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To make this tasty cake, gather these ingredients: - 1 cup apple cider - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup buttermilk - For Topping: - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Some ingredients can be swapped if needed. Here are my top tips: - Apple Cider: Use fresh apple juice if you can't find cider. This keeps the apple taste strong. - All-Purpose Flour: For a gluten-free option, replace it with a gluten-free blend. - Unsalted Butter: You can use coconut oil for a dairy-free choice. Just melt it first. - Buttermilk: Mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar to make a quick buttermilk substitute. Baking needs exact measurements. Here are some handy conversions: - 1 cup = 240 milliliters - 1 tablespoon = 15 milliliters - 1 teaspoon = 5 milliliters Use these conversions to ensure your cake turns out perfectly! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch bundt pan well. You can use butter or non-stick spray for easy removal. Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat. Once it boils, lower the heat to simmer. Keep an eye on it! Let it reduce to about 1/2 cup, which takes around 15-20 minutes. Remove it from heat and let it cool a bit. In a medium bowl, whisk together: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt Set this mix aside for later. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar. Mix until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add 2 large eggs one by one, mixing well after each. Next, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and stir. Now, gradually add your dry mix and 1/2 cup buttermilk. Start and end with the dry mix. Mix until just combined to keep your cake fluffy. Fold the cooled apple cider into the batter. Pour it into the prepared bundt pan. Spread it evenly. In a small bowl, combine: - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon Sprinkle this topping over the batter. Bake in the oven for 45-55 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Once baked, cool the cake in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. For a pretty finish, dust with powdered sugar. Serve it with fresh apple slices or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your delightful apple cider donut cake! To keep your cake moist, reduce the apple cider well. This step adds rich flavor and keeps the cake soft. Use unsalted butter at room temperature for a creamy mix. Always measure your flour correctly; too much can dry out the cake. Avoid overmixing the batter; mix just until combined. This keeps the cake light and fluffy. Use fresh apple cider for best taste. If you can, try local cider for a unique twist. The spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the apple flavor, so don’t skip them. For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of grated apple. This adds texture and boosts the apple taste. One common mistake is not preheating the oven. Always set your oven to 350°F before starting. Another is not greasing the bundt pan well. This can lead to sticking and ruin your cake's shape. Make sure to watch the baking time closely. A toothpick should come out clean from the center. Lastly, let the cake cool before removing it from the pan. This helps it set properly and keeps it from breaking. {{image_4}} You can easily make a gluten-free version of this cake. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure the blend contains xanthum gum. This will help the cake rise and hold together. Follow the same steps in the recipe. You will still enjoy the tasty apple flavor and soft texture. Want to mix it up? Try adding nuts or chocolate chips to your batter. Chopped walnuts or pecans bring a nice crunch. You can also add semi-sweet chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Just fold in about 1/2 cup of your choice before pouring the batter into the bundt pan. This will give your cake an extra layer of flavor. The topping can change your cake's look and taste. You can try different options. Instead of the brown sugar and cinnamon mix, use a simple glaze. Mix powdered sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for a sweet finish. You can also sprinkle some grated apple or nuts on top for a fun touch. To keep your apple cider donut cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help retain moisture and flavor. If the cake is fully cooled, wrap it in plastic wrap before placing it in the container. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigeration is a good option. Just remember, cold storage may dry it out a bit, so be sure to use the airtight container. Freezing is a great way to save your cake for later. Start by slicing the cake into individual pieces. This makes it easier to thaw only what you need. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place all wrapped slices into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag with the date. The cake can last for about three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. To bring back the warm and cozy taste of your cake, you can reheat it. Place a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Check it to make sure it’s warm but not hot. If you prefer, you can also reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-10 minutes. Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of ice cream! You can tell your cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This means the batter has set properly. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. Start checking around 45 minutes. This helps avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cake. Yes, you can. To make this cake dairy-free, use a dairy-free butter substitute. You can also replace buttermilk with a mix of plant milk and vinegar. Combine 1/2 cup of almond or soy milk with 1/2 teaspoon of vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. This creates a similar texture to buttermilk. If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice as a substitute. It will change the flavor slightly, but it still works well. You can also use a mix of water and a splash of vinegar for a tangy kick. This mix mimics the acidity and adds depth to the cake. This cake lasts about 3 days at room temperature. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This keeps the cake moist and fresh. If you want it to last longer, consider refrigerating it. Just remember to let it come back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor. You now have all the tools to bake a fantastic apple cider donut cake. We covered important ingredients, helpful tips, and step-by-step instructions. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers. Creating this cake will impress friends and family. Enjoy the rich flavors and warm spices. Have fun baking, and don't hesitate to try new ideas! I can’t wait to hear how your cake turns out.

Apple Cider Donut Cake

Indulge in the flavors of fall with this delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake! Bursting with cinnamon and nutmeg, this moist bundt cake is the perfect treat for cozy gatherings or an afternoon snack. With simple ingredients like apple cider, butter, and eggs, you can create a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game! Enjoy the taste of autumn today!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup apple cider

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup buttermilk

For Topping:

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons granulated sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 9-inch bundt pan with butter or use a non-stick spray for easy release.

    In a small saucepan, pour in the apple cider and bring it to a vigorous boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. Keep an eye on it as it reduces to about 1/2 cup, which should take about 15-20 minutes. Once reduced, remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

      In a medium-size mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside for later use.

        In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

          Add in the eggs one at a time, ensuring to mix thoroughly after each addition. Once all the eggs are incorporated, stir in the vanilla extract.

            Gradually alternate between adding the dry ingredient mixture and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

              Carefully fold the reduced apple cider into the batter until it is completely incorporated, ensuring a delightful apple flavor throughout.

                Pour the prepared batter into the bundt pan, spreading it evenly to ensure it bakes uniformly.

                  In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the pan to create a sweet crust.

                    Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                      Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the bundt pan for about 10-15 minutes before gently transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

                        Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 10-12

                          - Presentation Tips: Once the cake is completely cooled, dust it lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty finish. Serve it alongside fresh apple slices or a delightful scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate your dessert experience!