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Apple Cider Bundt Cake – Moist, Spiced & Perfect for Fall Gatherings

There’s something magical about the scent of apples, cinnamon, and butter filling the kitchen on a crisp autumn day — and this Apple Cider Bundt Cake captures that cozy feeling in every bite. This cake is tender and moist, thanks to apple cider, applesauce, and a touch of brown sugar, while warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger bring that nostalgic fall flavor. A hint of vanilla rounds everything out beautifully. It’s the perfect cake for apple-picking season, Thanksgiving, or any chilly afternoon when you crave a comforting homemade treat. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of glaze, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall dessert experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar packed
  • 1 1/8 cups granulated sugar
  • 5/8 cup unsalted butter about 10 tablespoons, softened
  • ¼ cup canola or vegetable oil
  • ½ cup applesauce or apple butter
  • 1 cup apple cider
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For Serving (Optional):
  • Whipped cream or vanilla glaze
  • Extra cinnamon sugar for dusting

Equipment

  • 10–12 cup Bundt pan
  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Whisk
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cooling rack
  • Saucepan (if making glaze)
  • Optional:
  • Fine mesh sifter (for dusting powdered sugar)
  • Pastry brush (for greasing pan)

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a Bundt pan generously with butter or nonstick spray and lightly dust with flour.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
  2. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars
  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
  2. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  3. Beat in the vanilla extract, applesauce, and oil until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry
  1. Reduce mixer speed to low.
  2. Alternate adding dry ingredients with apple cider — beginning and ending with the dry mixture.
  3. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Pour batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading evenly.
  2. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  3. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 6: Serve
  1. Dust with cinnamon sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and apple cider.
  2. Serve slices with whipped cream or ice cream.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 6 days (best served warm).
Freezer: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a fresh-baked texture.
🥄 Variations
Cider Glaze: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons apple cider for a shiny drizzle.
Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce instead of glaze.
Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
Maple Twist: Replace ¼ cup of the sugar with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
Spiced Sugar Coating: Brush warm cake with melted butter and roll in cinnamon sugar.
❓ 10 FAQs
What kind of apple cider should I use?
Use pure apple cider (not apple juice) for the richest flavor.
Can I substitute apple butter for applesauce?
Yes! It gives a deeper apple and spice flavor.
Do I need to reduce the cider first?
Not for this recipe, but reduced cider gives a more concentrated flavor if you have time.
Can I make this cake ahead?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.
Why use both butter and oil?
Butter adds flavor, while oil keeps the cake moist.
Can I bake this in another pan?
Yes, use two loaf pans or a 9x13-inch pan — just adjust the baking time.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute vegan butter or use extra oil instead.
Why did my cake stick to the pan?
Make sure your Bundt pan is well-greased and lightly floured.
Can I frost this cake?
Absolutely — cream cheese frosting or maple glaze both pair beautifully.
What’s the best way to serve it?
Warm with whipped cream, a drizzle of glaze, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
🏁 Conclusion
This Apple Cider Bundt Cake is everything we love about fall baking — sweet apples, cozy spices, and a tender crumb that stays moist for days. The aroma alone makes it worth baking, but the flavor? Pure autumn perfection.
Serve it at your next fall gathering, Thanksgiving dinner, or Sunday brunch. It’s simple, stunning, and guaranteed to make your kitchen smell amazing. One bite, and you’ll understand why this cozy Bundt cake is a seasonal favorite!