Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 cups fresh apple cider (reduced to 3/4 cup)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
- 1.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (for coating)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar mixed with 1 tablespoon cinnamon (for coating)
- 1/2 cup high-quality caramel sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider – Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Simmer the cider for about 10-15 minutes until it has reduced to exactly 3/4 cup. This concentrates the flavor so the apple taste really shines through. Let it cool completely before using.
- Step 2: Prepare Oven and Pan – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 10-12 cup Bundt pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray, ensuring you get into all the crevices. Dust lightly with flour and tap out the excess.
- Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars – In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and the brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla – Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
- Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients – In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
- Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients – Lower the mixer speed. Alternately add the flour mixture and the liquids (the reduced cider and the buttermilk) to the butter mixture. Start and end with the flour. Mix only until just combined; overmixing will make the cake tough.
- Step 7: Bake the Cake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack.
- Step 8: Apply Cinnamon Sugar Coating – While the cake is still warm, brush the entire surface with the 1/2 cup of melted butter. Immediately toss the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the buttered surface, pressing it gently so it sticks. This creates that iconic “donut” crust.
- Step 9: Drizzle with Caramel – Once the cake has cooled slightly but is still pleasantly warm, drizzle the caramel sauce generously over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Slice and serve immediately.
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian