The first hint of fall in the air evokes the cozy comforts of home, especially when it comes to baking. Nothing says autumn quite like a warm slice of Apple Cider Cake. This easy recipe truly captures the essence of the season with its tangy apple cider infusion and a crunchy cinnamon sugar coating. Plus, it’s a delightful nod to the cherished flavors of apple cider donuts that remind us of family visits to the orchard. As we embrace chilly evenings and festive gatherings, this cake stands out as a crowd-pleaser that not only brings comfort but also offers the perks of quick prep and a stunning presentation. Are you ready to fill your kitchen with the unforgettable aromas of fall? Let’s dive into baking this delightful Apple Cider Cake!
Why is Apple Cider Cake a Must-Bake?
Nostalgic Flavors: This cake brings back memories of autumn visits to the orchard, capturing the essence of fall in every bite.
Quick and Easy: With straightforward steps, anyone can whip up this delicious treat, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers.
Versatile Delight: Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or alongside your favorite autumn drink for a cozy dessert experience.
Impressive Presentation: The beautiful bundt shape and crunchy cinnamon sugar coating make it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.
Crowd Favorite: Its flavors appeal to everyone, ensuring smiles from family and friends alike at your next gathering, much like our popular Cheesecake Stuffed Baked Apples.
Perfect for Leftovers: Enjoy it warm or cold, making it an ideal dessert to savor throughout the week!
Apple Cider Cake Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this delightful Apple Cider Cake that captures the heart of autumn!
For the Cake
- All Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cake and can be substituted with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Baking Powder – Acts as a leavening agent; make sure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Salt – Enhances the cake’s flavor and balances out the sweetness.
- Cinnamon – Brings warmth and spice, characteristic of fall flavors.
- Nutmeg – Complements the cinnamon with a richer spice profile.
- Unsalted Butter – Adds moisture and richness; ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and depth; feel free to use coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index.
- Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cake beautifully.
- Eggs – Provides structure and richness; use room temperature eggs for better blending.
- Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake.
- Apple Cider – This is the star of the show, imparting a tangy sweetness; fresh cider is best for flavor.
For the Glaze
- Salted Butter – Adds richness to the glaze; can be swapped for unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt.
- Demerara or Turbinado Sugar – Provides a rustic finish and crunch; brown sugar can also be used as a substitute.
Enjoy bringing the warmth of fall into your home with this delightful Apple Cider Cake recipe!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Apple Cider Cake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, generously grease a 12-cup bundt pan with unsalted butter or cooking spray, ensuring all crevices are covered to prevent sticking. This crucial step sets the stage for your Apple Cider Cake to release easily once baked.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg until well combined. This mixture of dry ingredients adds delightful warmth and spices to your cake, creating that signature fall flavor we all love. Set it aside for later use.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat ½ cup of room temperature unsalted butter with ½ cup of brown sugar and ½ cup of granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, around 3-4 minutes. This step is essential for a tender Apple Cider Cake, as the air incorporated during creaming will help the cake rise beautifully.
Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla
Next, add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and continue mixing until just combined. The eggs will enrich the batter, and the vanilla will enhance the overall flavor, making your cake even more inviting.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the reserved dry mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with 1 cup of fresh apple cider. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined; avoid over-mixing to maintain a light texture. This step ensures your Apple Cider Cake is both flavorful and moist, with the cider imparting its signature tang.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes or until the cake turns golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to prevent over-baking.
Step 7: Prepare the Cider Glaze
While the cake bakes, pour ½ cup of additional apple cider into a small saucepan and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until the cider thickens and reduces to about ¼ cup, roughly 10-15 minutes. This glaze will amplify the apple flavors and give your cake a lovely finish.
Step 8: Glaze and Coat the Cake
Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven and brush the warm cider glaze generously over the top, allowing it to soak in. Next, in a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and sprinkle this cinnamon-sugar blend over the glazed cake. This adds a delightful crunch and flavor that complements the moist cake beautifully.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate. Let it rest for a few moments longer to ensure it holds its shape. Once inverted, slice into generous pieces and serve warm, or allow it to cool completely for a delightful treat anytime. Enjoy the comforting flavors of your homemade Apple Cider Cake!
Make Ahead Options
These Apple Cider Cakes are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time while still enjoying a delicious dessert! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the wet and dry ingredients and then refrigerating it (cover tightly to prevent drying out). Additionally, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature; this way, it retains its moistness. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back that just-baked warmth. Trust me, this cake will be just as delightful and will make your life easier during busy evenings!
Expert Tips for Apple Cider Cake
- Use Fresh Cider: Fresh apple cider enhances flavor and moisture. Avoid using old cider which can impact the cake’s taste and texture.
- Proper Butter Temperature: Ensure your unsalted butter is at room temperature before creaming. This helps achieve the light texture essential for a perfect Apple Cider Cake.
- Check Baking Powder Freshness: Baking powder should be fresh to allow the cake to rise properly. Stale powder results in a dense cake, so always do a freshness test with water.
