Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a warm, moist, and delicious dessert that captures the essence of fall with its apple and cinnamon flavors. Perfect for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a cozy night in, this cake is sure to become a favorite.
Why This Apple Cider Bundt Cake Is the Best
- Moist and Flavorful: The apple cider adds moisture and a distinct apple flavor, while spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth.
- Golden Brown Crust: The Bundt pan gives the cake a beautiful shape and a golden-brown crust that is visually appealing.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and can be made with simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
- Versatile: You can add your favorite mix-ins like chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, hosting a gathering, or simply craving a delicious dessert, Apple Cider Bundt Cake is the perfect choice. The combination of apple cider, warm spices, and a golden-brown crust makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- All-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt: Provide structure, rise, and balance to the cake’s texture.
- Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg: These warm spices create a cozy, autumnal flavor profile that complements the apple.
- Apple cider, applesauce (or apple butter): Add moisture and natural apple flavor, making the cake tender and flavorful.
- Unsalted butter (softened), canola or vegetable oil: The combination of fats gives the cake a rich texture while keeping it moist.
- Granulated sugar, light brown sugar: Sweeten the cake, with the brown sugar adding a slight molasses-like depth.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s structure and moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cake, rounding out the sweetness and spices.
- Melted butter: Helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture stick to the cake, adding a rich finish.
- Granulated sugar, ground cinnamon: Create a sugary coating for a sweet crunch on the outside.
Tips for Making the Best Apple Cider Bundt Cake
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh apple cider and high-quality spices.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Grease the Pan Well: Ensure your Bundt pan is well-greased to avoid the cake sticking.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool completely before serving to ensure clean slices and a firm texture.
Serving Suggestions
- With Powdered Sugar: Dust the cake with powdered sugar for a simple and elegant finish.
- With Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
- With Vanilla Ice Cream: Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- With Fresh Apple Slices: Garnish with fresh apple slices for a refreshing contrast.
- With Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
- With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy dessert.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Apple Cider Bundt Cake. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Moist, flavorful, and packed with autumn goodness, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Serving and storage
Serving
- Best Enjoyed at Room Temperature: This cake’s flavor and texture are at their peak when served at room temperature. Serve it plain or top each slice with whipped cream and caramel sauce for an extra treat.
Storage
- Room Temperature or Refrigerate: Store the cake at cool room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring slices to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Individual slices can be frozen for up to three months.
Love cakes? Be sure to check out these other delicious cake recipes!
Apple Cider Bundt Cake
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all purpose flour*
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup apple cider
- ½ cup applesauce or apple butter
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Topping:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- whipped cream caramel sauce, optional for serving
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 350°F and position a rack in the middle. Get a 10-cup bundt pan ready (don’t grease it just yet).
- Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl. Put it aside.
- In a glass measuring cup, whisk together apple cider and applesauce (or apple butter). Set this aside as well.
- In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla, mix until combined, and scrape the bowl as needed.
- Gradually mix in the flour in three parts and the apple cider in two parts, starting and ending with flour. Beat well after each addition.
- Gently stir the batter with a rubber spatula, but don’t overmix.
- Grease a 10-cup bundt pan well (baking spray with flour works great).
- Pour the batter into the pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. After cooling, carefully flip the cake onto the rack.
- Place a large piece of parchment or foil under the rack and add the topping while the cake is still warm.
Topping:
- Mix sugar and cinnamon together.
- Brush or dab melted butter onto the cake, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar (do this in about three sections).
- Tilt the rack slightly to get the sugar into all the nooks, and gently press the sugar into any tricky spots.
- Be careful as the warm cake is delicate. Let it cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Fluff the flour a few times with your measuring cup to lighten it. Scoop a heaping amount and level it with a knife.
- This cake has a light apple flavor and isn’t too sweet. It’s perfect for breakfast or a snack, and you can also serve it with whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce for dessert.
Pin this delicious recipe on Pinterest to save and share with your foodie friends!