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To craft this Apple Cider Donut Snack Cake, you will need the following ingredients: - 2 cups apple cider - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping) You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Apple Cider: Use unsweetened apple juice for a similar taste. - Granulated Sugar: Coconut sugar works well and adds a unique flavor. - Unsalted Butter: You can replace this with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. - Buttermilk: Mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice for a quick substitute. - Eggs: Use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) for a vegan version. Choosing quality ingredients makes a big difference in your cake. Here are some tips: - Apple Cider: Look for fresh cider with no added sugars or preservatives. This enhances the flavor. - Butter: Choose high-quality unsalted butter for the best taste and texture. - Spices: Use fresh spices. Ground spices lose flavor over time, so check dates. - Flour: Use unbleached all-purpose flour for a finer crumb. - Eggs: Opt for organic or free-range eggs for richer taste and color. When you pick the right ingredients, your Apple Cider Donut Snack Cake shines with flavor! Start by gathering your ingredients. You will need: - 2 cups apple cider - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 3/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping) - 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping) Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. This will help your cake come out easily. Now it’s time to reduce the apple cider. In a medium saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat to medium. Let it simmer until it reduces to 1 cup, which takes about 15-20 minutes. Set it aside to cool slightly while you prepare the batter. In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter. Use a hand mixer or a whisk until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla extract next. Mix in the cooled apple cider from earlier. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet mixture. Alternate with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mix. Stir until just combined. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To check if it's done, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean. While the cake bakes, mix 3/4 cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a small bowl. Set this aside for later. Once the cake is done, take it out of the oven. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. While it’s still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the top. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing it into squares. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, dust it with more cinnamon-sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy your delicious apple cider donut snack cake! To get a soft and moist cake, start with fresh apple cider. Boil it down to one cup. This step concentrates the flavors, making the cake rich. Cream the sugars and butter well. Beat them until they look light and fluffy. This adds air and helps the cake rise. Mix your wet and dry ingredients gently. Over-mixing can lead to a tough texture. Always alternate adding the flour and buttermilk. This balance keeps the batter smooth and silky. A common error is not measuring ingredients correctly. Use dry measuring cups for flour and liquid ones for cider. Too much flour can make the cake dense. Another mistake is skipping the cinnamon-sugar topping. This adds that classic donut flavor we love. Don't open the oven door too soon. This can make the cake sink in the middle. Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan. If you try to cut it too soon, it may crumble. Want to boost the flavor? Add chopped apples to the batter for extra texture. You can also mix in some walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch. Try adding a splash of maple syrup for a warm undertone. A pinch of ginger or allspice can add a nice twist. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a treat. Dust with more cinnamon-sugar right before serving for a lovely finish. {{image_2}} If you want a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Look for a blend that has xanthan gum in it. This will help give the cake a nice texture. Keep the other ingredients the same. You will still enjoy the sweet apple flavor! You can change the flavor by adding spices or mix-ins. Try adding ginger for a warm kick. You can also mix in chopped apples or walnuts. This adds texture and flavor. If you like chocolate, add some mini chocolate chips. These choices make the cake even more fun! Toppings can change the whole look of your cake. Instead of just cinnamon-sugar, try caramel sauce. Drizzling it on top adds a sweet touch. You could also use a cream cheese frosting for a rich flavor. A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a great choice for serving too! These ideas will make your cake a hit. To keep your Apple Cider Donut Snack Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps maintain its moist texture and tasty flavor. You can keep it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, the fridge is a good option. Just remember to let it cool completely before sealing it up. Freezing is a great way to save your snack cake for later. First, let the cake cool down fully. Next, slice it into squares. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This will help prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the cake for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply take out a slice! To reheat your Apple Cider Donut Snack Cake, you have a couple of options. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. If you want a quicker method, use the microwave. Heat each square for about 20-30 seconds. This will warm the cake and bring back its soft texture. For an extra treat, add a sprinkle of cinnamon-sugar before serving! To make this cake, first, reduce 2 cups of apple cider until you have 1 cup. This step brings out the rich apple flavor. Next, cream together 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, and 1/2 cup softened butter until fluffy. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, and mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and the reduced cider. In another bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Alternate adding the dry mix and 1/2 cup buttermilk to the wet mix. Pour into a greased 9x13-inch pan and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Top with a cinnamon-sugar mix while warm for a sweet finish. Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider. Just ensure it's fresh and not overly processed. Fresh cider adds a lovely, bold flavor that enhances your cake's taste. If you choose store-bought, check the label for added sugars or preservatives. These can alter the cake's sweetness and texture. Reducing it to 1 cup still applies, so it will concentrate those apple flavors, making your cake tasty. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute. Mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will mimic the tangy flavor of buttermilk. Alternatively, you can use plain yogurt or sour cream. Just thin them out with a little milk to reach a similar consistency. These substitutes work well and keep your cake moist and flavorful. This article shared key steps to make a delicious apple cider donut snack cake. We covered ingredient choices, step-by-step baking, and tips for the perfect texture. Variations can cater to dietary needs, while storage tips keep your cake fresh. Remember, using quality ingredients and avoiding common mistakes makes all the difference. Enjoy your baking and feel free to experiment with flavors and textures. These small changes can lead to big improvements in your cake. Happy baking!

Apple Cider Donut Snack Cake

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this delicious Apple Cider Donut Snack Cake! Enjoy a moist and aromatic treat made with fresh apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg that’s perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself. This easy recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Click through to discover how to create this delightful snack cake that will bring cozy vibes to your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups apple cider

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup buttermilk

3/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

    In a medium saucepan, bring the apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer until reduced to 1 cup (about 15-20 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.

      In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy.

        Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix in the reduced apple cider from step 2.

          In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

            Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

              Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

                While the cake is baking, mix 3/4 cup granulated sugar with 2 teaspoons of cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.

                  Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. While it’s still warm, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the top.

                    Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing into squares.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 60 min | 12 servings

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve the snack cake warm or at room temperature, dusted with additional cinnamon-sugar for extra flavor. Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful touch!