Introduction

This Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a cozy and flavorful dessert perfect for autumn gatherings. With warm spices and a tender crumb, it pairs beautifully with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream.

A round bundt cake with a light brown crust dusted with fine white sugar sits on a white plate on a white marbled surface. One thick slice is cut, showing a soft, golden interior with small chunks of pale fruit inside. The texture of the cake looks moist and spongy. Nearby, there are red and yellow apples, one cut in half showing the seeds inside, a clear glass cup with amber liquid and a slice of apple, and two golden candlesticks blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

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.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
Step 3: In a glass measuring cup, combine the apple cider and applesauce (or apple butter), and set aside.
Step 4: Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 2 minutes until creamy.
Step 5: Add eggs and vanilla extract to the mixer, mixing until combined. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
Step 6: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the mixer in three parts, alternating with the apple cider mixture in two parts, beginning and ending with flour. Beat well after each addition.
Step 7: Gently fold the batter with a rubber spatula to ensure even mixing without overworking it.
Step 8: Generously grease the bundt pan using baking spray with flour or butter and flour.
Step 9: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface evenly.
Step 10: Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 11: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto the rack to cool completely.
Step 12: While the cake is still warm, prepare the topping: mix sugar and cinnamon together. Brush or dab melted butter onto the cake in sections, then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar. Tilt the rack slightly to help sugar settle into all the nooks and gently press it into tricky spots. Handle the warm cake carefully as it is delicate.
Step 13: Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or caramel sauce if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra moisture and flavor, substitute half the butter for cream cheese.
Use apple butter instead of applesauce for a richer taste.
Sprinkle chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture.
Try adding a drizzle of caramel glaze over the top for more sweetness.
If you don’t have a bundt pan, a 9×13 inch pan can be used; adjust baking time accordingly.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it well and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving to bring back moisture and warmth.

How to Serve

A white plate with a slice of moist bundt cake that has a slightly crumbly brown texture. The cake slice is topped with a lightly browned surface dusted with sugar. Next to the cake on the plate is a small swirl of white whipped cream, accompanied by fresh red raspberries and dark blue blueberries, adding color contrast. A white marbled surface is in the background. A woman’s hand is holding a fork lifting a bite-sized piece from the slice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

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

Fresh apples can be added, but they may alter the moisture balance. If using fresh apples, finely chop or grate them and slightly reduce other liquid ingredients to compensate.

Do I have to use apple cider?

Apple cider adds unique flavor and moisture, but you can substitute with unsweetened apple juice or even diluted apple vinegar mixed with water for a similar effect.