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Cozy Apple Cider Donut Bundt Cake Recipe with Easy Brown Butter Glaze

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A moist and tender bundt cake inspired by apple cider donuts, featuring warm spices and a nutty brown butter glaze that adds a toasty sweetness. Perfect for autumn gatherings and cozy afternoons.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon (freshly ground if possible)
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed (100 g) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider, reduced to about ½ cup (120 ml) by simmering
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
  • For the Brown Butter Glaze:
  • 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) milk or cream, as needed for consistency

Instructions

  1. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let it reduce to about half (½ cup or 120 ml), about 10-12 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray and lightly dust with flour.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract until smooth.
  6. Stir the cooled reduced apple cider and buttermilk into the butter mixture.
  7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
  8. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Tap the pan gently to release air bubbles.
  9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If browning too fast, loosely cover with foil halfway through baking.
  10. Cool the cake in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
  11. To make the glaze, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until butter foams and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
  12. Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon (if using), and milk or cream until smooth and pourable.
  13. Drizzle the warm glaze over the cooled cake, letting it soak into the ridges. Let set for 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Reduce the apple cider properly to concentrate flavor without sogginess. Watch the brown butter closely to avoid burning. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender. Thoroughly grease and flour the bundt pan to prevent sticking. Start checking the cake at 40 minutes as oven temperatures vary. If glaze thickens, gently warm it to restore pourability.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider cake, bundt cake, brown butter glaze, autumn dessert, cozy cake, fall baking, donut-inspired cake

Find it online: https://tablemira.com/cozy-apple-cider-donut-bundt-cake-recipe-with-easy-brown-butter-glaze/