Description

Apple Cider Pound Cake is a perfectly moist and flavorful autumn dessert that combines the tangy sweetness of apple cider with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This dense, buttery cake uses simple pantry staples and is ideal for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings. Moist, tender, and full of seasonal charm, it’s a delightful treat to enjoy on its own or with complementary toppings and sides.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1 cup apple cider, warmed slightly
1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt

Sugars

1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed

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Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Measure and gather all ingredients. Warm the apple cider slightly so it blends smoothly into the batter, and let the butter soften to room temperature for easier mixing.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to distribute the spices evenly throughout the cake.
Cream Butter and Sugars: Beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This aerates the mixture, helping create a tender crumb.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse a warm aroma.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry ingredients and the warmed apple cider to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This maintains the structure and moistness of the cake.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

Use room-temperature butter and eggs for a smoother batter and better rise.
Measure flour accurately by spooning and leveling it into your measuring cup to avoid a dense cake.
Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender; avoid overmixing.
Use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg to elevate the flavor.
Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to enhance flavors and keep slices intact.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of loaf)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg