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Apple Cider Donut Cake

A delightful and comforting dessert with warm spices and a moist, tender crumb, reminiscent of fall festivals.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American, Fall
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour Provides structure and chew.
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder Leavening agent for rising.
  • 1 ¼ teaspoons salt Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon Adds warmth and spice.
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg Complements the apples.
  • 2 ½ sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature Contributes creaminess and moisture.
  • 1 ½ cups brown sugar Imparts deep, caramel-like sweetness.
  • ½ cup granulated sugar Sweetens the cake.
  • 4 eggs, at room temperature Helps bind ingredients together.
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract Adds aromatic sweetness.
  • 1 cup apple cider Infuses fruity flavor.
For the Glaze
  • 2 cups additional apple cider Used for reduction and glazing.
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter Adds richness for glaze.
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar Sweetens the glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons demerara or turbinado sugar Adds texture and shine.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon For topping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup bundt pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg; set aside.
Mixing
  1. In a stand mixer, cream softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  2. Add eggs one at a time, blending each fully before the next. Scrape the sides of the bowl.
  3. Mix in vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing on low just until incorporated.
  5. Slowly mix in 1 cup apple cider until fully combined.
Baking
  1. Pour batter into the prepared bundt pan, smooth the top, and bake for 40-50 minutes.
  2. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate.
Preparing the Glaze
  1. In a saucepan, boil the additional 2 cups of apple cider, then reduce heat and simmer until thickened (30 minutes).
  2. Stir in salted butter until melted.
Finishing Touch
  1. Brush the cider reduction over the warm cake and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Serving
  1. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with whipped cream or ice cream.

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best results. Consider adding finely diced apples for extra flavor.