Apple Cider Bundt Cake

🍏🍰 Apple Cider Bundt Cake: A Delicious Fall Treat 🍂

What is it?
The Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall. It’s a moist and flavorful cake made with the rich and comforting taste of apple cider, infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and studded with tender pieces of fresh apples. The cake is typically baked in a Bundt pan, which gives it its distinctive ring shape.

History:
The history of the Apple Cider Bundt Cake is not well-documented, but it likely originated in the United States, where apple orchards thrive and the fall season is synonymous with apple-based treats. Bundt cakes themselves gained popularity in the 1950s and 1960s when Nordic Ware introduced the Bundt pan. Since then, home bakers have been experimenting with various flavors, and the Apple Cider Bundt Cake became a seasonal favorite.

Components:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1 ½ cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (e.g., Granny Smith)
• Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts or raisins for added texture

Steps to Prepare:

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease and flour a Bundt pan to prevent sticking.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.

3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Alternate Additions: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar mixture in three parts, alternating with the apple cider, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

6. Fold in Apples (and Optional Extras): Gently fold in the chopped apples (and any optional nuts or raisins) until they are evenly distributed in the batter.

7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and spread it evenly. Bake for approximately 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a bit of apple cider.

Time Needed:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Baking: 45-55 minutes
• Cooling: 1 hour (approximately)

In total, you should budget around 2 hours from start to finish, including prep, baking, and cooling time. This delightful Apple Cider Bundt Cake is sure to be a hit at any fall gathering, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season with its warm, comforting flavors. Enjoy! 🍏🍰🍂

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a typical slice of Apple Cider Bundt Cake (1/12th of the cake):

Nutrition Facts:

• Calories: Approximately 320
• Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 240mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 47g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 30g
• Protein: 4g

Health Information:

1. Moderate Calories: A slice of Apple Cider Bundt Cake contains about 320 calories. While it’s a treat, consuming it in moderation as part of a balanced diet is advisable.

2. Moderate Fat: The cake has 14g of fat, with 8g of saturated fat. Saturated fats should be limited in the diet to maintain heart health.

3. Cholesterol: It contains 75mg of cholesterol, which should also be consumed in moderation, especially for individuals with high cholesterol levels.

4. Sodium: The cake has 240mg of sodium, which is relatively moderate. However, those on a low-sodium diet should be mindful of their intake.

5. Carbohydrates and Sugar: It has 47g of carbohydrates and 30g of sugars. This cake is relatively high in sugar, so it’s best enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a daily indulgence.

6. Fiber: It provides 1g of dietary fiber. While not a significant source of fiber, the addition of apples in the cake does contribute some fiber content.

7. Protein: With 4g of protein, the cake offers a small amount of this essential nutrient.

In summary, the Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a delicious dessert, but it’s best enjoyed in moderation due to its calorie and sugar content. It can be a delightful occasional treat during the fall season, but for those with dietary restrictions or health concerns, portion control is advisable.