Apple Cider Bundt Cake with Cinnamon Glaze

Introduction

The Apple Cider Bundt Cake with Cinnamon Glaze is a fall-inspired dessert that captures the essence of autumn. Moist, tender, and infused with fresh apple cider and warm spices, this cake is a perfect centerpiece for family gatherings, brunches, or holiday celebrations. The addition of a sweet cinnamon glaze adds an irresistible finish, making every bite fragrant, flavorful, and comforting. It’s a dessert that’s both elegant and cozy, perfect for those crisp, cool days.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the ultimate autumn indulgence. The cake is moist and tender, thanks to the apple cider, which also infuses it with subtle sweetness and depth of flavor. The cinnamon glaze adds a delightful finishing touch that perfectly balances the spices in the cake. Baking a Bundt cake gives it a beautiful, professional appearance without any complicated decorating, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Every bite feels like autumn in dessert form.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it combines the flavors of fall—apple cider, cinnamon, and brown sugar—in a single, irresistible cake. The Bundt shape makes it perfect for special occasions, while the cinnamon glaze elevates it to a show-stopping dessert. It’s moist, tender, and full of flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids. Whether for a holiday table or a cozy weekend treat, this cake delivers on taste and presentation.

Preparation Time & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 50–55 minutes
• Cooling & Glazing Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 12–14 slices
• Calories: Approximately 340 per slice

Cuisine & Course

• Cuisine: American
• Course: Dessert / Breakfast / Brunch

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup peeled, diced apples (optional for texture)

For the Cinnamon Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk or apple cider
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
2. Mix dry ingredients in one bowl; cream butter and sugars in another.
3. Beat in eggs and vanilla, then alternate adding dry ingredients and apple cider. Fold in sour cream and apples.
4. Pour batter into Bundt pan and bake 50–55 minutes. Cool 15 minutes, then invert onto wire rack.
5. Whisk glaze ingredients and drizzle over cooled cake.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation Method

Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch Bundt pan with butter or nonstick spray and lightly flour it.

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
2. Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
4. Combine Dry & Wet Ingredients: Alternate adding dry ingredients and apple cider to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
5. Fold in Sour Cream & Apples: Gently fold in sour cream (or yogurt) and diced apples if using, ensuring even distribution.
6. Bake Cake: Pour batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool Cake: Allow cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Prepare Cinnamon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (or apple cider), cinnamon, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
9. Glaze Cake: Drizzle cinnamon glaze over the cooled cake and allow it to set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

How to Serve

Slice and serve as a dessert, or alongside coffee or tea for breakfast or brunch. This cake also pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Additional Recipe Tips

• For extra flavor, soak diced apples in a bit of cinnamon and sugar before adding to the batter.
• Ensure the Bundt pan is well-greased to prevent sticking.
• Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor.
• Cool the cake completely before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.

Variations

• Caramel Apple Glaze: Add 2 tbsp caramel sauce to the cinnamon glaze.
• Spiced Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Apple Cider Reduction: Reduce 1/4 cup apple cider on the stove to intensify flavor before adding to batter.

Freezing & Storage

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before glazing.

Special Equipment Needed

• 10-inch Bundt pan
• Wire cooling rack
• Medium mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer for glaze
• Rubber spatula for folding batter

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?
A: Fresh diced apples are preferred for texture; canned pie filling may make the cake too wet.

Q2: Can I make this cake without the glaze?
A: Yes, it’s delicious plain or lightly dusted with powdered sugar.

Q3: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, bake a day in advance, store wrapped, and glaze just before serving.

Q4: Why did my cake stick to the Bundt pan?
A: Ensure thorough greasing and flouring of the pan. A light coating of nonstick spray plus flour works best.

Conclusion

The Apple Cider Bundt Cake with Cinnamon Glaze is the ultimate fall dessert—moist, spiced, and elegantly finished with a sweet, aromatic glaze. It’s perfect for holidays, brunch, or cozy weekends, combining the comforting flavors of apple, cinnamon, and cider in every bite. Simple to bake yet stunning in presentation, this Bundt cake is a must-try for any autumn dessert lover. Each slice brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of festive charm to your table.