Gluten Free Apple Cider Donut Cake screams deliciousness! Made with fresh apples, apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg, this warming spiced dairy-free treat is impossible to resist. Top it off with melted butter and a generous sprinkle of cinnamon for an authentic apple cider “doughnut” indulgence. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the cooler weather!

WHAT IS AN APPLE CIDER DOUGHNUT (DONUT) CAKE

An apple cider doughnut cake is a dessert that combines the flavors of apple cider doughnuts with the texture of a cake. It features boiled-down, non-alcoholic apple cider, warm spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, and fresh apples, creating the flavors of traditional apple cider doughnuts in a moist and flavorful cake.

Key Ingredients for Gluten Free Apple Cider Doughnut Cake (detailed recipe in recipe card)

Here are the key ingredients and their roles:

Apple cider: Provides a rich, sweet flavor and moisture, capturing the essence of traditional apple cider doughnuts.
Fresh apples: Add natural sweetness and texture, enhancing the cake’s fruity flavor.
Almond flour: Offers a nutty taste and moistness while keeping the cake gluten-free.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness, helping the cake rise.
Gluten-free measure-for-measure flour blend: Provides structure and mimics the texture of traditional flour.
Baking powder: Acts as a leavening agent, ensuring the cake rises and becomes light and fluffy.
Spices: Infuses warmth and flavor
Vegan Butter: Used for topping

THE TOOLS

High-speed blender or food processor
10-cup bundt pan
Measuring cups and spoons
1 bowl
Spatula
Saucepan

Easy Steps to Make Apple Cider Doughnut Cake

You’ll find that this is one of the simplest apple desserts to prepare!

STEP ONE
Simmer the apple cider in a saucepan for 12–15 minutes until it reduces to 1 cup. Set aside to cool.

STEP TWO
Place a cored, roughly chopped apples into a high-speed blender or food processor and blend for about 30 seconds. Add the reduced apple cider and process until smooth. Then, incorporate the eggs and mix until well combined.

STEP THREE
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: the two flours, spices, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the apple mixture and stir until just combined.

STEP FOUR

Prepare the bundt pan by generously greasing it and lightly dusting the entire surface with flour to ensure the cake slides out easily. Once prepared, pour the batter into the pan and bake.

STEP FIVE

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 20 minutes. Then, place a serving platter on top of the pan and carefully flip it over. The cake should slide out effortlessly.

STEP SIX

Melt the butter and prepare the cinnamon spice mixture. Brush the melted butter over the cake, then sprinkle with the cinnamon spice. Enjoy!

Apple Juice vs. Apple Cider

Processing:
- Apple Juice: Typically undergoes more filtration and processing to remove solids and extend shelf life. Often pasteurized for safety.
- Apple Cider: Generally less processed, may be unfiltered and unpasteurized. Retains a more natural apple flavor and can appear cloudy due to sediment.
Sweetness:
- Apple Juice: Can be filtered and sweetened, usually has a clear appearance.
- Apple Cider: Tends to have a richer, more robust flavor with a touch more sweetness.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Almond Flour:

Substitute with another nut flour, such as walnut or pecan. To make nut flour, process nuts in a food processor until they reach a flour-like texture, being careful not to over process, as this can make it oily.
Or use certified gluten-free oat flour as an alternative. Replace 1 ¼ cups (150 g) of oat flour plus 3 tablespoons of olive oil for 1 cup of almond flour. Note that the doughnut cake will be slightly drier and denser.

Apple Cider:

You can use apple juice instead. While the cake won’t have the same rich apple flavor, it will still be delicious.

Spices:

Other spice options include cardamom, ginger, and cloves. Vanilla can also be added for extra flavor.

Bundt Pan:

If you don’t have a bundt pan, a 9 x 9 x 2-inch square pan works well. You may need to adjust the baking time.

High-Speed Blender or Food Processor:

If you lack these appliances, finely grate the apples and whisk the liquids manually for mixing.

Cinnamon-Spiced Topping:

For a different twist, try a lemon glaze by whisking together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Add water a teaspoon at a time to reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can simply dust a cooled cake with powdered sugar.

Eggs:

Eggs are essential for this gluten-free cake, as they provide height and help keep the cake light.

Recipe Review: Gluten-Free Apple Cider Doughnut Cake

This dessert, known as apple cider doughnut cake, is inspired by the flavors of traditional apple cider doughnuts, featuring fresh apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider. It’s gluten-free, and dairy-free apple dessert, the recipe is incredibly simple, the apples are nutritious and it’s budget-friendly.

Many thanks!

Kristina x