Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cake Batter:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup high-quality apple cider
- For the Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons apple cider
- For the Apple Cider Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons apple cider
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder until well combined. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Mix the Batter: In a separate medium bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and apple cider together. Slowly pour the liquid ingredients and the melted butter into the dry flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Create the Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and the two tablespoons of apple cider. Mix these ingredients until they form a smooth, paste-like consistency. Use a spoon to drop dollops of this cinnamon mixture all over the top of the cake batter in the pan.
- Marbling the Cake: Take a butter knife or a skewer and gently swirl the cinnamon dollops into the cake batter. Use a figure-eight motion to create a marbled effect. Ensure you reach deep enough to distribute the cinnamon throughout the cake without scraping the bottom of the pan too hard.
- Baking: Place the pan in the center rack of the oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and the cinnamon swirl should look bubbly.
- Glazing: While the cake is cooling slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple cider, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. While the cake is still warm, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Cook Time: 55 minutes