Apple Cider Pound Cake Recipe

If you are looking for a truly comforting and flavor-packed dessert, this Apple Cider Pound Cake Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with the moist richness of apple cider and butter, delivering a cake that’s dense yet tender with a perfectly balanced sweetness. Every bite feels like autumn captured on your plate, making it an ideal treat for cozy gatherings, afternoon tea, or just when you need a whiff of fall charm in your day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Cider Pound Cake Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that are easy to find but essential to achieving its delightful flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a unique role, from the flour providing structure to the apple cider’s subtle fruitiness and the warming spices that elevate every bite.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, giving it a tender yet sturdy crumb.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents ensure a light lift and perfect rise.
• Salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Add warmth and a distinctive fall spice character.
• Unsalted butter: Softened for creaminess and richness, creating a moist texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with its light crumb.
• Large eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with its sweet aroma.
• Apple cider: Imparts a gentle fruity tang and moisture.
• Sour cream or plain yogurt: Adds tenderness and a subtle tang, making the cake wonderfully moist.

How to Make Apple Cider Pound Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To prevent sticking and ensure an easy release, thoroughly grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan. This step is key to getting that perfect shape and clean edges on your pound cake.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Doing this early ensures the spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, so every slice has the perfect spice balance and rise.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This creaming process is critical—it incorporates air, giving the pound cake its signature tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract. This careful integration helps maintain your batter’s smoothness and richness.

Step 5: Combine Flour and Apple Cider

Slow the mixer speed to low and alternately add the flour mixture and apple cider to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour blend. Mixing until just combined is crucial here to keep the cake tender without developing too much gluten.

Step 6: Fold in Sour Cream or Yogurt

Gently fold in the sour cream or plain yogurt by hand until the batter is smooth and fully integrated. This adds moisture and subtle tanginess that makes your pound cake wonderfully soft and flavorful.

Step 7: Transfer Batter to Pan

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Use a spatula to smooth out the surface and ensure even baking throughout.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 9: Cool the Cake

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a wire rack and let it cool completely. This step lets the cake set and makes it easier to slice without crumbling.

Step 10: Add a Sweet Touch

Once cooled, you can dust the cake with powdered sugar for a pretty presentation and an extra hint of sweetness. This optional finishing touch makes it even more inviting for your guests or family.

How to Serve Apple Cider Pound Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar works wonderfully here, but for an elevated touch, try topping slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. A sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts can also add delightful texture.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of spiced apple compote. Fresh berries or a cup of hot tea or coffee also complement the cake’s rich, warmly spiced flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Apple Cider Pound Cake Recipe on a decorative platter garnished with fresh apple slices or whole cinnamon sticks for a charming autumn vibe. For parties, consider slicing it into smaller pieces and offering a variety of toppings on the side for a fun DIY dessert station.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week without losing its delicious moisture.

Freezing

This pound cake freezes beautifully. Slice it, wrap pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag or container. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw slices overnight at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you enjoy your cake warm, gently reheat slices in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. This refreshes that fresh-baked taste and brings back the lovely soft texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the apple cider in this recipe?

Yes, you can use apple juice or a mixture of apple juice and a splash of lemon juice if you don’t have cider on hand. The flavor will be slightly lighter but still delicious.

Is sour cream necessary for the cake?

Sour cream or plain yogurt adds moisture and a subtle tang, contributing to the cake’s tender crumb. You can substitute with buttermilk if needed, though the texture might vary slightly.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Keep the measurements the same and watch the baking time closely, as it might vary.

How long does this pound cake stay fresh?

Freshly baked, it stays moist and delicious for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly at room temperature or refrigerated if you prefer it chilled.

What’s the best way to cut and serve a bundt cake?

Use a serrated knife to gently slice the cake into even pieces. A light touch prevents crumbling, and warm the knife slightly if needed to get clean cuts.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Apple Cider Pound Cake Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug from the inside out. Its perfect combination of spices, moist texture, and simple ingredients make it a favorite to bake time and again. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to cake for every cozy occasion.

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