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- 2 cups apple cider - 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 cup granulated sugar - ½ cup packed brown sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt The main ingredients create the heart of this cake. Apple cider gives a rich flavor. All-purpose flour adds structure. Granulated and brown sugar add sweetness and depth. Baking powder and baking soda help the cake rise. Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warm spices. Salt balances all the flavors. - 2 large eggs - ½ cup vegetable oil - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup buttermilk The additional ingredients provide moisture and richness. Eggs bind everything together. Vegetable oil keeps the cake tender. Vanilla extract enhances the flavor. Buttermilk adds a slight tang that makes the cake special. - For a gluten-free cake, use a gluten-free flour blend. - To make a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based buttermilk. Substituting ingredients can help everyone enjoy this cake. Gluten-free flour blends work well for those avoiding gluten. For a vegan cake, flax eggs replace the eggs easily. Plant-based milk mixed with vinegar can create a good buttermilk substitute. To start, we need to reduce the apple cider. This step builds a stronger flavor. Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a medium saucepan. Turn the heat to medium-high. When it boils, lower the heat to simmer. Let it cook until it shrinks to about 1 cup. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Once done, take it off the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Next, we’ll mix the dry and wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of packed brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Whisk these together until they blend well. In another bowl, crack 2 large eggs and whisk them until frothy. Add the cooled cider, ½ cup of vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and ½ cup of buttermilk. Mix this until smooth. Now, pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Fold gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix. Stop when you no longer see dry flour. Now, we are ready to bake. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch bundt pan or cake pan well with non-stick spray or butter. Carefully pour the batter into the pan. Smooth the top with your spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check if it's done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready! To make your apple cider donut cake even better, think about spices. Ground ginger adds warmth. Cloves bring a nice kick. You could also try adding a splash of almond extract. It gives a sweet hint that's hard to resist. Keep your cake moist by using buttermilk. It helps create a tender crumb. Make sure not to overmix the batter; this could lead to a dry cake. Also, brush the top with melted butter right after it cools. This keeps the cake soft and adds flavor. Serving your cake well makes it even more appealing. Use a rustic wooden platter for a cozy vibe. Add thin apple slices as a garnish. A light dusting of extra cinnamon on top can make it shine. For a sweet touch, drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider over the cake. It looks great and tastes even better! {{image_4}} You can make this cake gluten-free with the right flour. Use a blend of gluten-free all-purpose flour. Look for a mix that contains xanthan gum. Brands like Bob's Red Mill or King Arthur Flour work great. They help mimic the texture of regular flour. To make a vegan apple cider donut cake, swap eggs and buttermilk. Use flax eggs instead of regular eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. For buttermilk, use almond milk or soy milk with a splash of vinegar. This keeps the cake moist and flavorful. Add fun flavors to your cake! Nuts like walnuts or pecans add crunch. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries bring sweetness. You can also mix in chocolate chips for a rich touch. Just fold these into the batter right before pouring it into the pan. These add-ins make each bite special and unique. To store your apple cider donut cake at room temperature, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. This way, the cake stays moist. It can last for about three days on your counter. Make sure to keep it in a cool spot away from sunlight. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider the next option. For long-term storage, freezing is the best choice. First, let the cake cool completely. Then, slice it into individual pieces. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, making sure it’s tight. After that, place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing. The cake can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, you can thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat your cake without losing moisture, use the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the slice on a baking sheet. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use a microwave. Place the slice on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it for 10-15 seconds. Always check if it’s warm enough before serving. Enjoy your cake as if it were fresh! You can easily substitute for buttermilk. Here are some options: - Use milk with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes. - Use plain yogurt, thinned with a bit of water or milk. - Use sour cream, also thinned with water or milk. These options work well in recipes. They keep the cake moist and tender. Yes, you can prepare this cake a day ahead. Here are some tips: - Bake the cake and let it cool completely. - Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps it fresh. - Store it at room temperature or in the fridge for longer freshness. - If you store it in the fridge, let it come to room temp before serving. This way, you can enjoy your cake without stress. Look for these signs to check if your cake is done: - A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. - The cake should spring back when you gently press it. - The edges might pull away from the pan slightly. If you see these signs, your cake is ready. Enjoy that sweet, spiced aroma as it bakes! This blog post covered how to make a delicious apple cider donut cake. We reviewed key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips to enhance flavor and moisture. I shared variations for gluten-free and vegan options too. Remember, your baking skill improves with practice and experimentation. Enjoy the sweet rewards of your effort! Happy baking, and let your creativity shine!

Apple Cider Donut Cake

Indulge in the warmth of fall with this delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake! Bursting with flavor, this moist cake combines apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a perfect treat. Follow our easy step-by-step recipe to create a stunning dessert that your family and friends will love. Don't miss out on this delightful bake—click through to discover how to make this heavenly Apple Cider Donut Cake that’s sure to impress!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups apple cider

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup packed brown sugar

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 medium saucepan, pour in the apple cider and turn the heat to medium-high. Allow the cider to reach a rapid boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. Cook until the liquid has reduced to about 1 cup, which should take approximately 15-20 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

    Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, prepare your baking pan by greasing a 9-inch bundt pan or cake pan thoroughly with non-stick spray or softened butter.

      Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, packed brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well blended and uniform in texture.

        Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them until they become frothy. Add the cooled apple cider, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk to the eggs. Mix thoroughly until the wet ingredients come together into a smooth mixture.

          Combine the Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or wooden spoon, taking care not to overmix—just combine until there are no visible dry spots.

            Pour Into the Pan: Carefully transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan, using a spatula to smooth the top and ensure an even distribution of the batter.

              Bake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                Cool and Unmold: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After, gently invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Make a Cinnamon Sugar Coating: In a small bowl, mix together ¼ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon. Brush the top of the cooled cake with melted butter, then evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over it, creating a deliciously sweet crust.

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

                      - Presentation Tips: For an appealing display, serve the cake slices on a rustic wooden platter, garnished with delicate thin apple slices and a light dusting of extra cinnamon. To elevate sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of apple cider over the top!