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Best Lighter Apple Cider Donut Cake with Cinnamon Sugar

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A lighter, healthier version of classic apple cider donut cake that’s incredibly moist and tender, with a signature cinnamon sugar crunch on top. Made with Greek yogurt and reduced apple cider for concentrated flavor without the deep-fried guilt.

Ingredients

  • Apple cider, 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Whole wheat pastry flour, 1 ½ cups (180 g)
  • All-purpose flour, ½ cup (60 g)
  • Granulated sugar, ½ cup (100 g)
  • Brown sugar, ¼ cup (50 g), packed
  • Baking powder, 1 ½ teaspoons
  • Baking soda, ½ teaspoon
  • Salt, ½ teaspoon
  • Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon
  • Nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon
  • Ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon
  • Plain Greek yogurt, ½ cup (120 g)
  • Unsalted butter, ¼ cup (56 g), melted
  • Large eggs, 2, room temperature
  • Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
  • Granulated sugar, ¼ cup (50 g) (for topping)
  • Cinnamon, 1 tablespoon (for topping)
  • Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons (28 g), melted (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. Pour apple cider into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about ⅓ cup (80 ml), about 12-15 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together whole wheat pastry flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Slowly whisk in the reduced apple cider.
  5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around edges, invert onto a cooling rack, then flip right-side up onto another rack or plate.
  8. Brush top generously with melted butter for topping. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup sugar with 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Sprinkle generously over the buttered cake, pressing gently to adhere.

Notes

Don’t rush the cider reduction; medium heat prevents burning. Room temperature ingredients ensure smooth batter. Measure flour using spoon-and-level method. Check for doneness early (start at 25 minutes). Let cake cool before slicing for best texture. The cinnamon sugar topping softens over time, but flavor improves on day two. Freeze un-topped cake for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donut cake, lighter apple cider cake, healthy apple cider cake, cinnamon sugar cake, fall dessert, apple cider recipe, Greek yogurt cake

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/best-lighter-apple-cider-donut-cake-with-cinnamon-sugar/