Apple Cider Donut Snack Cake

$First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This step is very important. A well-prepared pan helps the cake bake evenly. In a large bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar. Mix until it gets light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Next, add in 2 large eggs and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined. In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This will be your dry mix. Slowly add the dry mix to the wet mix. Alternate adding 1 cup apple cider, beginning and ending with the flour. Mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the cake light. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar. Sprinkle this mix evenly on top of the batter. Bake in your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick; it should come out clean. Once done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the warm, sweet scent of your Apple Cider Donut Snack Cake! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To get a soft and moist cake, use fresh apple cider. It adds great flavor and moisture. Mixing your wet and dry ingredients well is key. Be careful not to overmix. Stop as soon as you see no dry flour. This helps keep your cake light and fluffy. You can boost the flavor with a few tweaks. Consider adding a pinch of allspice or ginger for warmth. If you like nuts, chop some walnuts or pecans and fold them in. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries also add a sweet touch. You can even swap apple cider for pumpkin puree for a fun twist! Once the cake cools, slice it into squares. Aim for even sizes to make it look nice. A dusting of powdered sugar on top makes it pretty. For a cozy touch, serve it warm with a small bowl of apple cider on the side. This pairing brings out the best flavors in your snack cake. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can make this cake gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour. Use a gluten-free flour blend instead. Look for blends that include xanthan gum. This ingredient helps give the cake its nice structure. Follow the same steps in the Full Recipe. The taste and texture will still shine. Want to add some crunch or chew? Try mixing in nuts or dried fruits. Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice nutty flavor. Dried apples or cranberries work well too. Just fold them into the batter before baking. This gives extra flavor and texture to every bite. You can change the flavor profile easily. Use different fruit juices like pear or cranberry. Adding a splash of maple syrup adds a lovely sweetness. For a spice twist, try cardamom or ginger. Each option gives a unique touch while keeping it tasty. To keep your Apple Cider Donut Snack Cake fresh, let it cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. You can also place it in an airtight container. Stored this way, it stays good for about 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. When you're ready to enjoy the cake again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake in the oven for about 10-15 minutes. This method warms it evenly and keeps it moist. You can also microwave a slice for about 10-15 seconds. Just be careful not to overheat it. For long-term storage, you can freeze the cake. First, slice it into squares and wrap each piece tightly. Use plastic wrap followed by foil for best results. Store the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag. The cake can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, simply thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy all the flavors of the Apple Cider Donut Snack Cake anytime! Check the Full Recipe for more details on making this tasty treat. To make your cake more moist, you can add applesauce. This adds moisture and flavor. Another tip is to use oil instead of butter. Oil keeps the cake soft and tender. You can also reduce the baking time slightly. Check the cake a few minutes early. Finally, try covering the cake with plastic wrap after it cools. This traps moisture inside. Yes, you can use fresh apple cider! Fresh cider adds a strong apple taste. It also brings a lovely, natural sweetness. Just make sure it is pure cider without added sugar. You may need to adjust the sugar in the recipe. Taste the cider first to see how sweet it is. The best way to add spices is to mix them with the dry ingredients. This helps spread the flavor evenly. Use a whisk to combine the spices well. For a stronger taste, add a bit more spice. Just be careful not to overdo it. A little goes a long way. You can also sprinkle some spices on top before baking for a lovely aroma. We covered how to make a delicious snack cake, starting with quality ingredients. You learned about mixing, baking, and cooling steps for the best results. We included tips for texture and flavor, along with variations for different diets. Don't forget proper storage for leftovers and ways to reheat your cake. Remember, experimenting with flavors can bring out new delights. Enjoy your baking journey!$

Indulge in the deliciousness of this Apple Cider Donut Snack Cake that's perfect for any occasion! Made with warm spices and sweet apple cider, it's a cozy treat you won't want to miss. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll have a delightful cake ready in no time. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and bring the comforting flavors of fall to your kitchen today!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup apple cider

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup brown sugar, for topping

1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar, for topping (mix of 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon)

Instructions

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

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

Add in the eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture while alternating with the apple cider, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix.

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and cinnamon sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 12

- Presentation Tips: Slice the cake into squares and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish. Serve with a small bowl of warm apple cider for a delightful pairing.