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apple cider donut cake

Apple Cider Donut Cake

A tender and flavorful cake infused with apple cider, reminiscent of fall festival donuts, featuring a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Seasonal
Calories: 365

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 1.5 cups pure apple cider (reduced to 3/4 cup) Simmer to reduce before use.
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.75 cup unsalted butter, softened Bring to room temperature.
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature Bring to room temperature.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk, room temperature Bring to room temperature.
For the Topping
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter For brushing on top of the cake.
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar Mixed with 1 tablespoon of cinnamon for topping.
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon For topping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes until it reduces to exactly 3/4 cup. Let it cool completely.
  2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan or large tube pan.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until pale and fluffy.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Lower the mixer speed and add the dry mixture in three parts, alternating with the reduced apple cider and the buttermilk. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing only until just combined.
Baking
  1. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  2. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack.
Topping
  1. While the cake is still warm, brush the entire surface with the melted butter.
  2. Generously sprinkle or press the cinnamon-sugar mixture all over the cake until fully coated.

Notes

Serve slightly warm for best flavor. Pairs well with coffee or milk. Can be topped with whipped cream or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
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