- Cool Before Inversion: Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before inverting. This will help prevent breaks and ensure a beautiful bundt shape.
- Cinnamon-Sugar Coating: Generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar blend for a crunchy exterior. Don’t skimp on this step; it adds delightful flavor and texture.
What to Serve with Easy Apple Cider Bundt Cake?
Nothing enhances the cozy flavors of fall like a delicious spread to accompany your home-baked delight.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream perfectly balances the spiced flavors of the cake and adds a delightful coolness to each bite.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm salted caramel over a slice elevates the cake’s sweetness, adding a luxurious touch that pairs beautifully with the apple cider notes.
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Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream adds a luscious texture, enhancing the moistness of the cake while keeping it refreshing and not overly rich.
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Hot Apple Cider: Enjoying a warm mug of spiced apple cider alongside the cake creates a complementary experience, fully immersing you in the flavors of fall.
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Chopped Nuts: Adding a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pecans on the side brings a lovely crunch and earthy flavor that rounds out the cake’s sweetness beautifully.
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Cheese Plate: Pairing slices of aged cheddar or a creamy brie with each bite introduces a delightful savory note, making for a satisfying balance alongside your sweet dessert.
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: Sip on a cozy pumpkin spice latte for a full seasonal experience. The spice profile aligns beautifully with the warm flavors of the cake, perfect for those crisp autumn afternoons.
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Baked Apples: Roasted or baked apples with a hint of cinnamon serve as a cozy side, echoing the comforting essence of the dish and adding a fresh touch.
How to Store and Freeze Apple Cider Cake
Room Temperature: Wrap leftover cake in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Fridge: If you live in a warm climate, you can store the wrapped cake in the fridge for up to 7 days. Just remember it may dry out a bit.
Freezer: Freeze the cake (without glaze) for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds for optimal warmth and flavor.
Apple Cider Cake Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to unleash your creativity in the kitchen and make this Apple Cider Cake truly your own!
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Nutty Twist: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the soft texture of the cake.
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Heartier Choice: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier, nutritious option that still tastes divine.
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Lower Sugar: Swap out the brown sugar for coconut sugar to lower the glycemic index without sacrificing flavor.
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Additional Sweetness: Drizzle with salted caramel sauce after glazing to add a rich, sweet boost that perfectly complements the apple flavor. It brings a delightful twist!
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Spiced Variations: Experiment with spices by adding a pinch of allspice or cardamom for a warm, complex flavor profile that embraces the essence of fall.
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Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a bright, refreshing note that balances the sweetness of the cake.
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Extra Moisture: Enhance moisture levels by incorporating unsweetened applesauce in place of one egg; this adds flavor and keeps the cake tender.
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Apple Variety: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a well-rounded flavor or even add chunks of fresh apples for texture, reminiscent of our beloved Apple Brownies Moist!
Explore these variations to create a uniquely satisfying Apple Cider Cake; there’s no wrong way to enjoy this fall favorite!
Apple Cider Cake Recipe FAQs
What type of apple cider should I use for this cake?
Absolutely! It’s best to use fresh apple cider for this Apple Cider Cake, as it adds the most flavor and moisture. Avoid using old cider, as it can affect both the taste and texture of your cake. If fresh cider isn’t available, you can use a store-bought variety, but make sure it’s not overly sweetened or flavored.
How should I store leftover Apple Cider Cake?
To keep your Apple Cider Cake fresh, wrap any leftover pieces in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you live in a warmer climate, consider refrigerating the wrapped cake for no more than 7 days, but be aware it may dry out slightly. Make sure to keep it well-wrapped for the best results!
Can I freeze Apple Cider Cake? How?
Yes! You can freeze your Apple Cider Cake without glaze for up to 3 months. To do this, make sure to wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to help prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until warm and fragrant.
What should I do if my cake doesn’t rise properly?
If your Apple Cider Cake doesn’t rise, check the freshness of your baking powder before starting. Stale baking powder can cause cakes to be dense instead of fluffy. Make sure to do a freshness test by adding a teaspoon of baking powder to a small amount of water—if it bubbles up, it’s good! Additionally, ensure your butter is properly creamed and your dough isn’t over-mixed once the flour is added.
Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind?
Certainly! If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, this cake can easily be adapted. Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if necessary, and use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar to lower the glycemic index. Additionally, be sure the apple cider is free from any allergens if serving to children or guests with sensitivities. Enjoy baking and sharing this lovely fall treat!
Irresistible Apple Cider Cake with Crunchy Cinnamon Sugar
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 12-cup bundt pan.
- Whisk together the dry ingredients in a medium bowl and set aside.
- In a stand mixer, beat butter and sugars until fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time with vanilla, mixing until combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients, alternating with apple cider.
- Pour batter into the bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until golden brown and toothpick comes out clean.
- Simmer additional apple cider until thickened for the glaze.
- Brush the warm glaze over the cake and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mix.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate.
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