Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional, for extra spice)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup apple cider (preferably fresh)
- 1/2 cup non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (or your preferred sweetener)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps the cake rise)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the coating:
- 1/4 cup vegan butter or coconut oil (melted)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Prepare the cake batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan (or a 9-inch round cake pan) or line it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger (if using), and salt.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the apple cider, non-dairy milk, vegetable oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy.
2. Bake the cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Coat the cake:
- While the cake is cooling, melt the vegan butter or coconut oil in a small bowl.
- In another bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon.
- Once the cake has cooled slightly, brush the top of the cake with the melted butter or oil, then sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the cake, ensuring it’s evenly coated. You can also coat the sides of the cake, depending on your preference.
4. Serve:
- Once the cake is completely cooled and coated, slice it into wedges or serve as is.
- This cake is great on its own, but you can also serve it with a drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of vegan whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Enjoy!
This Vegan Apple Cider Donut Cake has the perfect balance of warm spices and sweet apple cider, reminiscent of traditional apple cider donuts, but in a delicious cake form! It’s a comforting, seasonal dessert that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
