Apple Cider Bundt Cake

Apple Cider Bundt Cake

Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a delightful fall dessert that perfectly captures the essence of the season with its warm spices, moist texture, and sweet apple cider goodness. This cake combines the comforting flavors of fresh apple cider and cinnamon into a beautifully shaped bundt cake that’s ideal for cozy gatherings, holiday parties, or a simple afternoon treat. Bursting with seasonal charm, Apple Cider Bundt Cake invites you to savor every bite, making it an absolute must-bake for anyone who loves autumn’s taste and aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Seasonal warmth: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and apple cider brings rich, cozy flavors that feel like fall in every bite.
  • Moist texture: Thanks to the apple cider and oil, this cake stays incredibly moist, avoiding dryness even days after baking.
  • Eye-catching shape: The classic bundt pan creates a stunning presentation perfect for sharing at any fall gathering.
  • Easy to make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, this cake is beginner-friendly yet impressive.
  • Versatile flavor: It pairs beautifully with various toppings and beverages, making it a flexible favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Apple Cider Bundt Cake is carefully selected to build layers of flavor and texture that complement each other perfectly. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tang of apple cider to the aromatic spices that define fall desserts.

  • Apple cider: Provides natural sweetness and moisture while infusing the cake with authentic fall flavor.
  • All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base for a tender yet firm crumb perfect for bundt cakes.
  • Sugar: Balances acidity and enhances the cake’s overall sweetness without overpowering.
  • Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender for days after baking.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake’s structure and richness.
  • Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cake rise beautifully, giving it a light and fluffy texture.
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg: Add the signature spiced warmth that pairs perfectly with the apple cider.
  • Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor profile with a sweet, aromatic touch.
  • Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, ensuring a balanced taste.

Variations for Apple Cider Bundt Cake

One of the best parts about Apple Cider Bundt Cake is how easily it can be customized to suit your taste or dietary needs. Whether you want something a bit richer, lighter, or nutty, there’s a variation for you.

  • Spiced glaze: Top with a simple cinnamon powdered sugar glaze for extra sweetness and decoration.
  • Nutty addition: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor contrast.
  • Vegan option: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use vegetable oil to keep it moist and vegan-friendly.
  • Gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it safe for gluten intolerances.
  • Fruit burst: Mix in diced fresh apples or raisins for a more textured, fruity cake experience.
Why Apple Cider Bundt Cake is Perfect for Fall

How to Make Apple Cider Bundt Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Bundt Pan

Grease your bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray, then dust with a little flour to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices for a consistent flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk apple cider, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the sugar starts to dissolve and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and moist.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake retain its shape and prevents crumbling.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Cider Bundt Cake

  • Room temperature ingredients: Using eggs and apple cider at room temperature helps batter mix more evenly.
  • Don’t skip greasing: Properly prepare your bundt pan to avoid sticking and preserve that beautiful shape.
  • Check doneness carefully: Start testing your cake at 45 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying out.
  • Add zest: A touch of orange or lemon zest brightens up the fall spices remarkably well.
  • Rest before slicing: Let the cake cool fully to allow flavors to settle and prevent crumbling when cutting.

How to Serve Apple Cider Bundt Cake

Garnishes

Top your Apple Cider Bundt Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans to add a finishing touch that enhances both look and flavor.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee to complement its sweet and spiced notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices on rustic wooden boards or pretty fall-themed plates and add a small bundle of cinnamon sticks or fresh apple slices for an inviting, seasonal presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Apple Cider Bundt Cake covered airtight at room temperature for up to 3 days, or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

For a fresh-baked taste, warm slices in a microwave for 15-20 seconds or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of apple cider?

Yes, you can substitute some or all of the apple cider with freshly grated apples, but keep in mind that this may affect the moisture and texture of the cake.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The Apple Cider Bundt Cake recipe is straightforward with simple steps, making it perfect for bakers of all experience levels.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, by using vegetable oil and substituting any butter in garnishes for dairy-free alternatives, this cake can easily be made dairy-free.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready to come out of the oven.

What is the best way to store the cake to keep it moist?

Keep the Apple Cider Bundt Cake in an airtight container at room temperature, and avoid refrigeration unless necessary, as cold can dry it out.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fall dessert that combines the best seasonal flavors with an inviting aroma and a moist, tender bite, Apple Cider Bundt Cake is your new go-to. It’s simple enough to bake on a weeknight yet special enough to impress guests on holidays. Trust me, once you try this cake, it will become a beloved tradition every fall!

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Apple Cider Bundt Cake

Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a moist and flavorful fall dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apple cider with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Baked in a classic bundt pan, this cake features a tender crumb and rich autumn flavors, perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday celebrations, or a comforting afternoon treat.

  • Author: Judy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Dairy-Free (can be made gluten-free with flour substitution; vegan option available)

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Bundt Pan: Grease your bundt pan generously with butter or non-stick spray, then dust with a little flour to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt for even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk apple cider, sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until the sugar starts to dissolve and the mixture is smooth.
  4. Bring Wet and Dry Together: Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula until just combined, careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender and moist.
  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely to retain shape and prevent crumbling.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs and apple cider for even batter mixing.
  • Do not skip greasing and flouring the bundt pan to prevent sticking.
  • Check cake doneness starting at 45 minutes to avoid overbaking and dryness.
  • Add a touch of orange or lemon zest to brighten fall spices if desired.
  • Let the cake cool fully before slicing to allow flavors to settle and prevent crumbling.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Apple cider cake, Bundt cake, Fall dessert, Spiced cake, Autumn cake, Moist cake, Holiday cake

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