Brown Butter Apple Cider Donut Cake

$- 1 cup apple cider - 1/2 cup unsalted butter - 1 cup brown sugar - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 3 large eggs - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 cup diced apples - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating) - 1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating) I love using fresh apple cider in this cake. It gives a sweet and tangy flavor. You should look for cider that has no added sugars or preservatives. It makes a big difference. Browning the butter adds a rich taste. It gives a nutty flavor that blends well with the spices. Remember, watch it closely to avoid burning. The combination of brown sugar and granulated sugar creates a perfect sweetness. Brown sugar makes the cake soft and moist. The eggs add structure and help it rise. When you mix the dry ingredients, be sure to sift them well. This step ensures no lumps. The spices, like cinnamon and nutmeg, add warmth and cozy notes. Diced apples add texture and flavor. Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well when baked. Finally, the cinnamon-sugar coating gives a sweet crunch. It enhances the cake’s flavor and makes it look pretty. Enjoy gathering these ingredients. They create a delightful treat! 1. Preheat oven and grease the pan Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch bundt pan or donut pan with non-stick spray. This helps the cake come out easily. 2. Reduce the apple cider and let it cool Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until it reduces to about 1/3 cup. This takes about 10-15 minutes. Let it cool down for a bit. 3. Brown the butter and let it cool In another saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Keep cooking until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. This should take around 5-7 minutes. Take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. 1. Combine wet ingredients and sugars In a large mixing bowl, mix the browned butter with 1 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer to beat until smooth. 2. Add eggs and vanilla extract Add 3 large eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract for that lovely flavor. 3. Sift and mix dry ingredients In another bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This makes sure everything mixes well. 1. Fold in diced apples and pour batter into the pan Gently fold in 1 cup of diced apples. Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake. 2. Bake and check for doneness Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes if using a bundt pan, or 20-25 minutes for donuts. Check if it's done by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, it's ready! 3. Cool and remove from the pan Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto a wire rack. This helps it cool down completely and stay fresh. For the best results, know your baking times. A bundt cake bakes for 35-40 minutes. Donuts need less time, around 20-25 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If it has wet batter, give it more time. To boost flavor, try adding spices like allspice or ginger. These add warmth and depth. You can also use different apples. Tart apples like Granny Smith give a nice contrast. Sweet apples like Fuji add extra sweetness. Mix and match to find your favorite blend. Serve your cake on a rustic wooden platter for a cozy look. Add more diced apples on top or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for charm. You can even drizzle some caramel sauce for a touch of sweetness. These small details make your cake look inviting and festive. {{image_2}} If you want a gluten-free Brown Butter Apple Cider Donut Cake, you can use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. Almond flour gives a nice texture and flavor. You can also blend it with a gluten-free flour mix to achieve the best results. Just make sure to adjust the liquid slightly, as almond flour absorbs more moisture. You can easily add more fun to your cake. Try mixing in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a nice crunch. Chocolate chips can also make it extra special. If you want to switch things up, add diced pears along with the apples. This will give your cake a unique twist and a burst of flavor. Want to change the shape? You can make this cake as muffins instead of a bundt cake. Just fill a muffin tin and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them to ensure they cook properly. If you prefer a lighter touch, set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and bake a bit longer. This way, you’ll get a lovely, soft texture. To keep your Brown Butter Apple Cider Donut Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to a week. If you need to keep it longer, freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. This way, it can last for about three months without losing flavor. At room temperature, this cake lasts about three days. Make sure to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out. If your kitchen is warm or humid, refrigeration is a better option. This helps maintain its moist texture and flavor. To reheat the cake, slice it and place it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This warms it gently, keeping it soft. If you prefer, you can also reheat slices in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-10 minutes. This way, the cake stays fluffy and delicious. Enjoy every bite! You can tell the cake is done by checking it with a toothpick. Insert the toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes. The top of the cake should also look golden brown. Yes, you can make this cake ahead of time. Bake the cake and let it cool completely. Then, wrap it in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze the cake for up to two months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving. If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice instead. The flavor may be a bit sweeter. You can also mix water with a bit of apple extract for a similar taste. Another option is to use a mix of white vinegar and water. This will give a tangy flavor similar to apple cider. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for. This blog post covers everything you need to create a delicious apple cider cake. You learned about key ingredients, tools, and step-by-step instructions. I also shared helpful tips and variations to make your cake even better. With the right approach, you can bake a treat that impresses everyone. Don't shy away from experimenting with flavors or presentation. Enjoy the process and have fun in the kitchen! This cake can be a delightful addition to any gathering.$

Brown Butter Apple Cider Donut Cake

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this irresistible Brown Butter Apple Cider Donut Cake! This moist and delicious cake features a delightful blend of spiced apples and nutty brown butter, perfect for cozy gatherings. Follow our easy step-by-step recipe to bake this treat that will leave everyone wanting more. Click through to discover the full recipe and wow your friends and family! #AppleCiderDonutCake #FallBaking #DessertRecipes #BakingInspiration

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Ingredients

1 cup apple cider

1/2 cup unsalted butter (for browning)

1 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup diced apples (about 1 medium apple)

1/4 cup granulated sugar (for coating)

1 teaspoon cinnamon (for coating)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch bundt pan or a donut pan with non-stick cooking spray.

In a small saucepan, cook the apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about 1/3 cup, approximately 10-15 minutes. Let it cool.

In another saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and continue cooking until it turns a golden brown color and releases a nutty aroma, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the browned butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a separate bowl.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the reduced apple cider, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt or donut pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake for 35-40 minutes for bundt or 20-25 minutes for donuts, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

While the cake is baking, mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl for the coating.

Once the cake is done, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack.

While still warm, roll the cake in the cinnamon-sugar mixture, ensuring even coverage on all sides.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8-10

- Presentation Tips: Serve the cake on a rustic wooden platter, garnished with additional diced apples and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful touch.