richness.
* **Cream Cheese Frosting:** Top the cake with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a delightful contrast to the warm spices.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter or sprinkle them on top of the cake for added crunch.
* **Spiced Glaze:** Make a simple glaze with powdered sugar, apple cider, and a pinch of cinnamon.
* **Maple Syrup:** Brush the cooled cake layers with maple syrup before applying the cinnamon sugar for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Brown Butter:** Use brown butter instead of regular melted butter for dipping the cake into the cinnamon sugar. This adds a nutty, toasty flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Brunch:** Serve slices of Apple Cider Doughnut Cake alongside eggs, bacon, and coffee for a delicious brunch spread.
* **Dessert:** Enjoy a slice of cake as a comforting dessert after dinner.
* **Snack:** Perfect with a cup of hot tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
* **Potluck:** Bring the cake to a potluck or gathering for a crowd-pleasing dessert.
* **Holiday Celebrations:** A wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert table.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** You can freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

## Recipe Card

**Apple Cider Doughnut Cake**

A moist and flavorful cake that captures the essence of fall with its warm spices and apple cider flavor.

**Prep Time:** 30 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30-35 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour
**Servings:** 12

**Ingredients:**

* **Cake:**
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/4 cup
* 1 cup sour cream
* **Cinnamon-Sugar Coating:**
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
* 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Reduce apple cider to 1/4 cup in a saucepan; let cool.
3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
4. Cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
6. Combine cooled apple cider reduction and sour cream.
7. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with apple cider-sour cream mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
8. Divide batter evenly between cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack and let cool completely.
10. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow dish. Melt butter in a separate bowl.
11. Brush tops and sides of cooled cake layers with melted butter, then dip into cinnamon-sugar mixture.
12. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and top with the second layer, coated side up. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.

## Conclusion

This Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is a true celebration of fall flavors. With its moist crumb, warm spices, and nostalgic taste, it’s the perfect treat to enjoy with family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a cake that will transport you to a cozy autumn paradise! Happy baking!