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Wholesome Apple Cider Cake with Easy Brown Butter Glaze

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A moist and tender apple cider cake made with whole wheat flour and applesauce, topped with a nutty brown butter glaze. Perfect for fall baking, this wholesome cake is easy to make and sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ¾ cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ½ cup apple cider
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons apple cider (for glaze)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • Pinch of salt (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  5. Add the applesauce and apple cider. Mix on low speed until just combined. The batter may look curdled; this is normal.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a cooling rack. Remove the parchment paper and let cool completely before glazing.
  10. While the cake cools, make the brown butter glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter. Swirl occasionally as it melts and foams. After about 3-4 minutes, the butter will turn golden with brown specks and smell nutty. Remove from heat immediately.
  11. Let the brown butter cool for 5 minutes, then whisk in 1 ½ cups sifted powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons apple cider, ½ teaspoon vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until smooth. Adjust consistency with more cider or powdered sugar as needed.
  12. Pour the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides. Spread evenly if needed. Let the glaze set for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients. Do not overmix the batter. Watch the brown butter carefully to avoid burning. Let the cake cool completely before glazing for a clean look. The cake tastes even better on day two.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider cake, brown butter glaze, fall baking, whole wheat cake, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/wholesome-apple-cider-cake-with-easy-brown-butter-glaze/