This Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a cozy treat that’s perfect for fall! It’s moist and packed with warm spices, plus the apple flavor gives it a lovely flavor you won’t forget.
Making it is a breeze—just mix everything together and pour it into a Bundt pan. The hardest part? Waiting for it to bake while the sweet smell fills your kitchen! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apple Cider: Reducing the apple cider intensifies its flavor. If you’re short on cider, you can combine apple juice and a bit of lemon juice for a similar taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended for control over the saltiness. You can substitute with coconut oil or margarine, but it may alter the cake’s flavor slightly.
Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt: This adds moisture. If you need a dairy-free option, use almond yogurt or silken tofu blended until smooth.
Spices: The spices create the warmth of this cake. If you don’t have all of them, you can substitute with a pumpkin spice blend, which usually has cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
How Do I Ensure My Bundt Cake Comes Out Perfectly Moist?
Keeping your Apple Cider Bundt Cake moist is all about the mixing and baking technique.
- Don’t overmix your batter. Mix just until incorporated to keep the cake light.
- Check for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off. Ovens can vary; a toothpick should come out clean with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for a bit before inverting it. This helps it hold its shape.
If you’d like extra moisture, consider brushing the warm cake with a bit of melted butter mixed with apple cider before dusting with powdered sugar.
How to Make Apple Cider Bundt Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/2 cup
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- For the Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Optional: caramel sauce or maple syrup, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time, along with 50-60 minutes of baking time. After baking, let the cake cool for about 15 minutes in the pan, then allow it to cool completely on a wire rack. So, total time includes around 1.5 – 2 hours from start to finish. Perfect for a lazy afternoon in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Bundt Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan well, so your cake comes out easily after baking!
2. Reduce the Apple Cider:
Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat. Keep an eye on it as it simmers and reduces by half, until you’re left with about 1/2 cup of cider. Set this aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger until well combined. This will ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices in your cake.
4. Prepare the Butter and Sugar Mix:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat this mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
5. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to add the vanilla extract in there too for extra flavor!
6. Incorporate the Reduced Apple Cider:
Stir in the cooled, reduced apple cider into your wet mixture, and mix until everything is nicely combined.
7. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, alternately add the dry mixture and the sour cream to your main bowl. Start with the dry ingredients, mix gently, then add the sour cream, and continue this process. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until everything looks good and smooth.
8. Pour and Smooth the Batter:
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared Bundt pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula if needed.
9. Bake the Cake:
Place the Bundt pan in your preheated oven and let it bake for around 50-60 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
10. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here!
11. Dust and Serve:
Finally, once the cake is completely cool, dust it with powdered sugar. For an extra special treat, drizzle with caramel sauce or maple syrup just before serving. Enjoy your deliciously spiced Apple Cider Bundt Cake!
This cake is not only perfect for gatherings but also great for snacking with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Happy baking! 🍏🍰
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Using store-bought apple cider is a great time-saver. Just make sure it’s of good quality for the best flavor in your cake.
What If I Don’t Have Sour Cream?
No problem! You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute for sour cream, or if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try almond yogurt or blended silken tofu.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw and enjoy!
Can I Add Nuts or Fruits to the Batter?
Yes! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even diced apples, can add great texture and flavor. Just fold them into the batter gently before pouring it into the pan!
