Shaker Cider Cake Recipe 🍎🍰

Overview:

This delightful Shaker Cider Cake recipe is a cherished gem from an old Shaker cookbook, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Whether you’re hosting a potluck, craving a comforting dessert for a weeknight treat, or simply want to indulge in some baking therapy, this recipe is your go-to! With its straightforward instructions and basic ingredients, it’s ideal for beginner cooks and promises a baking experience filled with joy and satisfaction.

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 24
Yield: 3 8-inch cakes

Ingredients:

• 6 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 3 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup apple cider (sweet or hard cider, or Apple Jack)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). This ensures that your cakes bake evenly and to perfection.

2. Prepare the Loaf Pans:

   • Butter three 8-inch loaf pans generously to prevent sticking.
   • Line the bottoms of the pans with baking parchment, cut to fit. Make sure to turn the parchment over to butter the topside and firmly pat it in place. While this step is optional, it makes unmolding the cakes much easier and minimizes cleanup later on.

3. Sift Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground nutmeg. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

   • In a stand mixer or by hand, cream the unsalted butter until smooth and fluffy.
   • Gradually add the sugar to the creamed butter, beating well until fully incorporated.

5. Incorporate Eggs:

   • Add the eggs to the mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

6. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Cider:

   • With the mixer on low speed, gradually add about one-third of the sifted flour mixture to the butter-sugar-egg mixture.
   • Next, add half of the apple cider, continuing to mix until well combined.
   • Repeat this process, alternating between adding the remaining flour mixture and cider, and ending with the last one-third of the flour mixture. Ensure each addition is fully incorporated before adding the next.

7. Divide and Fill the Pans:

   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans, filling each about two-thirds full.
   • To eliminate air bubbles and ensure even distribution, firmly tap the pans on a counter a few times.

8. Bake to Perfection:

   • Place the filled pans in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes to 1 hour. Keep a close eye on the cakes and avoid overbaking.
   • To check for doneness, insert a toothpick near the center of each cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cakes are ready.

9. Cool and Unmold:

   • Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans on wire racks for about 10 minutes.
   • Carefully unmold the cakes, peel off the parchment paper, and transfer them to the wire racks to cool completely.

10. Storage and Enjoyment:

    • Wrap the cooled cakes tightly in plastic wrap to preserve their freshness.
    • These delectable Shaker Cider Cakes can be enjoyed immediately or stored in a cool place for up to a week, allowing you to savor their deliciousness whenever the craving strikes.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 291.1
• Fat: 8.8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5.2g
• Cholesterol: 55.6mg
• Sodium: 114.2mg
• Carbohydrates: 49g
  • Fiber: 0.9g
  • Sugar: 25.2g
• Protein: 4.4g

Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Shaker Cider Cake, perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply treating yourself to a slice of homemade goodness. With its timeless appeal and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a beloved favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy! 🍂🍰