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Autumn Spiced Doughnut Cake Recipe

Autumn Spiced Doughnut Cake Recipe

4 from 2 votes
A moist and flavorful cake inspired by the beloved taste of apple cider doughnuts, infused with warm autumn spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy weekend treat.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup brown sugar packed
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
  • 2 large eggs room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.75 cup apple cider reduced by half (simmer 1.5 cups down to 0.75 cup)
  • 0.5 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
Topping (Optional)
  • 0.25 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted

Method
 

Steps
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
  3. In a separate large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the reduced apple cider and yogurt. Begin and end with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—do not overmix.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 32–38 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes. If using topping, mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl. Brush warm cake with melted butter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
  7. Transfer cake to a wire rack to cool completely before serving. Slice and enjoy with coffee or cider!

Notes

For best flavor, reduce fresh apple cider by simmering 1.5 cups down to 0.75 cup before using. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.