The Sparkling Cider Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of crisp autumn days and festive celebrations. This cake combines the rich, buttery goodness of a traditional pound cake with the unique and refreshing flavor of sparkling cider. It’s a perfect treat for fall gatherings, holiday feasts, or any occasion where you want to savor the flavors of the season. In this recipe, we will guide you through the process of creating this delectable cake while exploring the history of pound cakes and the significance of sparkling cider in culinary traditions. Join us as we celebrate the fusion of tradition and seasonal flair in this Sparkling Cider Pound Cake.
Pound cake, a beloved classic, has a history that spans several centuries. The name “pound cake” originates from the traditional recipe that called for a pound each of four primary ingredients: butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. This simple yet rich and dense cake became popular in Europe during the 18th century.
INGREDIENTS
For the Sparkling Cider Pound Cake:
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 6 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup sparkling cider
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for added flavor)
For the Sparkling Cider Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons sparkling cider
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional, for added flavor)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or tube pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Stir in the sparkling cider, pure vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using) until the batter is smooth and well blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the Sparkling Cider Glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and sparkling cider until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more cider if needed.
- Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Invert the cake onto a serving platter, then drizzle the warm Sparkling Cider Glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak in.
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving. The glaze will thicken as it cools.
- Serve slices of this delightful Sparkling Cider Pound Cake as a sweet treat for autumn gatherings, holiday feasts, or any special occasion, and savor the unique combination of flavors that evoke the spirit of the season. Enjoy!
