This Apple Cider Pound Cake is a cozy dessert that’s perfect for fall! It’s moist, filled with apple goodness, and has a yummy cinnamon flavor that just warms your heart.
Trust me, each slice tastes like a hug from grandma. I love serving it with a scoop of ice cream on top. You might want to have seconds—don’t worry, I won’t tell! 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This gives the cake its structure. If you’re gluten-free, you can try a gluten-free all-purpose blend. I had great results with a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix.
Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the salt flavor. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter work fine, though the texture may change a bit.
Apple cider: Fresh apple cider adds that authentic fall flavor. If it’s unavailable, use applesauce or a mixture of white grape juice and a touch of vinegar to mimic the tang.
Ground cinnamon: A spice we love for its warm notes! You can experiment with other spices like nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice if you want to change things up.
How Do You Ensure a Light and Fluffy Cake?
One key to getting a light and fluffy pound cake is in the creaming of the butter and sugar. This process incorporates air into the batter, helping it rise well. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use room-temperature butter; it blends easier and traps more air.
- Beat the butter and sugar together for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly between each addition for more volume.
Remember, be gentle when mixing in the flour to avoid losing the air you’ve just built up! This will help your cake rise beautifully and stay moist.
How to Make Apple Cider Pound Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup apple cider
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep and 60-70 minutes of baking time. After that, let it cool for around 15 minutes in the pan and then completely on a wire rack. So, in total, set aside about 1 hour and 45 minutes to enjoy this delicious cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While it’s warming up, grease and flour a bundt or tube pan. This will help the cake come out nicely without sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This will ensure everything is evenly distributed. Set this bowl aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. Mix for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is super important for a fluffy texture!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Now, add the eggs one at a time, making sure to beat well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract to add a lovely flavor.
5. Combine Cider and Vinegar:
In a small bowl, combine the apple cider and apple cider vinegar. This mix will give your cake a nice touch of tartness.
6. Combine All Ingredients:
Alternately add the flour mixture and the apple cider mixture into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix; just blend until everything is combined!
7. Pour and Smooth the Batter:
Once your batter is ready, pour it into the prepared bundt pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top so it bakes evenly.
8. Baking Time:
Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for about 60-70 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, it’s ready!
9. Cooling the Cake:
After baking, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, gently invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. It can be tempting to dig in right away, but this cooling time helps preserve the flavor and texture!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Once your cake has cooled completely, dust it with powdered sugar and add cinnamon sticks for garnish if you like. Slice it up, serve, and enjoy each delightful piece of this tasty apple cider pound cake!
This pound cake is moist and bursting with warm apple cider flavors, making it perfect for autumn or any cozy occasion. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour Instead?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s designed for baking to ensure the best texture and flavor. Your cake will still be delicious!
How Should I Store the Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes, this cake actually stays moist and flavorful over time! You can bake it a day or two in advance. Just store it properly and dust with powdered sugar right before serving for the best presentation.
What Should I Serve With This Pound Cake?
This cake is fabulous on its own, but you can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Adding fresh apple slices or a side of warm apple compote accentuates the flavors beautifully!
