Whenever the leaves start to turn and there’s a chill in the air, I reach for my Cozy Moist Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe. This cake isn’t just any fall treat—it’s the perfect blend of warm spices, tangy apple cider, and tender crumb that hugs you like a cozy sweater. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it’s become a staple in my kitchen during apple season. Keep reading, and you’ll discover how easy it is to make this fan-freaking-tastic cake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves with apple cider gives a cozy, nostalgic autumn taste.
- Moist and Tender: The addition of unsweetened applesauce and apple cider keeps the cake incredibly moist without being heavy.
- Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to bundt cakes, the step-by-step process makes this an approachable treat for any home baker.
- Delicious Cinnamon Sugar Topping: The butter-brushed cake with cinnamon sugar adds a simple, beautiful finish that makes it irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in the Cozy Moist Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe plays a crucial role, making sure your cake comes out full of flavor and texture. I always recommend fresh spices and good-quality apple cider for the best results—trust me, it makes a noticeable difference.
- All-purpose flour: This gives the cake its structure, so use good, fresh flour.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These are the rise agents that keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves: The trifecta of fall spices that bring that signature warm flavor.
- Salt: It balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors overall.
- Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Granulated sugar: For sweetness and that tender crumb.
- Large eggs: They help bind everything and add richness.
- Apple cider: I love how it adds moisture and natural apple flavor without overpowering.
- Unsweetened applesauce: This keeps the cake moist while cutting back on fat.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor.
- Additional granulated sugar and cinnamon for topping: These create a simple, crunchy, and sweet finish.
- Melted unsalted butter for brushing: It helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds extra buttery goodness.
Variations
I like to play around with this Cozy Moist Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe sometimes, depending on the season or what I have on hand. Feel free to personalize it so it suits your taste perfectly!
- Add chopped nuts: Pecan or walnuts give a nice crunch and complement the warm spices beautifully. My family goes crazy for this tweak!
- Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne can add a subtle kick that contrasts great with the sweetness.
- Gluten-free option: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend—just make sure it contains xanthan gum to keep the texture right.
- Frosting or glaze: Swap the cinnamon sugar topping for a simple cream cheese glaze for an ultra-rich finish.
How to Make Cozy Moist Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prep your dry ingredients thoughtfully
Start by whisking together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. I always make sure to sift or vigorously whisk so my spices are evenly distributed—that way, every bite has that brilliant warm flavor.
Step 2: Cream butter and sugar to fluffy perfection
In a large bowl, beat your softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until it’s a pale, fluffy cloud of goodness—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes. This step traps air, ensuring your cake is light, which is a game-changer. Then, reduce the speed and add your eggs one at a time, making sure each is well incorporated before adding the next. It prevents curdling and keeps the batter smooth.
Step 3: Combine liquids and alternate mixing
Mix your apple cider, applesauce, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Now, add the flour mixture and wet mixture alternately to the butter mixture—start and end with the flour. It sounds fancy, but it’s just a way to keep the batter balanced and prevent overmixing, which can make cakes tough. Beat just until everything is incorporated; overdoing it is a common mistake I used to make.
Step 4: Prepare your bundt pan and bake
Generously spray your 10-cup bundt pan with nonstick spray. I usually also give it a light dusting of flour to be extra safe, which has saved me from stickiness more than once! Pour your batter in and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Then tap the pan firmly on the counter to pop any air bubbles lurking inside.
Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it turns golden, springs back when lightly pressed, and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. I always set a timer for 45 minutes and then check every few minutes because ovens vary.
Step 5: The finishing touch—the cinnamon sugar glaze
Once the cake is out, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack placed over wax paper or parchment (to catch sugar drips). While the cake’s still warm, brush it generously with melted butter and sprinkle that cinnamon sugar mixture all over. This step is my favorite—it adds a lightly crisp, sweet crust that tastes like magic.
Pro Tips for Making Cozy Moist Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temp eggs and butter helps the batter blend smoothly, avoiding lumps or curdling.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until combined—overmixing can make your cake tough.
- Watch Your Oven: Oven temperatures vary; start checking at 45 minutes to avoid drying out the cake.
