Introduction

Apple Cider Bundt Cake with Cinnamon Sugar is the perfect autumn dessert, capturing the warm flavors of fall in a moist, tender cake. Infused with apple cider and aromatic spices, this Bundt cake is lightly sweetened and topped with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar coating, giving it the ideal balance of soft cake and flavorful crust. Each slice bursts with cozy flavors reminiscent of crisp fall days, apple orchards, and seasonal gatherings.

This cake is versatile—it’s perfect for holiday brunches, afternoon tea, potlucks, or as a centerpiece for your seasonal dessert table. With its beautiful Bundt shape and warm, inviting aroma, it’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it perfectly combines the essence of fall in every bite. The apple cider adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the natural sweetness of the cake, while cinnamon sugar gives it a warm, comforting finish. It’s the kind of cake that fills your kitchen with the smell of autumn, invites everyone to gather around, and offers a cozy treat that’s perfect with coffee or tea.

It’s also wonderfully easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and basic baking techniques. The result is a cake that looks impressive but is effortlessly made, making it a favorite for both casual family gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Seasonal Favorite: Perfectly captures fall flavors of apple, cinnamon, and warm spices.
• Moist & Tender: Apple cider keeps the cake incredibly moist.
• Visually Stunning: The Bundt shape with cinnamon-sugar topping makes it show-stopping.
• Easy to Make: Requires no complicated techniques or ingredients.
• Versatile: Great for brunch, dessert, or gifting to friends and family.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50–60 minutes
• Cooling Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 12–14 slices
• Calories: ~320 kcal per slice
• Course: Dessert / Snack
• Cuisine: American / Seasonal

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp ground allspice
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup apple cider
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup finely chopped or grated apple (optional, for extra apple flavor)

For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for brushing cake before sprinkling)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly and lightly dust with flour.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
2. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Mix in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

1. Alternate adding dry ingredients and apple cider to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients.
2. Stir in sour cream and chopped apples (if using) until evenly incorporated.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

1. Pour batter into prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
2. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.

Step 6: Add Cinnamon Sugar Topping

1. Brush the slightly warm cake with melted butter.
2. Mix sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle evenly over the cake.
3. Invert the cake onto a serving plate and allow it to cool completely.

How to Serve

• Slice the cake and serve on a decorative platter for a seasonal centerpiece.
• Pair with a warm cup of coffee, hot cider, or spiced tea.
• Add a drizzle of caramel or cream cheese glaze for extra indulgence.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor; concentrated cider can be too sweet.
• For extra moistness, fold in finely chopped or grated apples into the batter.
• Lightly brush the cake with butter before adding cinnamon sugar to help it stick.
• Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender.
• Let the cake cool slightly before adding topping to avoid melting sugar too quickly.

Variations

• Caramel Apple Bundt Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving.
• Maple Cinnamon Bundt Cake: Replace half the sugar with maple syrup.
• Glazed Apple Cider Cake: Add a simple powdered sugar glaze with a splash of apple cider.
• Nutty Apple Bundt Cake: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
• Spiced Rum Cake: Add 2 tbsp spiced rum to the batter for a boozy twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Special Equipment Needed

• 10-inch Bundt pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Spatula
• Toothpick for testing doneness

FAQ

Q1: Can I use boxed spice cake mix instead of scratch?
Yes, substitute the dry mix and add apple cider and apples to enhance flavor.

Q2: My cake stuck to the Bundt pan—how do I prevent this?
Grease thoroughly and dust with flour, or use a nonstick spray with flour.

Q3: Can I skip the apples?
Yes, the cake will still be flavorful with apple cider and spices.

Q4: How do I make the cinnamon sugar topping stick better?
Brush the cake with melted butter while still warm before sprinkling the sugar mixture.

Conclusion

Apple Cider Bundt Cake with Cinnamon Sugar is a cozy, seasonal dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. With its moist texture, aromatic spices, and sweet cinnamon-sugar topping, this cake is a must-try for autumn gatherings, holiday parties, or any time you want a comforting, flavorful dessert. Elegant, simple, and irresistibly delicious, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite.