Go Back
To make the perfect Apple Cider Pound Cake, you will need: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 3 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup non-alcoholic apple cider - 1 cup diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) If you need to swap some items, here are a few ideas: - Flour: You can use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. - Butter: Use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free cake. - Sugar: You can replace granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor. - Apples: Try using Fuji or Gala apples if you can't find Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. - Nuts: If you dislike walnuts or pecans, omit them or use nuts you prefer. Choosing the right apples is key to a great cake. Here are my top tips: - Firmness: Look for apples that feel firm and heavy for their size. - Freshness: Opt for apples that are in season for better flavor. - Taste: Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp gives sweetness. - Appearance: Choose apples without bruises or blemishes. - Variety: Mixing a tart and sweet apple can create a delightful balance in flavor. These tips will help you pick apples that boost your cake's taste and texture. Enjoy your baking! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for a great bake. While the oven heats up, take a 9x5 inch loaf pan and grease it well with butter or non-stick spray. This keeps your cake from sticking. Make sure you cover all the corners and edges. In a medium bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Also, add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Whisk these well to blend them together. Next, grab a large mixing bowl. Beat 1/2 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar with an electric mixer. Mix on medium speed until it looks light and fluffy, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. This adds air and gives your cake a nice texture. Now, add 3 large eggs, one at a time. Mix well after each egg. Then, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Gradually add your dry mix to the wet mix. Alternate this step with 1/2 cup of apple cider. Start with the flour mix, then the apple cider, and repeat. Finish with the flour mix. Mix until just combined, careful not to over-mix. Finally, gently fold in 1 cup of diced apples. You can use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for great taste. If you like, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch. Pour your batter into the greased loaf pan. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even finish. Place the pan in your preheated oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready. Once baked, take it out and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, move it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps it stay moist and tasty. To make your Apple Cider Pound Cake moist, use room temperature ingredients. This includes eggs and butter. When they mix, they blend better, creating a softer batter. Also, do not over-mix your batter. Mix until just combined to keep air in the cake. Adding apple cider helps, too. It brings moisture and a lovely apple flavor. You can boost the cake's flavor with spices. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are great choices. They add warmth and depth. Consider adding vanilla extract for a sweet note. You can also use fresh apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their tartness shines through. If you want, chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Some common issues can pop up while baking. If your cake sinks, it may be from over-mixing or too much liquid. To fix this, mix carefully and use the right amount of apple cider. If your cake is too dry, check your oven temperature. Ovens can vary. Always use an oven thermometer for accuracy. If your cake sticks to the pan, ensure you grease it well before pouring in the batter. {{image_4}} You can change the spice mix to suit your taste. Try adding ground ginger for warmth. Cloves or allspice can add depth too. If you love a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. These spices make the cake even more exciting and cozy. While apples are the star, you can mix in other fruits. Pears add a sweet and soft texture. Chopped peaches or berries work well, too. For a unique twist, try dried fruits like cranberries or cherries. These fruits bring new flavors and textures to your cake. A simple glaze can enhance the cake's look and flavor. Mix powdered sugar with apple cider for a sweet shine. You might sprinkle cinnamon on top for extra flavor. For crunch, add toasted nuts on the glaze. Serve slices with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. To keep your apple cider pound cake fresh, wrap it well. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist and tasty. If you want to keep it longer, the fridge can work too. Just remember, it may dry out a bit. You can freeze this cake for up to three months. To do this, slice the cake first. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap. Then, put the slices in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out all the air. When you want to enjoy a slice, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight. If your cake feels a bit dry, don’t worry. You can refresh it easily. Just place a slice on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave it for about 10-15 seconds. This will add moisture back into the cake. You can also serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a cozy treat. Yes, you can use alcoholic apple cider. It adds a unique flavor to the cake. If you choose to use it, the cake may have a stronger taste. However, I recommend non-alcoholic cider for a more traditional flavor. It keeps the cake family-friendly and delicious. To make this cake gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Look for blends that contain xanthan gum; this helps with texture. You can also use almond flour or oat flour. Adjust the amount as needed for best results. Apple Cider Pound Cake is great on its own. But you can add a few tasty options. Serve it with whipped cream for a light touch. A scoop of vanilla ice cream works well too. Fresh apple slices or a caramel drizzle can enhance the flavor. The cake stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature. Keep it covered to prevent it from drying out. If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months if wrapped well. You’ve learned the essential ingredients and steps to bake the perfect Apple Cider Pound Cake. We covered ingredient substitutions, tips for moistness, and how to customize your cake. I shared storage tips to keep your cake fresh and answered common questions. Baking can be fun, and now you have the tools to make it a success. Enjoy creating and sharing this delightful treat!

Apple Cider Pound Cake

Indulge in a slice of fall with this delicious Apple Cider Pound Cake! Bursting with the flavors of apple cider and warm spices, this moist and tender cake is perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, you’ll have a delightful treat ready in no time. Click through to discover the full recipe and make your kitchen smell amazing with this seasonal favorite!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

3 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup non-alcoholic apple cider

1 cup diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

    In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Whisk these dry ingredients until well blended, then set the bowl aside.

      In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This will incorporate air into the butter, giving your cake a lovely texture.

        Add the eggs, one at a time, to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Follow by stirring in the vanilla extract until all ingredients are well combined.

          Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the apple cider. Start by adding a portion of the flour mix, then pour in some apple cider, repeating this process and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until the batter is combined; be careful not to over-mix.

            Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts (if using) into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed to enhance flavor and texture.

              Pour the prepared batter into the greased loaf pan and use a spatula to smooth the top for an even finish.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

                  Once baked, remove the pound cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | Servings: 10-12 slices

                      - Presentation Tips: To elevate the visual appeal, serve slices of the pound cake on a decorative plate. Lightly dust the top with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. For an elegant touch, pair each slice with a dollop of whipped cream and garnish with fresh apple slices.