This warm and cozy Apple Cider Pound Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any occasion! With rich flavors of apple and spices, every bite is super moist and full of fall vibes.
Let’s be real, this cake makes the kitchen smell amazing! I love serving it with a cup of coffee or tea. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this sweet pick-me-up! ☕🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of the cake. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. I’ve tried it, and the results are still delicious!
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider brings so much flavor. If you can’t find it, unsweetened applesauce mixed with a bit of water can work too. It’s a good option when cider is out of season!
Sour Cream or Yogurt: Both keep the cake moist, but I often use Greek yogurt for a healthy twist. It adds protein and a tangy flavor without sacrificing the moistness.
Spices: The cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a warm, cozy taste. Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference or use pumpkin spice if you have it on hand!
How Do I Ensure My Pound Cake is Moist?
Keeping your pound cake moist is key to a delightful texture. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this gives the best creaming results.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until you can no longer see dry flour.
- Adding apples not only flavors the cake but also keeps it moist. Make sure they are thinly sliced!
- Test for doneness with a toothpick, but don’t wait for it to be completely clean; a few moist crumbs are okay.
How to Make Delicious Apple Cider Pound Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep time, plus 60-70 minutes to bake. Make sure to set aside some time for the cake to cool before serving, so it’s a good idea to plan for around 1.5 to 2 hours in total.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grab a bundt pan and grease it well with butter or cooking spray, then sprinkle it with flour to prevent sticking. This ensures your cake comes out perfectly!
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This mixture adds flavorful warmth to your cake. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Creaming Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, take your softened butter and granulated sugar and use an electric mixer to cream them together. Beat for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to giving your pound cake its airy texture!
4. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mix, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely aroma.
5. Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, lower the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the flour mixture and apple cider to the creamed butter combination, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overmix!
6. Folding in Sour Cream and Apples:
Next, stir in the sour cream (or yogurt) until the mixture is smooth. Gently fold in the thin apple slices, making sure they are evenly mixed into the batter for delightful bites of fruit.
7. Baking the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 60-70 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center—the toothpick should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
8. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
Enjoy this moist, spiced apple cider pound cake with a warm cup of tea or coffee—perfect for cozy afternoons or special gatherings!
Can I Substitute the Butter for Margarine?
Yes, you can use margarine in place of butter. Just ensure it’s a stick variety and not a spreadable one. The texture and flavor might differ slightly, but the cake will still turn out delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for about a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil!
Can I Add Nuts or Raisins to the Cake?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in about 1 cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, or some raisins along with the apple slices. These additions will add extra texture and flavor!
What Can I Use Instead of Apple Cider?
If you don’t have apple cider, unsweetened applesauce mixed with some water can work in its place. Additionally, apple juice or a blend of apple juice and a splash of vinegar can mimic the flavor.
