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- 2 cups apple cider - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt - ¾ cup granulated sugar - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling) To make this cake, start with fresh apple cider. It gives the best flavor! Using good quality flour also helps. You want your cake to be soft and fluffy. Next, gather your sugars. Both granulated and brown sugar add sweetness. They also add a nice depth to the flavor. The brown sugar makes it moist too. Don’t forget the spices! Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth. For the wet ingredients, butter adds a rich taste. Make sure it is softened for easy mixing. Eggs help to bind everything together and add fluffiness. Finally, a splash of vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma. The sugar and cinnamon for rolling adds that classic donut touch. It makes the cake irresistible! The crunchy outside pairs well with the soft inside. Now you have everything you need! Let’s get baking and enjoy this delicious treat together. To make your apple cider donut cake, first, reduce the cider. In a small saucepan, bring 2 cups of apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Once it boils, lower the heat and let it simmer. You want to reduce it to about 1 cup. This should take around 15 to 20 minutes. The cider is done when it looks syrupy and has a stronger flavor. Remove it from heat, and let it cool slightly before using it in the batter. Next, prepare your oven and pan. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for getting a nice rise in your cake. Choose a Bundt pan or a 9x13 inch baking dish for this recipe. Make sure to grease and flour the pan well. This helps the cake come out easily after baking. Now, let’s mix the batter. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream together ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter, ¾ cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of brown sugar until it is light and fluffy. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Add 3 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually mix in the reduced cider. Finally, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Be careful not to over-mix; this keeps the cake soft. Now it's time to bake. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You can test if it's done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. After it cools, mix ½ cup of granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll the cake in this mixture for a sweet finish. To get a fluffy cake, start with soft butter. Let it sit at room temperature for about an hour. Cream the butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The air you whip into the butter helps the cake rise. Make sure your eggs are also at room temp. Cold eggs can make the batter dense. When mixing, add eggs one at a time. This helps them blend in well. To boost the taste, consider adding more spices. A touch of ginger or allspice can bring warmth. Think about adding a splash of maple syrup for extra sweetness. For toppings, whipped cream adds a nice touch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs well too. You can also sprinkle more cinnamon sugar on top. This adds texture and flavor. For a cozy look, serve slices on a wooden board. Dust extra cinnamon sugar on each slice for a pop. To wow your friends on social media, slice the cake and show the inside. A drizzle of caramel or a dollop of whipped cream can make it shine. Bright colors and fun plates catch the eye. {{image_2}} To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that has xanthan gum. This will help with the cake's structure. You may need to add a bit more liquid. Gluten-free flour can absorb more moisture. If the batter seems too thick, add a splash of apple cider. You can mix in other fruits for added flavor. Chopped pears pair well with apple cider. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips for a tasty twist. Try walnuts for crunch or chocolate chips for sweetness. Adding spices like ginger or cloves can also enhance the flavor. This gives the cake a warm, cozy feel. For mini cakes, use a cupcake tin or mini Bundt pan. Fill each cup about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for about 18-20 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick. If it comes out clean, your mini cakes are ready. These smaller portions are perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings. To keep your cake fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or foil. Store the cake in the fridge. This stops it from drying out. The cake stays fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Want to save some for later? You can freeze the cake! First, let it cool completely. Then, slice it into pieces. Wrap each slice in plastic wrap. Place the slices in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. The cake can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, take the slices out and leave them at room temperature. You can also warm them briefly in the microwave. Enjoy your cake anytime! Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider. However, homemade cider often has a fresher taste. Store-bought cider can be sweeter. Make sure to choose a quality brand. Look for cider with no added sugars or preservatives. This choice makes your cake taste better and more natural. To check if the cake is done, use a toothpick. Insert it into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. You can check it a few minutes before the baking time ends. If the toothpick has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. This simple tip ensures a perfectly baked cake. To make the cake more moist, try a few tricks. First, use room temperature eggs and butter. This helps the batter mix well. You can also add a little applesauce. It adds moisture and flavor without making the cake heavy. Another option is to slightly under-bake the cake. This keeps it soft and tender. You learned how to make a delicious apple cider donut cake. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Remember to mix well and check doneness with a toothpick. You can also try variations like gluten-free or individual cakes. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. Experiment with flavors to make it your own. Enjoy making this cake for special occasions or just because! Happy baking!

Apple Cider Donut Cake

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake! This easy recipe combines rich apple cider with classic spices for a moist and fluffy cake that’s perfect for any gathering. Learn how to create this mouthwatering dessert in just a few simple steps. Don't miss out on impressive tips for serving that will elevate your presentation. Click through now to explore the recipe and make your kitchen smell amazing!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups apple cider

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar, packed

¾ cup unsalted butter, softened

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for rolling)

Instructions
 

Reduce the Cider: In a small saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until it reduces to about 1 cup, approximately 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

    Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan or a 9x13 inch baking dish.

      Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

        Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.

          Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract.

            Incorporate Reduced Cider: Slowly mix in the reduced apple cider until well combined.

              Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.

                Pour Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

                  Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

                    Cool and Roll: Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before turning it out onto a wire rack. Once cooled, mix the remaining ½ cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a shallow bowl. Roll the cake in the cinnamon-sugar mixture to coat.

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 12

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve slices of the cake on a rustic wooden board, dusting additional cinnamon sugar on top for an appealing touch. Consider pairing with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!