Soft and Spiced Apple Cider Doughnut Cake with Irresistible Cinnamon-Sugar Crust
Introduction
Welcome to the world of deliciousness! Today, we have a special treat for you – a Soft and Spiced Apple Cider Doughnut Cake with an Irresistible Cinnamon-Sugar Crust. This delightful cake combines the comforting flavors of apple cider, warm spices, and a sweet cinnamon-sugar topping. Whether you’re a doughnut lover or a cake enthusiast, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. Get ready to indulge in a slice of heaven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Soft and Spiced Apple Cider Doughnut Cake:
– It’s incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the addition of apple cider.
– The warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a cozy and comforting flavor profile.
– The cinnamon-sugar crust adds a delightful crunch and sweetness to every bite.
– This recipe is easy to make and doesn’t require any special equipment.
– It’s a perfect treat for any time of the year, but especially during the fall season when apple flavors are at their peak.
Ingredients
For the cake:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
– ½ teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
– ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ¾ cup apple cider
– ½ cup buttermilk
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ¾ cup apple cider
– ½ cup buttermilk
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ¾ cup apple cider
– ½ cup buttermilk
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the apple cider, buttermilk, and apple cider vinegar.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the apple cider mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. While the cake is baking, prepare the cinnamon-sugar crust. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
10. As soon as the cake is removed from the oven, sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly over the top.
11. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Serve the Soft and Spiced Apple Cider Doughnut Cake at room temperature and enjoy!
Expert Tips for Success
– Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
– Don’t overmix the batter once you start adding the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid a dense cake.
– For a more intense apple flavor, reduce the apple cider on the stovetop until it reaches a syrup-like consistency before adding it to the batter.
– If you don’t have apple cider, you can substitute it with unsweetened applesauce.
– To make the cake even more decadent, drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and apple cider over the top.
Variations and Substitutions
– For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
– Add chopped apples or grated carrots to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
– Instead of a cinnamon-sugar crust, top the cake with a cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar.
– Experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger to customize the flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This Soft and Spiced Apple Cider Doughnut Cake is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair it with a warm cup of apple cider or a hot mug of coffee for a cozy and indulgent treat.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Q: Can I freeze the cake?
A: Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Q: Can I use store-bought apple cider instead of homemade?
A: Yes, store-bought apple cider works just fine in this recipe.
Final Thoughts
Get ready to savor the flavors of fall with this Soft and Spiced Apple Cider Doughnut Cake. With its moist texture, warm spices, and irresistible cinnamon-sugar crust, this cake is a true delight for your taste buds. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is guaranteed to please. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of apple and spices fill your kitchen. Once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why this cake is a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!
