Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of autumn with its rich apple flavors and warm spices. This cake is a perfect treat during the fall season, especially when apple cider is abundant. The combination of spiced apple cider, fresh apples, and aromatic spices creates a moist and flavorful cake that is both comforting and indulgent.

The history of apple cider as a beverage can be traced back centuries, with evidence of cider-making dating back to ancient times. In America, apple cider has been a traditional drink since the colonial era, with apple orchards and cider mills becoming common sights in New England and other regions. The popularity of apple cider during the fall season led to the creation of various apple cider-based recipes, including Apple Cider Bundt Cake.

INGREDIENTS

For the Cake:

• 1 1/2 cups spiced apple cider
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Pinch of ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the Topping:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium saucepan, bring the spiced apple cider and chopped apple to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer until half of the cider has been absorbed, and the apples can be easily smashed with a fork (about 15 minutes).
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes. Then, transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender and blend until pureed and smooth.
4. Measure out 1 cup of the cider mixture and add it to a large measuring cup. Mix it with milk and vanilla extract, stirring to combine.
5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and prepare a 10-cup Bundt pan by greasing it with non-stick spray and dusting it with flour, tapping out the excess.
6. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves.
7. In the bowl of a standard electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
8. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Add the vegetable oil and beat to combine.
9. Lower the mixer speed to low, and add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the cider-milk mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix only until incorporated.
10. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and bake the cake until the top is golden brown and a tester inserted into the center comes out clean (about 45 minutes).
11. Transfer the cake to a cooling rack set over a baking sheet and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, invert the cake directly onto the cooling rack.
12. While the cake is still warm, combine the granulated sugar and cinnamon to make the topping. Brush the warm cake with melted butter and sprinkle it with the cinnamon sugar, using your fingers to rub it onto the sides.
13. Let the cake cool completely before serving.

Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a delightful dessert that celebrates the flavors of the season. With the natural sweetness of apple cider, the freshness of chopped apples, and the warmth of autumn spices, this cake is a perfect addition to any fall gathering or celebration. Enjoy a slice of this moist and flavorful cake with a cup of hot apple cider for the ultimate autumn treat.