Apple Cider Donut Cake

Capture the essence of fall with this delectable Apple Cider Donut Cake. This cake combines the spicy warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg with the sweet tang of apple cider, encapsulating the cozy flavors of a classic apple cider donut in cake form.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups apple cider
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Topping:

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Reduce the Apple Cider:
   • In a saucepan, simmer the apple cider over low heat until it’s reduced to 1/2 cup. This could take about 20-30 minutes. Let it cool.
2. Preheat the Oven & Prepare the Pan:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan or a 9-inch cake pan.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add Eggs & Vanilla:
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
6. Alternate Additions:
   • Begin adding the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in thirds, alternating with the buttermilk and reduced apple cider. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. Pour & Bake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Prepare Topping:
   • While the cake is baking, mix together the sugar and cinnamon for the topping in a small bowl.
9. Apply Topping:
   • Once baked, remove the cake from the oven. While it’s still warm, brush the top with the melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the top.
10. Cool & Serve:

• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer to a serving plate, slice, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions: Serve your Apple Cider Donut Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Tips: For an added layer of flavor, consider folding in some finely chopped apples or adding a caramel drizzle over the top of the cooled cake.

Enjoy the comforting flavors of fall anytime with this delightful Apple Cider Donut Cake!