Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a moist, warmly spiced dessert perfect for cozy fall gatherings. It combines comforting spices with bright apple cider flavors, topped with a cinnamon-sugar glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness.

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 and caramel sauce (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place a rack in the middle position. Prepare a 10-cup bundt pan but do not grease it just yet.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Whisk the apple cider and applesauce (or apple butter) together in a glass measuring cup and set aside.
4. Step 4: Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for about 2 minutes until creamy.
5. Step 5: Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts and the apple cider mixture in two parts, beginning and ending with flour. Beat well after each addition but do not overmix at the end.
7. Step 7: Grease the bundt pan thoroughly using baking spray with flour or a similar method.
8. Step 8: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
9. Step 9: Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Step 10: Cool the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then carefully invert the cake onto the rack to remove it from the pan.
11. Step 11: Prepare the topping by mixing the sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
12. Step 12: While the cake is still warm, brush or dab the melted butter onto the surface in sections, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the cake, pressing gently to adhere, especially in nooks and crannies.
13. Step 13: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. Serve with whipped cream and caramel sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra moisture, substitute half the applesauce with apple butter to deepen the flavor.
• If you prefer a more pronounced spice flavor, increase the cinnamon by ½ teaspoon.
• Use a nonstick bundt pan or thoroughly grease the pan to ensure easy release.
• To make it dairy-free, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative and use oil for greasing.

Storage

Store the cooled bundt cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. Reheat slices gently in the microwave if desired.

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 you’ll want to cook and puree them first to mimic the moisture content of applesauce. Using chunky or raw apples will change the texture of the cake.

What size bundt pan is best for this recipe?

A 10-cup bundt pan is ideal for this recipe, providing the right shape and depth for even baking. Using a significantly larger or smaller pan may affect baking times and texture.

Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 148 reviews

This moist and flavorful Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a perfect autumn treat combining warm spices with tangy apple cider and applesauce for a tender crumb. Topped with a cinnamon sugar butter glaze, it’s an inviting dessert ideal for cozy gatherings or holiday celebrations.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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 and caramel sauce, optional for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prepare pan: Heat 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. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt; set aside.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a glass measuring cup, whisk apple cider and applesauce or apple butter; set aside.
4. Cream butter and sugars: Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2 minutes until creamy.
5. Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until just combined, scraping the bowl as needed to incorporate evenly.
6. Incorporate dry and wet mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture in three parts alternated with the apple cider mixture in two parts, beginning and ending with flour, beating well after each addition.
7. Fold batter gently: Use a rubber spatula to fold the batter gently to avoid overmixing, ensuring a tender crumb.
8. Grease bundt pan: Thoroughly grease the 10-cup bundt pan, preferably with baking spray containing flour, to prevent sticking.
9. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the pan, spreading evenly, and bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool the cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then invert carefully onto the rack to cool completely.
11. Prepare topping: Mix sugar and cinnamon together. Brush or dab the melted butter evenly over the warm cake, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar in sections, tilting the rack to let sugar settle into the crevices, pressing gently as needed.
12. Serve: Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving. Optionally garnish with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

Notes

• Do not grease the bundt pan until after mixing the batter to ensure even coating and avoid sticking.
• Use baking spray with flour for the best release from the bundt pan.
• Be gentle when folding batter to maintain a tender crumb and avoid toughness.
• Apple butter can be used as a substitute for applesauce to add richness.
• Sugar topping enhances flavor and adds a delightful texture contrast.
• Allow the cake to cool fully before slicing to prevent crumbling.
• Optional toppings like whipped cream and caramel sauce complement the flavors beautifully.

Keywords: Apple Cider Bundt Cake, Autumn dessert, Spiced cake, Apple cake, Bundt cake recipe, Fall baking, Cinnamon cake