This Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a moist and flavorful treat, perfect for any fall gathering! The warm spices and sweet apple cider blend make every bite a cozy delight.
Honestly, the smell while it’s baking is enough to make your neighbors jealous! I love serving it with a dusting of powdered sugar—it looks fancy but is super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of the cake. For a gluten-free option, you could try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. It usually works well in cakes!
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider adds fantastic flavor. If you can’t find it, apple juice can work in a pinch, although it won’t be as rich.
Butter: I use unsalted butter to control the salt levels. If you’re in a rush, you can replace it with vegetable oil or coconut oil. Just use ¾ cup of oil for a softer texture.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This adds moisture and richness. If you want a non-dairy option, you can use almond yogurt or omit it entirely and add a bit more apple cider.
How Do I Ensure My Bundt Cake Comes Out Smoothly?
Getting your bundt cake to come out perfectly can be tricky! Here are some tips to avoid sticking:
- Make sure to grease all the nooks of your bundt pan. I like to use a mixture of butter and flour or a non-stick spray designed for baking.
- After applying the grease, tap the pan upside down to remove any excess. This helps prevent large clumps that can interfere with the cake’s shape.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This allows it to firm up slightly before inverting it onto a rack.
With these tips, you’ll have a beautiful bundt cake ready to impress at your next gathering!
How to Make Apple Cider Bundt Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider (preferably fresh)
- 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Optional: powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Apple Cider Bundt Cake takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 50-60 minutes to bake, plus a little time to cool. So, in total, you’re looking at about 1 hour and 30 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, take a moment to grease and flour your bundt cake pan. This step is super important to ensure your cake comes out beautifully without sticking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Give it a good mix and then set it aside. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices!
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together. Beat them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs, one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This will add a delightful flavor to your cake!
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl (or large measuring cup), mix together the apple cider, sour cream (or yogurt), and apple cider vinegar. This combination provides moisture and helps add that yummy tang!
6. Mix Everything Together:
Now, alternately add the dry ingredients and the cider mixture to the creamed butter mixture. Start with the dry ingredients and end with them. Mix gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix, as we want a light cake!
7. Pour and Smooth the Batter:
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. This will help it bake evenly.
8. Bake the Cake:
Pop the cake in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, you’re all set!
9. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This part is sometimes tricky, but with the right prep, it should come out easily!
10. Dust and Serve:
Once completely cooled, dust the top of the bundt cake with powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar if you like for an extra special touch! Slice, serve, and enjoy this delightful cake with a warm cup of tea or coffee!
This Apple Cider Bundt Cake is full of cozy flavors and is perfect for your fall gatherings or just a sweet treat anytime. Enjoy every slice!
Can I Use a Different Type of Apple Drink?
Yes, you can absolutely use apple juice instead of apple cider in this recipe. Just keep in mind that it might be a bit sweeter and slightly less rich in flavor, but it will still work nicely in the cake!
How Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that includes xanthan gum or add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the mix for better texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a nice crunch and flavor to your cake. Just fold in about ½ to 1 cup of nuts when combining the batter. Dried cranberries or raisins would also be great additions!
