Warm & Cozy: The Ultimate Mulled Wine Cake Recipe
Mulled wine, with its warm, spiced aromas and comforting flavors, is a quintessential beverage of the holiday season. But have you ever thought of incorporating those same delightful elements into a cake? This recipe for mulled wine cake brings together the best of both worlds, resulting in a moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible treat perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy night in.
This isn’t just any cake; it’s a celebration of winter spices, rich flavors, and the comforting warmth of mulled wine. Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of cake infused with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, orange zest, and the subtle kick of red wine. The aroma alone will fill your kitchen with holiday cheer!
This recipe is designed to be approachable for bakers of all skill levels, providing clear instructions and helpful tips along the way. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s embark on a delicious journey into the world of mulled wine cake!
Why You’ll Love This Mulled Wine Cake
* **Festive Flavors:** The combination of warm spices and red wine creates a truly festive and comforting flavor profile.
* **Moist and Tender:** This cake is incredibly moist and tender, thanks to the addition of oil and the wine itself.
* **Impressive and Easy:** Despite its impressive flavor and appearance, this cake is surprisingly easy to make.
* **Perfect for Sharing:** This cake is ideal for sharing with friends and family during the holidays or any special occasion.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** The cake can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
**For the Mulled Wine Reduction:**
* 750ml (1 bottle) Red Wine (Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or a blend are good choices)
* 1 Orange, zested and juiced
* 2 Cinnamon Sticks
* 4-5 Whole Cloves
* 2-3 Star Anise
* 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (adjust to taste)
**For the Cake:**
* 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
* 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
* 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
* 1/2 teaspoon Salt
* 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves
* 1 cup Granulated Sugar
* 1/2 cup Brown Sugar, packed
* 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil (or other neutral oil)
* 2 Large Eggs
* 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
* 1 cup Mulled Wine Reduction (cooled)
* 1/2 cup Buttermilk (or yogurt)
**For the Optional Glaze:**
* 1 cup Powdered Sugar
* 2-3 tablespoons Mulled Wine Reduction (or milk/orange juice)
* Orange Zest (for garnish)
Equipment You’ll Need
* Large Saucepan
* 9-inch Bundt Pan or Cake Pan
* Mixing Bowls
* Electric Mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Whisk
* Spatula
* Wire Rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the mulled wine cake! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect bake.
**Part 1: Making the Mulled Wine Reduction**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large saucepan, combine the red wine, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and granulated sugar.
2. **Simmer and Reduce:** Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced to about 1 cup. The reduction should be slightly syrupy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. **Strain and Cool:** Once reduced, remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the spices and orange zest. Discard the solids. Let the mulled wine reduction cool completely before using it in the cake batter. This can be done ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
**Part 2: Preparing the Cake Batter**
1. **Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch bundt pan or cake pan. Alternatively, you can use baking spray with flour.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
3. **Cream Wet Ingredients:** In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until well incorporated.
5. **Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the cooled mulled wine reduction and buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. This helps to prevent overmixing and ensures a tender crumb. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
**Part 3: Baking the Cake**
1. **Pour Batter into Pan:** Pour the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan or cake pan, spreading it evenly.
2. **Bake:** Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 45 minutes.
3. **Cool in Pan:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from sticking to the pan and allows it to cool evenly.
**Part 4: Making the Optional Glaze**
1. **Whisk Glaze Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of the mulled wine reduction (or milk/orange juice) until smooth. Add more liquid if needed to achieve your desired consistency. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the cake but thin enough to drizzle.
2. **Drizzle Glaze over Cake:** Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top.
3. **Garnish:** Garnish with orange zest, if desired. This adds a touch of color and freshness to the cake.
Tips for Success
* **Don’t Skip the Mulled Wine Reduction:** The mulled wine reduction is the key to the flavor of this cake. Don’t skip this step! You can make it ahead of time to save time on baking day.
* **Use Good Quality Wine:** While you don’t need to use an expensive bottle of wine, choose a good quality red wine that you enjoy drinking. This will translate into a better flavor in the cake.
* **Measure Accurately:** Accurate measurements are crucial for successful baking. Use measuring cups and spoons and level them off carefully.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can result in a tough cake. Mix until just combined, and don’t worry about a few lumps.
* **Cool Completely:** Make sure the cake is completely cooled before glazing it. This will prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
* **Adjust Spices to Your Taste:** Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. If you prefer a stronger cinnamon flavor, add a bit more. If you’re not a fan of cloves, you can reduce the amount or omit them altogether.
* **Add Nuts or Dried Fruit:** For added texture and flavor, consider adding chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) or dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins) to the batter.
* **Soaking the Fruit:** If you add dried fruits, consider soaking them in rum or mulled wine reduction for a few hours beforehand. This will plump them up and add extra flavor.
Variations and Adaptations
* **Spice Cake:** For a spicier cake, add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the batter.
* **Chocolate Mulled Wine Cake:** Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolatey twist.
* **Apple Mulled Wine Cake:** Add 1 cup of chopped apples to the batter for a delicious apple-cinnamon flavor.
* **Gluten-Free:** To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients.
* **Vegan:** To make this cake vegan, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based milk instead of buttermilk.
* **Bundt Cake vs. Layer Cake:** This recipe works well in both a bundt pan and a layer cake pan. If using a layer cake pan, divide the batter evenly between two 9-inch pans and bake for 30-35 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This mulled wine cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your experience:
* **Whipped Cream or Mascarpone Cheese:** Serve with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or mascarpone cheese for a creamy and decadent touch.
* **Vanilla Ice Cream:** A scoop of vanilla ice cream is the perfect complement to the warm spices of the cake.
* **Fresh Berries:** Garnish with fresh berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries, for a pop of color and freshness.
* **A Glass of Mulled Wine:** What better to pair with mulled wine cake than a glass of mulled wine? It’s the ultimate cozy combination!
* **Dusting of Powdered Sugar:** For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
* **Freezer:** The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
* **Mulled Wine Reduction:** The mulled wine reduction can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
* **Cake:** The cake can be baked a day or two in advance and stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
*Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
* Calories: 350-400 per serving
* Fat: 15-20g
* Saturated Fat: 5-7g
* Cholesterol: 50-60mg
* Sodium: 200-250mg
* Carbohydrates: 45-55g
* Sugar: 25-35g
* Protein: 3-4g
Conclusion
This mulled wine cake recipe is a delightful way to bring the warmth and flavors of the holiday season to your table. With its moist and tender crumb, festive spices, and subtle kick of red wine, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a cozy treat, this cake is the perfect choice. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and enjoy the magic of mulled wine in cake form!
This recipe is more than just a cake; it’s an experience. It’s the aroma of spices filling your kitchen, the joy of sharing a homemade treat with loved ones, and the comforting warmth of a slice of cake on a cold winter’s night. So, go ahead and bake this mulled wine cake – you won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy your baking adventure, and happy holidays!