Apple Cider Donut Cake

$- 2 cups apple cider - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt - 2 large eggs - ½ cup vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup buttermilk This apple cider donut cake is a joyful twist on a classic treat. The key ingredient is apple cider, which brings a rich flavor. I love using fresh cider for the best taste. You start with two cups of cider, which you will reduce later. The flour gives structure to the cake. I use 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour for a fluffy texture. For sweetness, I add one cup of granulated sugar and ½ cup of packed brown sugar. The brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor. Baking powder and baking soda help the cake rise. I use two teaspoons of baking powder and one teaspoon of baking soda. The spices add warmth: one teaspoon of ground cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. A little salt balances the sweetness, so I add ½ teaspoon. Next, I need two large eggs. They bind the cake and add moisture. For richness, I use ½ cup of vegetable oil and ½ cup of buttermilk. Lastly, one teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a lovely aroma. These ingredients come together to create a soft, sweet cake. Each bite feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Enjoy gathering these ingredients and get ready for a delightful baking experience! - Bring apple cider to a boil. - Simmer until reduced to about 1 cup. Start by pouring the apple cider into a medium saucepan. Heat it over medium heat until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. This process takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Stir it occasionally to avoid sticking. You want to reduce the cider to around 1 cup. This step concentrates the apple flavor, which makes your cake taste amazing. - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease bundt or cake pan. While the cider is simmering, it’s time to prepare your oven and pan. Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cake bakes evenly. Next, grab a 9-inch bundt pan or a cake pan. Grease it well with non-stick spray or butter. This step ensures that the cake releases easily after baking. - Combine dry ingredients in one bowl. - Beat and mix wet ingredients in another bowl. Now, let’s work on the batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. This includes flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix them well to combine. In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are frothy. Add the cooled apple cider, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix these wet ingredients until smooth. - Mix wet and dry ingredients gently. - Pour batter into the prepared pan. Next, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir the two together. Be careful not to overmix; you want a soft batter. Once mixed, pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so that it bakes evenly. - Bake for 35-40 minutes. - Check doneness with a toothpick. Now it’s time to bake! Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If not, give it a few more minutes. - Cool cake in the pan for 10 minutes. - Prepare and apply cinnamon sugar coating. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. While the cake cools, mix ¼ cup of granulated sugar with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush the top of the cooled cake with melted butter. Finally, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. This adds a sweet, crunchy layer that makes the cake extra special. - Avoid overmixing the batter: Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients combine. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. - Use room temperature ingredients: Let eggs and buttermilk sit out for about 30 minutes. This helps the batter blend smoothly. - Serve on rustic platter with apple slices: The fresh apple slices add beauty and a crisp bite to your cake. - Drizzle with apple cider glaze: A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider adds extra sweetness. Just mix them together until smooth. - What to do if the cake is too dry: If your cake turns out dry, add a bit of apple cider or buttermilk to the slices before serving. It can help bring moisture back. - Solutions for uneven baking: If your cake bakes unevenly, check your oven temperature with a thermometer. Adjust the time or temperature as needed for future bakes. {{image_2}} You can change the flour in this cake to suit your needs. If you want a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free flour blend. This blend can give you a great texture without gluten. Whole wheat flour is another good choice. It adds a nutty flavor and more fiber. Just remember, whole wheat flour may make the cake a bit denser. Adding extras can make your cake even better. You might want to mix in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans. They add a nice crunch. You can also toss in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. For a unique flavor, try using spices like cloves or allspice. These spices can enhance the warmth of the cake. The topping can change the whole feel of your dessert. Instead of the cinnamon sugar, you can make cream cheese frosting. This frosting adds a rich and creamy taste. A maple glaze is another tasty option. Just mix powdered sugar with maple syrup for a sweet and sticky finish. Both choices add a fun twist to the classic recipe! To keep your apple cider donut cake fresh, place it in an airtight container. This will help preserve its moistness. If you do not have a container, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for the best results. If you want to freeze the cake, first let it cool completely. Then, slice it into pieces for easy portioning. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. The cake can last up to three months in the freezer. In the fridge, the apple cider donut cake will stay fresh for about five days. After that, it may start to dry out. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or an off smell, it's time to toss it. Another sign is if the cake looks hard or stale. A fresh cake should feel soft and moist to the touch. To reheat your cake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat it for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method helps keep the cake moist. If you’re reheating frozen slices, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, use the oven method as described above. This ensures the cake stays soft and fluffy, just like when it was fresh! To reduce apple cider, pour it into a saucepan. Heat it on medium until it boils. Then, lower the heat and let it simmer. You want to reduce it to about one cup. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The heat helps to concentrate the sweet and tangy flavors. Be sure to cool it before adding it to your cake. Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. Bake the cake and let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. Store it at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze it for up to a month. Just thaw it in the fridge the night before serving. This way, you save time on busy days. There are a few reasons your cake might not rise. First, check if your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. Old leavening agents can cause a dense cake. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter. This can lead to a tough texture, which prevents rising. Lastly, ensure you bake it at the right temperature. You can use store-bought apple cider. It will still add some great flavor. However, homemade cider will have a fresher taste. Store-bought cider can be sweeter. So, adjust the sugar in your recipe if needed. Taste is key, so choose a cider you enjoy. Leftover apple cider can be used in many fun ways. You can make a warm spiced cider by heating it with cinnamon sticks. It also works well in marinades for meats. Add it to oatmeal for a sweet twist. You can even use it in salad dressings. Think creatively and enjoy the flavors! This blog post covered how to make a delicious apple cider donut cake. You learned about the key ingredients needed, step-by-step instructions for mixing and baking, and tips to ensure success. I shared some fun variations and storage info to keep your cake fresh. In conclusion, follow these steps for a tasty treat. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing your cake with others. Happy baking!$

Indulge in the cozy flavors of fall with this delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake! Made with fresh apple cider and warm spices, this moist and tempting cake is perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, it's a delightful treat your family will love. Ready to elevate your baking game? Click through to explore the full recipe and create this scrumptious cake that brings the essence of autumn to your table!

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Ingredients

2 cups apple cider

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar, packed

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

½ cup vegetable oil

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup buttermilk

Instructions

Reduce the Cider: In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the apple cider to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer until it reduces to about 1 cup, roughly 15-20 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch bundt pan or cake pan with non-stick spray or butter.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy. Add the cooled apple cider, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. Mix well until smooth.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

Pour Into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Glaze: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Make a Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, combine ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Brush the top of the cooled cake with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over it.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 1 hour | 10 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve slices of the cake on a rustic wooden platter, optionally garnished with thin apple slices and a sprinkle of additional cinnamon. You can also drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider for extra sweetness!