If you are looking for a unique and mouth-watering dessert to impress your family and friends, look no further than Sourdough Apple Cider Upside-Down Cake. This delightful cake combines the tangy flavor of sourdough with the sweetness of apple cider, creating a treat that is perfect for any occasion. With its moist texture and rich flavor, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your home. Let’s dive into the ingredients and instructions to whip up this delicious dessert.
Ingredients
For the Sourdough Apple Cider Upside-Down Cake, you will need the following ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of the cake, providing structure and texture.
1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps in browning the cake.
1/2 cup unsalted butter: Provides richness and moisture to the cake.
3/4 cup sourdough starter: The star ingredient that gives depth of flavor and helps with leavening.
1 cup apple cider: Contributes a lovely apple flavor and keeps the cake moist.
2 large eggs: These act as binding agents while adding moisture.
1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cake rise, making it light and fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works together with the sourdough starter for proper leavening.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and enhances the apple flavor.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness of the sugar.
For the topping:
3 medium apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): These will create the beautiful layer on top of your cake.
1/4 cup brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness to complement the apples.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Helps in caramelizing the apples for that perfect finish.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it with butter or non-stick spray. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add sliced apples along with brown sugar. Cook for about 5 minutes until they soften slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly before arranging them in your prepared pan.
Arrange apple slices in a circular pattern at the bottom of your greased cake pan. Make sure they cover the entire base evenly.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter and 1 cup granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer at medium speed.
Add in your sourdough starter, apple cider, and two large eggs into the mixture. Mix well until everything combines smoothly without lumps remaining.
In another bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well combined.
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. Mix just until combined; do not over-mix to keep your cake tender.
Pour batter over arranged apples in your prepared pan, spreading it evenly using a spatula.
Bake in preheated oven for approximately 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, remove from oven and allow to cool for about 10 minutes before flipping onto a serving plate. Gently tap around edges of pan if necessary to loosen any stuck areas before inverting it onto your plate.
Allow your Sourdough Apple Cider Upside-Down Cake to cool completely before slicing into it. Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired!
This Sourdough Apple Cider Upside-Down Cake is not just delicious; it’s also visually stunning with its glossy apple topping. Enjoy this delightful dessert at your next gathering or simply as a treat for yourself!
Tips and tricks
To make the perfect Sourdough Apple Cider Upside-Down Cake, keep these tips in mind. First, use fresh apples for the best flavor. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties work well due to their balance of sweetness and tartness. Ensure your sourdough starter is active; this will enhance the cake’s texture and flavor.
When preparing the caramel topping, allow it to bubble until it’s a rich amber color. This step adds depth to the cake’s flavor. Don’t rush the mixing process; gently fold in your ingredients to avoid overworking the batter. Baking time can vary depending on your oven, so check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
Lastly, let the cake cool in the pan for a few minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. This helps maintain the shape of your cake and keeps the topping intact. Enjoy this delightful treat with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra special dessert.
FAQs
What is Sourdough Apple Cider Upside-Down Cake?
Sourdough Apple Cider Upside-Down Cake combines tangy sourdough starter with sweet apple cider and caramelized apples on top. The result is a moist, flavorful cake that balances sweetness with a hint of tartness from the sourdough. It’s perfect for any occasion and showcases seasonal flavors beautifully.
Can I substitute regular flour for sourdough flour?
While you can use regular all-purpose flour in this recipe, using sourdough flour enhances the flavor and texture of your Sourdough Apple Cider Upside-Down Cake. Sourdough flour contains more protein, which helps create a better structure in your cake. If you can’t find sourdough flour, consider adding a tablespoon of vinegar to mimic its acidity.
How do I store leftover Sourdough Apple Cider Upside-Down Cake?
To store leftover Sourdough Apple Cider Upside-Down Cake, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it at room temperature for up to three days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped securely to enjoy later.
This recipe delivers a delightful twist on traditional cakes by incorporating sourdough starter and apple cider. The blend of flavors creates a unique dessert experience that is sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy baking this delicious Sourdough Apple Cider Upside-Down Cake!