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Cozy Apple Cider Glazed Donut Cake Easy Fall Dessert

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A tender, donut-like cake infused with reduced apple cider and warm spices, topped with a glossy apple cider glaze. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups apple cider (cloudy, unfiltered)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated preferred)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider (reduced syrup or fresh)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Reduce the apple cider: Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until reduced to about 1/4 cup, about 15-20 minutes. Stir occasionally. Set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray, then dust with flour. Tap out excess.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down sides as needed.
  5. Beat in eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Beat in vanilla extract.
  6. With mixer on low speed, add about one-third of the flour mixture, then half of the buttermilk. Repeat, ending with the last third of flour. Mix just until combined. Finish folding by hand with a rubber spatula if needed.
  7. Gently fold in the cooled apple cider syrup until evenly distributed. Do not overmix.
  8. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and spread evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Let cake cool in pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Carefully invert onto rack to cool completely.
  10. For the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider (reduced syrup or fresh), melted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon (if using) until smooth.
  11. Pour glaze over cooled cake. Let set for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Don’t skip the cider reduction—it’s key for deep apple flavor. Make sure butter and eggs are at room temperature. Grease the pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. Let glaze set before slicing. Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze unglazed cake for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider donut cake, fall dessert, easy cake recipe, bundt cake, apple cider glaze

Find it online: https://milacook.com/cozy-apple-cider-glazed-donut-cake-easy-fall-dessert/