Ingredients

  • 2 cups clear apple cider or unsweetened apple juice
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 sticks plus 2 tablespoons (13 ounces) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 pounds large Granny Smith apples (about 3)peeled, cored and thinly sliced
  • 3 cups sifted cake flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground mace
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 6 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup sour cream
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans

Method

  • In a large saucepan, boil the apple cider over high heat, swirling the pan occasionally, until reduced to 1/2 cup, about 15 minutes.
  • Add 1 cup of the granulated sugar and cook over moderately high heat until a dark amber caramel forms, about 5 minutes.
  • Off the heat, swirl in 2 tablespoons of the butter until melted.
  • Add the apples and cook over moderately high heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are softened and have absorbed a lot of the syrup, about 8 minutes.
  • Pour the apples into a heatproof bowl and let cool.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 and position a rack in the lower third.
  • Butter and flour a 12-cup bundt pan.
  • Sift the cake flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, salt and baking soda onto a sheet of wax paper.
  • In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the remaining 3 sticks of butter until creamy.
  • Add the remaining 2 cups of granulated sugar and the vanilla and beat at medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well between additions.
  • Add the dry ingredients in 3 batches, alternating with the sour cream; beat just until combined.
  • Stir 1/2 cup of the batter into the apples, then stir the apple mixture into the remaining batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
  • Bake for about 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until the top is golden and cracked and a skewer inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
  • Transfer the cake to a rack and let cool for 20 minutes, then turn it out onto the rack to cool completely.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter.
  • Add the brown sugar and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until thick and smooth.
  • Gradually stir in the heavy cream and bring to a boil.
  • Cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until thick and bubbling, 3 minutes.
  • Let cool completely, then stir in the confectioners' sugar and vanilla.
  • Set the cake on a plate and drizzle the glaze all over it.
  • Sprinkle with the pecans, cut into wedges and serve.