This Apple Cider Bundt Cake is moist and filled with the wonderful flavors of fall. It’s spiced just right and topped with a sugary glaze that makes every bite a treat!
Baking this cake fills your kitchen with cozy scents that make everyone smile. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing at gatherings—because who can resist a lovely slice of cake? 🍏🎂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: The main base for this cake, it gives structure. If you’re gluten-free, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend which works well in cakes.
Apple cider: This is essential for that lovely flavor. If you’re out, use apple juice, but the flavor will be lighter. You can even reduce it on the stove for a more intense taste.
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over saltiness. If you’re in a pinch, you could use vegetable oil or coconut oil, but the texture may vary a bit.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Both add moisture and richness. If you don’t have either, plain yogurt works too. For a dairy-free option, try unsweetened applesauce instead.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create the warm flavor profile. Feel free to adjust these amounts based on your taste! If you don’t have all three, cinnamon alone will do the trick.
How Do I Ensure My Bundt Cake Comes Out Perfectly Every Time?
First, greasing and flouring the bundt pan is key to preventing sticking. Use melted butter or cooking spray, then dust with flour, making sure to coat all the crevices. This simple step makes a big difference! Plus, use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
- Preheat the oven fully to avoid uneven baking.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes to help it firm up before inverting.
- If your cake sticks, gently run a thin knife around the edge before flipping.
Apple Cider Bundt Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups apple cider
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup finely chopped or grated fresh apple (optional)
For the Topping:
- Additional sugar and cinnamon mixture for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Apple Cider Bundt Cake takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare and around 50-60 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool for about 15 minutes in the pan and completely on a wire rack. So, expect a total of about 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish. A perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a bundt pan and grease it well with butter or baking spray, then dust it with flour. This will help ensure that the cake slides out easily after baking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This mixture will help your cake rise and add those wonderful spices—set it aside for now!
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This step is key for creating a tender cake!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Don’t forget to mix in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor!
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the apple cider, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and apple cider vinegar. This mixture adds moisture and tang to your cake!
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now it’s time to mix it all together! Alternately add the flour mixture and the apple cider mixture to the butter mixture. Start and finish with the flour mixture. If you’re using grated or chopped apple, stir that in at this stage.
7. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the cake batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top so it’s even. It’s already looking delicious!
8. Bake the Cake:
Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. If there’s batter on it, give it more time!
9. Cool Down:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This helps it firm up a bit. Then, gently invert the pan onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Finish with a Topping:
Once completely cooled, you can optionally sprinkle the top with a mixture of sugar and cinnamon for that lovely finishing touch. Enjoy your scrumptious Apple Cider Bundt Cake with family and friends!
This cake is perfect for autumn gatherings, delivering a moist, spiced flavor with a hint of apple cider and a delightful cinnamon-sugar crust on top!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works perfectly in this recipe. Just avoid the overly sweet varieties to keep the flavor balanced. You can also make your own by simmering apples, sugar, and spices in water!
How Should I Store Leftover Bundt Cake?
Store any leftover cake 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 slices for up to 3 months. Just wrap tightly in plastic wrap before freezing!
Can I Replace the Butter with Oil?
Yes, you can replace melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil for a slightly different texture! However, the cake may be a bit denser. Butter adds richness, so choose based on your preference.
Is It Possible to Make This Cake Without Eggs?
Yes! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, let it sit until it thickens). This will keep your cake moist and delicious!
