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Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake

A soft, warmly spiced Bundt cake made with reduced apple cider and finished with a cinnamon-sugar coating inspired by classic apple cider donuts.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Brunch, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 337

Ingredients
  

For the reduced cider
  • 2 cups apple cider
For the cake batter
  • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup buttermilk room temperature
  • 1/2 cup reduced apple cider cooled
For the topping
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Equipment

  • 1 Bundt pan 10- to 12-cup
  • 1 small saucepan for reducing cider
  • 1 mixing bowl medium
  • 1 mixing bowl large
  • 1 hand mixer or stand mixer
  • 1 whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 10- to 12-cup Bundt pan.
  2. Add the apple cider to a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until pale and fluffy.
  5. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  6. Stir the cooled reduced cider into the buttermilk.
  7. With the mixer on low, add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk mixture in two additions. Begin and end with the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
  8. Spoon the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Tap the pan lightly on the counter.
  9. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until a tester inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack or serving plate. Let cool until just slightly warm.
  11. For the topping, mix the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Brush the warm cake all over with melted butter.
  12. Sprinkle or pat the cinnamon sugar over the cake, then let the coating set slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

Reduce the cider fully for the best apple flavor. Grease the Bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. For a lighter finish, use powdered sugar instead of the cinnamon-sugar topping. Nutrition values are estimates.