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Apple Cider Donut Cake Recipe

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4 from 2 reviews

A moist and flavorful Apple Cider Donut Cake infused with warm spices and topped with a delicious brown butter cinnamon sugar glaze. This bundt cake combines tender apples simmered in cider with classic donut spices, perfect for an autumn dessert or a cozy treat any time of year.

Ingredients

Cider Apple Mixture

  • 1 large honeycrisp apple, peeled and chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups apple cider

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (for batter)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (for browning)

Dry Ingredients for Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Sugars for Cake

  • 3/4 cup loosely packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar

Topping - Brown Butter Cinnamon Sugar

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Bundt Pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 10-cup bundt pan with nonstick baking spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
  2. Cook Apple Cider Mixture: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the chopped apple and apple cider. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the apples are soft and most of the cider is absorbed, about 10-15 minutes. Mash the mixture thoroughly with a fork until no large chunks remain. Measure out 1 cup of this mixture and stir in the vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice until well combined.
  4. Cream Butter and Sugars: In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the softened 8 tablespoons of butter until creamy. Gradually add the brown sugar and white sugar, beating for about 5 minutes until the mixture is fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  5. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  6. Combine Batter: Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the apple cider/milk mixture to the batter. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, adding them in three increments and the liquid in two or three increments. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before removing it. Then let it cool completely on a wire rack.
  8. Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 6 tablespoons of butter, whisking constantly. After 2 to 3 minutes, when brown bits appear and the butter emits a nutty aroma, remove from heat immediately and continue whisking for 30 seconds to prevent burning.
  9. Prepare Cinnamon Sugar Topping: In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
  10. Glaze the Cake: Brush the cooled cake generously with the brown butter. Immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the cake, pressing it gently into the surface so it adheres well, including the sides and center. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use a honeycrisp apple or other sweet, crisp apples for best flavor and texture.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
  • Make sure the brown butter is removed from heat promptly to avoid burning and bitterness.
  • The cinnamon sugar topping adds a classic donut flavor and a pleasant crunch; pressing it into the cake ensures it sticks well.
  • This cake is best enjoyed within 2 days but can be stored covered at room temperature or refrigerated for longer freshness.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/apple-cider-donut-cake-recipe/