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Cozy Cinnamon Apple Cider Bundt Cake

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This cozy cinnamon apple cider bundt cake is what you make when you want to slow down. It’s not fancy, and it doesn’t try to be—it’s the kind of cake you slice thick and eat with your hands while standing at the counter, maybe with a cup of coffee nearby.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups apple cider (not apple juice)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated if you have it)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (for cinnamon swirl)
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (for cinnamon swirl)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for cinnamon swirl)
  • Pinch of cloves (optional, for cinnamon swirl)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2–3 tablespoons apple cider (use the reduced cider from step 1, for glaze)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Reduce the apple cider: Pour the 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer until it’s reduced to about ½ cup. This takes about 15-20 minutes. Let it cool completely before using.
  2. Preheat and prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your bundt pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick baking spray, making sure to get into all the crevices. Dust the pan with a light coating of flour, tapping out the excess.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  4. Cream the butter and sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through.
  5. Add the eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then beat in the vanilla extract.
  6. Alternate dry ingredients and buttermilk: With the mixer on low speed, add about one-third of the dry ingredients, then half of the buttermilk, then another third of the dry ingredients, the remaining buttermilk, and finally the last of the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined. Fold in the cooled reduced apple cider with a rubber spatula.
  7. Make the cinnamon swirl: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves (if using).
  8. Layer the batter: Pour half of the batter into the prepared bundt pan and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter, keeping it away from the edges by about ½ inch. Top with the remaining batter and smooth the surface.
  9. Bake: Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
  10. Cool completely: Invert the cake onto a cooling rack and let it cool completely before glazing.
  11. Make the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of the reduced apple cider (or regular cider), and cinnamon until smooth. Add more cider if needed to reach a pourable consistency. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Notes

The apple cider reduction is non-negotiable for best flavor and texture. Room temperature ingredients are important for proper emulsification. Grease the bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. Let the cake cool in the pan for exactly 15 minutes before inverting. The cake tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter and substitute buttermilk with unsweetened almond milk mixed with 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon apple cider bundt cake, fall dessert, apple cake, bundt cake, easy fall recipe, apple cider cake

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/cozy-cinnamon-apple-cider-bundt-cake-best-easy-fall-recipe/