Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe

Introduction

Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a delightful treat that combines warming spices and the subtle sweetness of apple cider. Its tender crumb and cinnamon sugar topping make it perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert with a drizzle of caramel sauce.

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 position a rack in the middle. Prepare a 10-cup bundt pan but do not grease it yet.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the apple cider and applesauce (or apple butter). Set aside.
4. Step 4: Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2 minutes until creamy.
5. Step 5: Add the eggs and vanilla extract. Mix until combined, scraping down the bowl as needed.
6. Step 6: 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 do not overmix.
7. Step 7: Gently stir the batter with a rubber spatula to ensure everything is combined.
8. Step 8: Grease the bundt pan well with baking spray containing flour or another preferred method.
9. Step 9: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
10. Step 10: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Step 11: Cool the cake in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then carefully invert the cake onto the rack to cool completely.
12. Step 12: While the cake is still warm, prepare the topping by mixing the sugar and cinnamon together.
13. Step 13: Brush or dab the melted butter onto the cake, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping in sections. Tilt the rack to help the sugar fill all the nooks and press gently where needed.
14. Step 14: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving. Optionally serve with whipped cream or caramel sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Fluff the flour in the measuring cup several times before scooping to avoid packing and ensure a lighter cake texture.
• Substitute apple butter for applesauce for a richer apple flavor.
• This cake is lightly sweetened; add a drizzle of caramel sauce or whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Ensure the bundt pan is greased well to prevent sticking and maintain the cake’s shape.

Storage

Store the cooled cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness. The topping is best enjoyed fresh but will still taste great after storage.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of applesauce or apple butter?

Fresh apples can be used but will change the moisture level and texture. To maintain the cake’s tenderness, finely grate or finely chop apples and reduce other liquids slightly.

Do I need to use a bundt pan specifically?

A bundt pan helps create the cake’s characteristic shape and ensures even baking due to its central tube. You can use a tube pan or an angel food cake pan as alternatives, but baking times may vary.

Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 122 reviews

This Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a moist, spiced dessert bursting with warm autumn flavors from apple cider, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Softened butter and apple butter add richness and moisture while a cinnamon sugar topping adds a delightful sweet crunch. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert served with whipped cream or caramel sauce.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry 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

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup apple cider
• ½ cup applesauce or apple butter
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Sugars

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed

Topping

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

Optional for Serving

• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the middle. Prepare a 10-cup bundt pan but do not grease it yet.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the all purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Combine Liquids: 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 fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar together for about 2 minutes until creamy.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
6. Incorporate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts alternated with the apple cider mixture in two parts, starting and ending with the flour. Beat well after each addition but avoid overmixing.
7. Final Batter Touch: Gently stir the batter with a rubber spatula to ensure evenness without overworking it.
8. Grease Bundt Pan: Thoroughly grease the 10-cup bundt pan using baking spray with flour or butter and flour to prevent sticking.
9. Pour and Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool Cake: Remove the cake and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare Topping: While the cake is still warm, mix the granulated sugar with ground cinnamon. Brush or dab the melted butter evenly over the cake, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping in about three sections. Tilt the rack slightly so sugar settles into the crevices and gently press sugar into spots that need it.
12. Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. Serve plain or with whipped cream and/or caramel sauce if desired.

Notes

• Fluff the flour by stirring it a few times with your measuring cup, then scoop a heaping amount and level off with a knife to ensure correct measurement.
• This cake has a subtle apple flavor and balanced sweetness, making it a great choice for breakfast or snacks.
• For dessert, serve with whipped cream, ice cream, or caramel sauce for an extra indulgence.
• Be gentle when applying the sugar topping as the warm cake is delicate and can break easily.

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