Autumn Apple Cider Bundt

Indulge in the quintessential flavors of autumn with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious Apple Cider Bundt Cake. Perfectly moist and tender, this cake captures the heartwarming essence of crisp apple cider, crowned with a irresistible cinnamon-sugar coating. It’s a delightful dessert that promises to evoke cherished fall memories with every bite, bringing the cozy comfort of homemade baking to your table without the fuss.

If you’ve ever savored the delightful taste of old-fashioned apple cider donuts, then prepare to fall head over heels for this extraordinary bundt cake recipe. It delivers all those beloved, nostalgic flavors in a more elegant and effortless package. The rich, apple-infused cake is beautifully baked in a bundt pan, creating a stunning presentation that’s perfect for gatherings, holidays, or simply a cozy evening treat. Its decadent glaze and aromatic spice blend make it a true showstopper.

Beyond this incredible creation, explore a world of apple desserts to enjoy all year long, or dive deeper into the versatility of bundt cakes. You might love our Copycat Nothing Bundt Cakes for a taste of bakery luxury at home, the festive charm of a Christmas Bundt Cake, or the comforting spices of a Pumpkin Bundt Cake. Another delightful family favorite that’s always a hit is our vibrant Blueberry Bundt Cake, showcasing just how versatile this cake form can be.

Table of Contents

• Why We Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
  • Cake
  • Topping
• Variations
• Step by Step Instructions
• Serving Suggestions
• Pro Tips for Success
• More Easy Apple Desserts
• Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe Card

Why We Love This Recipe

This Apple Cider Bundt Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. Here’s why it consistently earns rave reviews and becomes a go-to favorite:

• Authentic Apple Cider Donut Flavor: Imagine the warm, sweet, and slightly tangy taste of your favorite apple cider donut, but in the convenient and elegant form of a cake. This bundt cake perfectly encapsulates that nostalgic flavor, offering a delightful blend of apple and cinnamon that’s utterly irresistible. It’s like bringing the cider mill experience right into your kitchen!
• Remarkably Easy to Prepare: Don’t let its impressive appearance fool you; this cake is incredibly simple to make. By utilizing a readily available cake mix as its base, we’ve streamlined the baking process, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. It’s the perfect recipe when you want a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Embraces Amazing Fall Flavors: There’s something truly magical about a dessert that embodies the spirit of a season. With its rich apple cider and aromatic cinnamon, this pound cake style dessert is the epitome of fall. It fills your home with a comforting aroma as it bakes, making it ideal for Thanksgiving, holiday parties, or any cozy autumn evening.

Essential Ingredients for Your Apple Cider Bundt Cake

Creating this flavorful Apple Cider Bundt Cake starts with a selection of simple yet potent ingredients. While a complete list can be found in the recipe card below, here’s a closer look at some key components and why they are essential for achieving the perfect taste and texture.

For the Cake Batter

• Apple Cider: This is the star ingredient! It’s crucial to use real apple cider, not apple juice. Apple cider offers a richer, more complex, and tangy flavor profile that apple juice simply cannot replicate, giving the cake its signature taste.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth and a lovely molasses note that complements the apple and cinnamon beautifully, contributing to the cake’s moist texture. If you find yourself without it, explore these Brown Sugar Substitutes for viable alternatives.
• Yellow Cake Mix: The foundation of our easy recipe. A good quality yellow cake mix ensures a consistent and tender crumb, making preparation a breeze.
• Applesauce: Adds additional moisture and a subtle apple flavor without making the cake too dense. It’s also a great way to reduce the amount of oil or butter needed in the cake itself.
• Large Eggs: Act as binders and provide structure, helping the cake to rise and maintain its shape.
• Ground Cinnamon: Essential for that classic apple pie and donut spice profile.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the other flavors, adding a touch of warmth and sweetness.

For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

• Butter: Real butter is highly recommended for the topping. When melted and brushed onto the warm cake, it provides the perfect sticky surface for the cinnamon sugar to adhere, creating a rich, golden crust. Its flavor also marries wonderfully with the spices.
• Granulated Sugar & Ground Cinnamon: The classic duo for our delicious coating. This simple mix provides a sweet, spicy crunch that makes each slice irresistible.

You can find the precise measurements and the complete ingredient list in the dedicated recipe card at the bottom of this page. Gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!