- Bundt Pan Prep: I once skipped this and paid dearly! Always spray generously and consider a flour dusting to prevent sticking.
How to Serve Cozy Moist Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
I love keeping it simple with this cake—just the cinnamon sugar glaze is enough. But if you want to jazz it up, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cream cheese icing works wonders. Sometimes, I add a handful of thinly sliced apples arranged on top for a pretty presentation that also screams fall.
Side Dishes
This bundt cake pairs perfectly with a cup of hot tea or a latte for breakfast or afternoon snack. For a festive brunch, I like serving it alongside scrambled eggs or a simple fruit salad—keeps the meal balanced but still indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings, I’ve dressed this cake up by placing it on a rustic wooden cake stand surrounded by fresh apples, cinnamon sticks, and autumn leaves. It’s such an easy way to make your kitchen feel inviting and festive without much fuss. Plus, it always gets compliments before I even slice the cake!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature, and this cake stays moist and fresh for up to two days—perfect if you want to make ahead for a quick weekday treat. If you leave it uncovered, it tends to dry out faster, so airtight is key!
Freezing
I’ve also frozen slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag with good success. When thawed overnight in the fridge, the texture remains tender, and it’s a great way to have cozy cake ready for last-minute cravings.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. If I want to restore a bit of that fresh-baked texture, I’ll also heat it briefly in a toaster oven at a low temperature for a couple of minutes. It’s like hitting the refresh button!
FAQs
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Can I use store-bought apple juice instead of apple cider?
Technically yes, but apple cider has a stronger, more natural apple flavor and sometimes a slight tartness that enhances the cake’s taste. If you use store-bought apple juice, I recommend picking one that’s unsweetened and natural to avoid extra sweetness that might overpower the spices.
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What’s the best way to prevent my bundt cake from sticking?
Make sure to spray the bundt pan generously with a nonstick spray that contains flour, or spray and then dust lightly with flour. Using softened butter or shortening to grease the pan works too. Also, avoid cooling the cake in the pan for too long—about 10 minutes is perfect before you invert it.
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Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes great the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature and add the cinnamon sugar topping just before serving to keep it crisp.
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Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
You can adapt it by substituting a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum. The texture might be slightly different, but it still comes out delicious. Just watch the baking time closely.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Cozy Moist Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe brings a sense of comfort and warmth to my kitchen every time I make it. It’s an easy recipe that feels special enough for company but simple enough for weeknight baking. If you’re looking for a fall dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and a little nostalgic, give this bundt cake a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
Print
Cozy Moist Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 50 min
- Total Time: 1 hr 10 min
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cozy Moist Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a perfect fall treat that combines the warm spices of cinnamon, ginger, and cloves with the natural sweetness of apple cider and unsweetened applesauce. Softened butter, fluffy sugar, and a tender crumb come together in this easy-to-make bundt cake that tastes like freshly baked apple cider donuts. It’s a moist, flavorful dessert ideal for autumn gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 3/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 10 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup apple cider
- 3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Topping
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking the cake.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar on medium speed until the mixture is pale and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs: Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to create a smooth batter.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the apple cider, unsweetened applesauce, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the wet ingredients—start and end with the dry mixture. Mix each addition just until incorporated to avoid overmixing.
- Prepare the Bundt Pan: Spray a 10-cup bundt pan generously with nonstick cooking spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Fill and Smooth Batter: Spoon the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the surface with an offset spatula. Tap the pan sharply on the counter to release any air bubbles trapped inside the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The cake is done when it turns golden brown, springs back when lightly touched, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Topping: Place the wire rack with the cake over wax paper or parchment to catch drips. In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup granulated sugar with 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Brush the warm cake with melted butter, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top.
- Serve and Store: Allow the cake to cool completely before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Apple cider bundt cake is an ideal fall dessert with warm spices reminiscent of apple cider donuts.
- Using softened butter instead of melted adds to the cake’s tender, moist texture.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the crumb light and fluffy.
- For extra flavor, warm your apple cider slightly before adding.
- This cake stores well at room temperature but is best enjoyed fresh within two days.
- You can dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar instead of cinnamon sugar if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
