Apple Cider Donut Cake

$To create a delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake, you'll need: - 2 cups apple cider - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup whole wheat 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 unsweetened applesauce - ½ cup vegetable oil - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract These ingredients work together to give the cake its unique taste. The apple cider adds a rich flavor, while the spices bring warmth to each bite. You can make your cake even better with these optional items: - ½ cup granulated sugar (for topping) - 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping) These toppings give the cake a sweet and crunchy finish. You can also add nuts or chocolate chips if you want extra texture or sweetness. To make this cake, gather these essential tools: - 9-inch Bundt pan or tube pan - Saucepan - Mixing bowls - Whisk - Spatula - Wire rack Having the right equipment helps ensure your cake bakes evenly and comes out beautifully. First, you need to bring the apple cider to a boil. Use a saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Stir it gently. Once it's boiling, lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. You want it to reduce down to about 1 cup. This step adds a deep apple flavor to your cake. After that, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. While the cider cools, grab a mixing bowl. In it, whisk together the all-purpose flour and whole wheat flour. Add the baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix them well. This blend gives your cake the right texture and taste. In another large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add the unsweetened applesauce. Stir in the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step adds moisture and flavor to your cake. Once the apple cider has cooled, slowly pour it into the wet mixture. Stir continuously while you mix. Next, gradually fold in the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix. You want a smooth batter, but a few lumps are okay. This ensures your cake stays light and fluffy. Now, pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes. To check if it's done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. While the cake bakes, mix the remaining granulated sugar with the ground cinnamon in a small bowl. After the cake bakes, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Carefully invert it onto a wire rack. Once cool, brush the top with melted butter. Sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mix generously on top. This adds a sweet, crunchy finish to your cake. To keep your Apple Cider Donut Cake moist, start with the apple cider. Boil it down to concentrate the flavor. This step brings out the apple's natural sweetness and adds depth. Mix in unsweetened applesauce for added moisture. It helps to balance flavors and creates a tender crumb. Avoid overmixing your batter; mix just until combined. This keeps air bubbles intact, leading to a fluffy texture. To make the topping shine, mix granulated sugar with ground cinnamon in a bowl. Use a ratio of ½ cup sugar to 1 tablespoon cinnamon for the right balance. Brush the warm cake with melted butter before sprinkling the topping. This helps it stick well and adds richness. Apply the topping generously for that iconic donut-style crust. One common mistake is not reducing the apple cider enough. If it's too watery, the cake may end up dense. Also, check oven temperature before baking. An oven thermometer can help you avoid under or over-baking. Lastly, don't skip cooling the cake in the pan. This allows it to set and makes it easier to invert. {{image_2}} You can give your Apple Cider Donut Cake a new twist. Try adding nuts or chocolate chips. Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and flavor. Just fold in about half a cup before baking. If you prefer chocolate, use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. They will melt and create rich pockets of chocolate throughout the cake. Both options enhance taste and texture. If you need a gluten-free option, it's simple to adapt this recipe. Replace the all-purpose and whole wheat flours with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for a blend that includes xanthan gum. This helps with the texture. You may also need to adjust the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the cake and check for doneness with a toothpick. Get creative with flavors to make your cake unique. Add caramel for a sweet twist. Drizzle it on top after baking or mix in chunks before baking. You can also experiment with spices. Try adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom for warmth. Each change brings a new taste, making your cake a special treat every time you bake. To keep your apple cider donut cake fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps moisture in and air out. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it. Just make sure it is wrapped well to avoid drying out. You can freeze the apple cider donut cake if you have extra slices. First, let the cake cool completely. Then, cut it into slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. After that, place the slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, you can enjoy your cake for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the slices in the fridge overnight. When you serve this cake later, it’s best to warm it slightly. You can do this in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds per slice. Or, you can place it in a warm oven for a few minutes. This brings back the cake's lovely warmth and flavor. Also, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh cinnamon-sugar on top before serving. This adds a nice touch and makes it feel special! Yes, you can use fresh apple juice. However, apple cider has a richer flavor. It adds depth to the cake. If you choose juice, consider adding a bit of lemon juice for acidity. This cake lasts about 3 to 5 days at room temperature. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture. You can also store it in the fridge for a longer shelf life. I love serving this cake with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. You can also pair it with a hot cup of cider or coffee. The warm spices make great flavors together. Yes, you can make the cake a day ahead. Just store it properly to keep it fresh. It tastes even better after sitting for a day as the flavors meld. Absolutely! Replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or applesauce. Use a plant-based oil in place of vegetable oil. Make sure to choose a vegan-friendly sugar for best results. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake from scratch. You learned about the main ingredients, optional toppings, and key equipment needed. I shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through the baking process. Tips on keeping the cake moist and common mistakes to avoid can help you succeed. Remember, you can customize the cake with fun variations. Enjoy every slice and share it with others. Happy baking!$

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this delicious Apple Cider Donut Cake recipe! Featuring a moist blend of apple cider, cinnamon, and brown sugar, this cake is perfect for any occasion. Learn how to create this delightful dessert with easy step-by-step instructions. Treat your taste buds and impress your guests! Click through to discover the full recipe and make this scrumptious cake today.

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Ingredients

2 cups apple cider

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup whole wheat 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 unsweetened applesauce

½ cup vegetable oil

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

½ cup granulated sugar (for topping)

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch Bundt pan or tube pan with cooking spray or butter, then set aside.

In a saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium heat. Reduce to a simmer and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s reduced to about 1 cup. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt.

In another large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and applesauce. Mix in the vegetable oil, eggs, cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Slowly pour the reduced apple cider into the wet mixture, stirring continuously to combine.

Gradually fold in the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

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

While the cake is baking, mix the remaining ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon together in a small bowl for the topping.

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Once cooled, brush the top of the cake with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar topping generously all over.

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