Cozy Moist Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that wraps you up like your favorite fuzzy sweater on a crisp fall day, you absolutely have to try this Cozy Moist Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe. I’m not kidding when I say this cake is a game changer—moist, tender, and bursting with warm spices and apple cider goodness. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat or a cozy gathering, this bundt cake will steal the show and have everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients blend perfectly to create a spiced, moist cake with a tender crumb. I always recommend using fresh spices for the best aroma and flavor, and don’t skimp on the apple cider—it’s the star here!

• All-purpose flour: Provides the right structure without making the cake too heavy.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Work together to give the cake a light, fluffy texture.
• Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves: Classic warm spices that bring out that cozy fall vibe.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: I like using room temperature butter for a smooth, creamy batter.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right and helps with lightness.
• Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
• Apple cider: Adds moisture plus that signature tangy apple flavor.
• Unsweetened applesauce: Boosts moisture and helps keep the cake tender without extra fat.
• Pure vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and complements the spices beautifully.
• Cinnamon sugar (for topping): A simple combo that adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor once the cake’s baked.
• Melted unsalted butter (for topping): Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and adds a buttery finish.

Variations

I love how versatile this Cozy Moist Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe is—you can easily tweak the spices or add your personal touch without losing that cozy essence. Here are some variations I’ve tried and loved:

• Pecans or walnuts: Adding chopped nuts gives this cake a satisfying crunch that my family goes crazy for.
• Glaze instead of cinnamon sugar: A simple vanilla glaze drizzled on top is perfect if you want something a bit sweeter and smoother.
• Whole wheat flour substitute: I’ve swapped in half whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a bit more nutrition—just keep an eye on moisture.
• Spiced cream cheese frosting: For an indulgent twist, topping with lightly spiced cream cheese frosting turns this cake into a showstopper.

How to Make Cozy Moist Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping your bundt pan with plenty of nonstick spray. I like to be generous here so your cake releases easily—adding a light sprinkle of flour after spraying can be a bonus safeguard.

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and salt in a medium bowl. I always give this a good whisk so the spices distribute evenly, and you don’t get any clumps in your cake.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature butter with sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a stand mixer. This step is key because it helps trap air for a lighter cake, so don’t rush it!

Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients

Reduce the mixer speed and add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix together the apple cider, applesauce, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. This wet mixture gives the cake its signature moist, tender crumb and apple flavor.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures

Add the dry ingredients and wet ingredients alternately to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. I like to mix just until everything is combined here—overmixing can make the cake tough, and you don’t want that.

Step 6: Bake Your Bundt Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula. Give the pan a sharp tap on the counter a couple times to release any air bubbles—you’ll get a smoother crumb this way. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the cake turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Finish with Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack. While it’s still warm, brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture generously over the top. This simple step makes the flavor and texture pop—trust me, it’s worth it. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.

How to Serve Cozy Moist Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I often garnish slices with a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a small dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence. For a fun twist, caramel drizzle or a scoop of cinnamon ice cream also pairs beautifully with that warm apple spice flavor.

Side Dishes

This cake is fabulous alongside a hot cup of spiced tea, apple cider, or even coffee. For brunch, I like pairing it with fresh fruit or a creamy yogurt to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve arranged the bundt cake on a rustic wooden board surrounded by autumn leaves and small pumpkins—such a cozy and inviting presentation! Another favorite is serving individual slices with mini caramel apples or cinnamon sticks for that extra seasonal touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh but will stay moist and tasty for those couple of days without drying out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours. The texture stays surprisingly moist!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop a slice into the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. That quick warm-up brings back the flavors and makes the cake taste freshly baked. You can also warm it gently in a low oven for about 10 minutes if you want to revive the cinnamon sugar crust.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cozy Moist Apple Cider Bundt Cake Recipe has become my go-to comfort dessert during the fall and beyond. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy enough to impress, yet simple enough to whip up on a busy afternoon. I love how every slice evokes that warm, spiced apple aroma that fills the kitchen and makes everyone feel right at home. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did, and I bet it’ll become a family favorite like it is in mine!

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