Creative Variations to Customize Your Bundt Cake

While the classic Apple Cider Bundt Cake is undeniably delicious, this recipe is also wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous modifications to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Get creative and make this dessert uniquely yours:

• Experiment with Cake Mixes: While yellow cake mix is our go-to for its rich flavor, feel free to substitute it with other varieties. A white cake mix will create a slightly lighter cake, allowing the apple cider flavor to shine even more. For an extra autumnal kick, consider a pumpkin spice cake mix, which would amplify the cozy fall spices. Even a carrot cake mix could offer an intriguing flavor profile, complementing the apple beautifully.
• Gluten-Free Option: Making this cake gluten-free is simple! Just substitute a high-quality gluten-free cake mix in this recipe. Ensure all other ingredients are also certified gluten-free if strict adherence is necessary. The result will be just as moist and flavorful, making it a treat everyone can enjoy.
• Bundt Pan Size Adjustments: We recommend a 10-cup bundt pan for this recipe, which yields a beautifully tall cake. However, if you opt for a larger 12-cup bundt pan, remember to increase the baking time accordingly. Always perform the toothpick test to ensure the cake is fully cooked through before removing it from the oven. A smaller pan would likely require reducing ingredients to avoid overflow.
• Customize Your Cinnamon and Sugar Topping: The beauty of the cinnamon-sugar coating is its adaptability. If you’re a true cinnamon enthusiast, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of cinnamon in the topping. Add an extra ½ teaspoon, or even more, until it reaches your desired spicy sweetness. You could also introduce a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for added complexity.
• Simple Powdered Sugar Topping: For a more understated yet elegant finish, skip the butter and cinnamon-sugar glaze entirely. Instead, once the cake has cooled, simply dust it generously with powdered sugar. This creates a beautiful, snowy effect that’s both visually appealing and deliciously sweet.
• Decadent Chocolate Drizzle: For a delightful twist, consider drizzling chocolate sauce over the cooled cake instead of the traditional topping. Dark chocolate can add a sophisticated bittersweet contrast, while milk chocolate provides a sweeter, richer note. This is an amazing finish for chocolate lovers!
• Homemade Apple Cider Glaze: Elevate the apple flavor even further with a homemade apple cider glaze. To prepare this, combine ¼ cup of reduced apple cider (simmer cider until it thickens slightly), 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and 1 cup of powdered sugar. Whisk until smooth and drizzle this luscious glaze all over the cooled apple cider cake for an extra burst of tangy sweetness.

Easy Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Perfect Bundt Cake

Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping Apple Cider Bundt Cake that will impress everyone. Precision and care in each stage will ensure a beautifully baked and deliciously flavored dessert.

• Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan. Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature when your batter is ready. Thoroughly grease your 10-cup bundt pan with baking spray that contains flour, or use butter and then dust it with a thin layer of flour. This crucial step prevents the cake from sticking and guarantees an easy release after baking.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, apple cider, applesauce, and eggs. Using either a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat these ingredients together on medium speed until they are just well combined. Be careful not to overmix at this stage.

Step 3: Add Spices and Flavorings. Next, incorporate the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract into the batter. Continue to mix on low speed until all ingredients are fully integrated and the mixture is smooth. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Pour Batter into Pan. Carefully pour the prepared cake batter into your greased and floured bundt pan. Try to distribute the batter as evenly as possible around the pan’s central tube.

Step 5: Release Air Bubbles. Gently tap the bundt pan several times on your countertop. This simple action helps to settle the cake batter, remove any trapped air bubbles, and ensures a more even bake and a beautifully smooth cake surface. You’ll see small bubbles rise and pop.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden. Place the bundt pan on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes. The cake is done when a wooden toothpick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter attached. If it’s still gooey, bake for a few more minutes, checking frequently.

Step 7: Cool and Release. Remove the baked cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the bundt pan on a wire rack for at least 20 minutes. This cooling period helps the cake firm up, preventing it from breaking when unmolded. After 20 minutes, carefully invert the bundt pan onto the wire rack to fully release the cake. Let it cool completely before adding the topping.

Step 8: Prepare the Topping. While the cake is cooling, prepare your delicious cinnamon-sugar topping. In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until they are thoroughly combined. Ensure there are no lumps of cinnamon.

Step 9: Apply Topping for a Perfect Finish. Once the cake is completely cool, gently brush the melted butter all over its surface using a pastry brush, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the bundt design. Immediately after brushing with butter, generously sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture over the entire cake. The butter will help the sugar adhere beautifully, creating that signature sweet and crunchy coating. Now, your exquisite Apple Cider Bundt Cake is ready to be sliced and enjoyed!

Delightful Serving Suggestions for Your Bundt Cake

While this Apple Cider Bundt Cake is magnificent on its own, adding a little something extra can elevate it to an even more memorable dessert experience. Here are some fantastic serving ideas to consider:

• A Scoop of Ice Cream: There’s nothing quite like a warm slice of cake paired with a cold, creamy scoop of ice cream. Classic No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream is always a winner, but consider cinnamon or even a caramel swirl ice cream to complement the cake’s flavors beautifully. The contrast in temperature and texture is simply divine.
• Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: For an extra layer of decadence, generously drizzle Homemade Caramel Sauce over each slice of cake. The buttery, rich caramel pairs perfectly with the apple and cinnamon notes. It’s especially indulgent when combined with a scoop of ice cream!
• Simple Powdered Sugar Dusting: Sometimes, less is more. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of simple elegance and a whisper of sweetness without overpowering the cake’s natural flavors. It’s a classic choice that’s always beautiful.
• Dollop of Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream provides a light, airy contrast to the dense cake. You can use store-bought whipped cream for convenience, or easily make your own with this simple homemade whipped cream recipe for an extra special touch. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for an added flourish.
• Candied Pecans or Walnuts: For an added crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle some candied pecans or walnuts over your cake slices. The sweetness and texture will enhance the overall experience.
• A Side of Fresh Berries: Fresh raspberries or blueberries can add a touch of tartness and freshness, cutting through the richness of the cake and adding a vibrant color contrast.

Pro Tips for Success with Your Apple Cider Bundt Cake

Achieving a perfect bundt cake every time requires a few insider tricks. Keep these professional tips in mind to ensure your Apple Cider Bundt Cake turns out flawlessly:

• Mastering the Butter and Topping Application: The key to a beautifully coated cake lies in timing and technique. Make sure the cake has cooled completely (see tip below) before you start. Generously spread the melted butter all over the cake’s surface, paying extra attention to the intricate crevices of your bundt pan design. Work quickly, and immediately follow with a liberal sprinkling of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. The butter acts as a glue, so applying the sugar while the butter is still moist ensures it adheres perfectly, creating a delightful, textured crust. Don’t be shy; press the sugar gently onto the sides for maximum stick.
• Allow the Cake to Cool Completely: Patience is a virtue in baking, especially with bundt cakes. It is absolutely crucial to let your cake cool entirely before attempting to unmold it or apply any toppings. If you try to remove it from the pan too soon, it might stick, crumble, or break. Likewise, applying butter and sugar to a warm cake will cause the butter to absorb or the sugar to melt, resulting in a soggy, less appealing coating. A fully cooled cake will be much sturdier and provide the best canvas for your topping.
• Do Not Overmix the Batter: When combining your cake mix with the wet ingredients and then the spices, mix only until everything is just combined and no streaks of dry ingredients remain. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to a dense, tough, and rubbery cake texture instead of the light, fluffy, and tender crumb we’re aiming for. A light hand with the mixer is key to a perfectly tender cake.
• Properly Grease Your Bundt Pan: This tip is worth reiterating! A well-greased and floured bundt pan is your best friend. Use a good quality non-stick baking spray with flour, or thoroughly butter every inch of the pan (including the central tube), then dust with flour, tapping out any excess. This ensures your beautiful bundt cake releases cleanly, preserving its intricate shape.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smoother, more uniform batter and better emulsification, ensure your eggs and applesauce are at room temperature. This allows them to blend more easily with the other ingredients, leading to a more consistent cake texture.
• Storage Instructions: This Apple Cider Bundt Cake keeps wonderfully. Store any leftovers at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain its freshness and moisture. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

More Easy Apple Desserts to Savor

If you’re an apple lover, the culinary possibilities are endless! After enjoying this fantastic Apple Cider Bundt Cake, be sure to explore these other simple and delicious apple dessert recipes that are perfect for any occasion:

• Baked Apples
• Apple Crostata Recipe
• Easy Apple Crisp Recipe
• Apple Bundt Cake
• Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts Recipe

Give this Apple Cider Donut Cake a try for a truly tasty and memorable dessert. We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment once you make it!

Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe

This delectable Apple Cider Bundt Cake is bursting with flavor and topped with a delicious cinnamon sugar coating. Made from a cake mix, it’s easy to prepare.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 40 mins
• Cooling Time: 20 mins (on wire rack)
• Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
• Servings: 12
• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert
• Author: Carrie Barnard

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 241 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0.3g
• Cholesterol: 51mg
• Sodium: 361mg
• Potassium: 62mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 26g
• Vitamin A: 182IU
• Vitamin C: 0.2mg
• Calcium: 104mg
• Iron: 1mg

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box Yellow Cake Mix
• 3/4 cup Apple Cider (not apple juice)
• 1/2 cup Apple Sauce
• 3 Large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1 Tablespoon Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

For the Topping:

• 1/4 cup Butter, melted
• 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

Instructions

For the Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) and thoroughly grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cake mix, apple cider, applesauce, and eggs with a handheld mixer or stand mixer until well combined.
3. Then, mix in the ground cinnamon, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Gently tap the bundt pan on the countertop to even out the cake batter and remove any air bubbles.
5. Bake the cake on the center rack in the oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
6. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes.
7. After 20 minutes, carefully turn the bundt pan over onto the wire rack to cool the cake completely.

For the Topping:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until combined.
2. Once the cake is completely cool, brush the melted butter all over the cake with a pastry brush, making sure to coat all the nooks and crevices.
3. Immediately sprinkle the cinnamon-sugar mixture generously over the entire cake, pressing gently onto the sides to ensure it adheres well.
4. The cake is now ready to slice, serve, and enjoy!

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