Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups apple cider (reduced to ½ cup)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk, room temperature
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider – Pour the apple cider into a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring it to a boil and let it simmer until it reduces to exactly ½ cup. This should take about 10 to 15 minutes. Set it aside to cool completely before using. This step is crucial for a concentrated apple flavor.
- Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Pan – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously grease a 10-cup Bundt pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray. Ensure you coat every nook and cranny so the cake releases easily after baking.
- Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients – In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this mixture aside. Using a whisk ensures there are no lumps and helps aerate the flour for a lighter cake.
- Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars – In a large bowl or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium-high speed. Beat for about 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture looks pale and fluffy.
- Step 5: Incorporate Eggs and Liquids – Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Stir in the vanilla extract, the cooled apple cider reduction, and the buttermilk until just combined.
- Step 6: Combine and Bake – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined; do not overmix, or the cake will be tough. Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: The Cinnamon Sugar Coating – Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack. While the cake is still warm, brush the entire surface with melted butter. Combine the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and generously sprinkle it over the buttered cake, pressing it gently so it sticks to the sides.
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes