English Cider Cake(Makes 8 Servings.)
A moist, flavorful apple cider cake with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect for autumn gatherings or as a cozy dessert for apple lovers. Light and tender with a hint of fruitiness.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. cake flour ⓘ
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 tsp. double acting baking powder ⓘ
- 2/3 c. unfermented apple cider ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 small apple ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. reduced calorie margarine ⓘ
- 1 tsp. confectioners sugar ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Line the bottom of a 7 3/8 x 3 5/8 x 2 1/2-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; set aside.
- In a small mixing bowl, using a mixer at medium speed, cream the margarine with granulated sugar.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Alternately add the cider and flour mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until the batter is smooth.
- Fold in the grated apple.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out dry.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Allow the cake to cool for an additional 10 minutes.
- Sift confectioners' sugar over the cooled loaf using a sieve or tea strainer.
- Slice into 8 equal pieces and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped nuts or raisins to the batter. You can substitute the reduced calorie margarine with unsalted butter for a more traditional taste. If you have gluten-free needs, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour instead of cake flour. Make sure to measure your flour properly to avoid a dense cake.
Serving Suggestions
This English Cider Cake is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a cozy brunch, serve it alongside a cup of spiced tea or coffee. You can also enjoy it with a light fruit cobbler for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Store the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, slice the cake and warm it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a toaster oven to restore its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of English Cider Cake(Makes 8 Servings.) contains roughly 270 calories, with 5g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought apple cider instead of unfermented cider?
Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider, but make sure it’s unfiltered and not overly sweet. The flavor of the cider significantly impacts the cake, so opt for a more natural product for the best results.
How can I ensure my cake rises properly?
To ensure your cake rises properly, make sure your baking powder is fresh, and avoid overmixing the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Incorporate the flour gently until just combined to maintain airiness in the batter.
Can I add spices other than cinnamon and nutmeg?
Absolutely! You can experiment with spices like allspice or ginger for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of the amounts, as strong spices can easily overpower the subtle taste of apple in the cake.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).