Are you ready to elevate your baking game—literally? This High Altitude Cinnamon Apple Cider Sheet Cake is not just a dessert; it's a culinary adventure that conquers the challenges of mountain baking! Imagine a moist, fragrant cake that captures the essence of autumn in every single bite, perfectly crafted to rise beautifully even in the thinnest of mountain air. Whether you're a high-altitude home baker or simply craving a uniquely delicious treat, this recipe promises to transform your kitchen into a bakery of dreams.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Adjust the rack to the center position. Grease a 9x13 inch sheet pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, ensuring complete coverage.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisk the dry ingredients until well combined and free of lumps.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the apple cider, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula or whisk, mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake at high altitude.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula and ensuring the batter reaches all corners.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. At high altitude, check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center - it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. The cake will continue to set during this time.
- Optional: Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or create a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of apple cider.
- Cut into 12 equal squares and serve warm or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tips
- Precision is key: Measure ingredients exactly and use level measurements to ensure consistent results.
- Be gentle when mixing: Overmixing can cause your cake to become dense and tough, especially at high altitudes where air pressure affects baking.
- Watch your baking time: High-altitude baking often requires slight adjustments. Start checking your cake a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.
- Use fresh ingredients: Particularly with baking powder and baking soda, freshness impacts the cake's rise and texture.
- Allow proper cooling: Let the cake rest in the pan to complete its setting process, which helps maintain moisture and structural integrity.
- Consider a simple glaze or powdered sugar dusting to enhance the cake's moisture and add an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 35mg
