Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a delightful fall treat, bursting with warm spices and cozy aromas. Made with spiced apple cider and a tender crumb, it’s moist and subtly sweet, perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert with a drizzle of caramel sauce or whipped cream.

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 or caramel sauce, optional for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place a rack in the middle. Prepare a 10-cup bundt pan but do not grease it yet.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a glass measuring cup, combine apple cider and applesauce (or apple butter), whisking until smooth. Set aside.
4. Step 4: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for about 2 minutes until creamy.
5. Step 5: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the mixer and blend until well combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts alternated with the apple cider mixture in two parts, beginning and ending with the flour. Beat well after each addition but do not overmix—fold gently if needed.
7. Step 7: Grease the bundt pan thoroughly with baking spray or butter and flour to prevent sticking.
8. Step 8: Pour the batter evenly into the pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Step 9: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Step 10: Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto the rack to remove.
11. Step 11: Prepare the topping by mixing sugar and cinnamon together in a bowl.
12. Step 12: While the cake is still warm, brush or dab melted butter over its surface, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar in sections, allowing it to fill all the nooks. Gently press the sugar into place.
13. Step 13: Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Serve with optional whipped cream or caramel sauce for an extra treat.

Tips & Variations

• Fluff your flour before measuring by gently spooning it into the cup, then level with a knife to avoid a dense cake.
• For a stronger apple flavor, substitute applesauce with apple butter or add finely chopped apples to the batter.
• Swap the cinnamon sugar topping for a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and apple cider for a different finish.
• This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a perfect autumn breakfast or snack.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. To keep it moist, wrap it well in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Warm slices slightly in the microwave before serving, especially if topped with butter and cinnamon sugar.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of apple cider?

Apple cider adds a distinctive flavor and moisture to the cake, so using regular milk will change the taste. For a similar effect, try using apple juice or diluted apple cider vinegar mixed with milk.

Do I need to grease the bundt pan?

Yes, thoroughly greasing the bundt pan with baking spray or butter and flour is essential to prevent sticking and ensure the cake releases easily.

Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 69 reviews

This Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a moist, spiced dessert bursting with warm fall flavors. Made with apple cider, applesauce, and a blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, this cake offers a tender crumb with a light apple flavor. Finished with a buttery cinnamon sugar topping, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert when served with whipped cream or caramel sauce.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 slices (10-cup bundt cake) 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 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 or caramel sauce, optional for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center. Prepare a 10-cup bundt pan but do not grease it yet.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the apple cider and applesauce (or apple butter). Set aside.
4. Cream butter and sugars: Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed for about 2 minutes until creamy and combined.
5. Add eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
6. Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts and the apple cider mixture in two parts, starting and ending with the flour. Beat well after each addition but avoid overmixing.
7. Finish the batter: Gently fold the batter with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing without deflating.
8. Grease bundt pan: Generously grease the 10-cup bundt pan with baking spray that includes flour or butter and flour to prevent sticking.
9. Fill and bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then carefully invert the cake onto the rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare topping: Mix the granulated sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
12. Apply topping: While the cake is still warm, brush or dab melted butter over the surface. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping in about three sections, gently pressing the sugar into all the nooks and edges of the cake. Tilt the rack to help the sugar settle evenly. Take care as the cake is fragile when warm.
13. Serve: Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing. Serve as is or with optional whipped cream or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Notes

• Fluff the flour with your measuring cup multiple times before scooping to lighten it, then level it off with a knife to ensure accurate measurement.
• This cake has a delicate apple flavor and is not overly sweet, making it ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
• For dessert, consider serving with whipped cream, ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce to enhance the warm fall spices.

Keywords: Apple Cider Bundt Cake, fall dessert, spiced cake, apple cinnamon cake, bundt cake recipe