If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that truly captures the warmth and joy of the holiday season, look no further than this Spiced Christmas Apple Cider Bundt Cake. Imagine a moist, tender cake infused with the rich aroma of apple cider and cozy spices, perfectly sweetened and topped with a delicate powdered sugar glaze. This cake is like a celebration of cozy winter evenings and festive gatherings all baked into one irresistible treat. Whether you’re slicing it up for a holiday party or enjoying it with a cup of tea by the fire, the Spiced Christmas Apple Cider Bundt Cake is guaranteed to become a beloved seasonal classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to achieving that perfect balance of moisture, spice, and sweetness in the Spiced Christmas Apple Cider Bundt Cake. Each component plays a special role in creating the cake’s irresistible texture and flavor — from the tangy apple cider reduction to the warm spices that make this cake so inviting.
- 1 cup apple cider: This is simmered down to concentrate flavor and keep the cake moist.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cake.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Provides a deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps keep the cake moist.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake, providing the right amount of strength and softness.
- 1 tsp baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1 tsp cinnamon: A must for that cozy holiday spice note.
- ¼ tsp nutmeg: Offers a warm, slightly nutty undertone.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
How to Make Spiced Christmas Apple Cider Bundt Cake
Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
Start by simmering your apple cider over medium heat until it reduces to about half a cup. This intensifies the apple flavor and thickens the liquid, which lends amazing moisture and a subtle tang that makes the cake stand out. Let it cool completely before using it in the batter.
Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, generously grease your bundt pan to ensure the cake releases easily after baking. A bit of butter or non-stick spray with a light dusting of flour works beautifully here.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and the brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for a tender cake crumb and ensures that the sugar is evenly incorporated.
Step 4: Add Eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. The eggs provide structure and moisture, so be sure they are fully blended in for a smooth batter.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour in the cooled, reduced apple cider and stir to combine. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter-sugar-egg mixture, folding gently but thoroughly until you achieve a uniform batter.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cake set perfectly.
How to Serve Spiced Christmas Apple Cider Bundt Cake
Garnishes
Adding a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk or leftover cider really enhances the beauty and flavor of this cake. You can also dust it with a bit of cinnamon or sprinkle chopped toasted nuts for that added crunch and festive touch.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a truly holiday-themed spread, consider serving it alongside a warm cup of mulled cider or hot tea to elevate the cozy vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Spiced Christmas Apple Cider Bundt Cake into a showstopper by decorating it with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary. You can also cut the cake into mini bundt cakes for individual servings, perfect for gift-giving or holiday parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cake stays fresh wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping it sealed prevents the cake from drying out and helps maintain its moist, tender crumb.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake either whole or sliced. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to avoid freezer burn. When properly stored, your Spiced Christmas Apple Cider Bundt Cake can be frozen for up to three months, making it a fantastic make-ahead dessert for busy holiday seasons.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake like it’s freshly baked, warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. This will revive the softness and bring out those lovely spiced aromas beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use bottled apple cider or does it need to be homemade?
Absolutely, bottled apple cider works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to simmer it down well to concentrate the flavor, which is key for that signature spiced apple taste.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious and moist.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the batter?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries would all make excellent additions that add texture and festive flavors to the Spiced Christmas Apple Cider Bundt Cake.
What’s the best way to make the powdered sugar glaze?
Mix powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or some of the reserved apple cider until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Adjust the liquid to make it thinner or thicker as desired, then drizzle over the cooled cake.
How long does the cake stay fresh when refrigerated?
Refrigerated, the cake can keep for up to five days if properly wrapped. However, to preserve the best texture and flavor, it’s often better to store it at room temperature if you plan to eat it within a few days.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Christmas Apple Cider Bundt Cake is one of those rare recipes that combines simplicity with spectacular flavor. It’s perfect for bringing warmth and festive cheer to your holiday table, and I promise once you try it, it will become your go-to cake for every winter celebration. So go ahead, simmer that cider, gather your ingredients, and create a slice of holiday happiness to share with those you love.
PrintSpiced Christmas Apple Cider Bundt Cake
This Spiced Christmas Apple Cider Bundt Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert, perfect for the holiday season from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and made tender by naturally reduced apple cider, this cake is finished with a light powdered sugar glaze for added sweetness and charm.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Binding & Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
Glaze (Optional)
- Powdered sugar for icing
- Milk or water (for thinning glaze)
Instructions
- Reduce the Apple Cider: Pour the 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and simmer over medium heat until it reduces to ½ cup. This concentrates the flavor and removes excess moisture. Set aside to cool completely before using.
- Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt cake pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a smooth base that will yield a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs: Incorporate the two large eggs into the creamed mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully combine and add structure.
- Mix in Reduced Cider and Dry Ingredients: Stir the cooled reduced apple cider into the wet mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, optionally brush the cake with a powdered sugar glaze made by mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or water until smooth and drizzle over the cake.
Notes
- Reducing the apple cider intensifies the flavor and prevents excess moisture that could make the cake soggy.
- Make sure the apple cider is fully cooled before mixing to avoid curdling the eggs or butter.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.
- The glaze is optional but adds a nice finishing touch and sweetness contrast.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.