This apple cake with apple cider glaze has an intense apple flavor with 1 1/2 pounds of apples in the batter, a cider reduction, and cider glaze. It is a deliciously moist cake!

I know apples can show up in desserts year-round, but there’s something about September that just screams apples.(This recipe was originally published on October 9th, 2013. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn commission on qualifying purchases.)

What I like about this apple cake recipe.

• Some apple cakes call for chunks of apples which can leave big pockets in the finished cake as they shrink and cook. This recipe from Cook’s Illustrated, calls for shredded apples. Shredded apple means an even distribution of fruit, flavor, and moisture.
• Some apple cakes have an overwhelming cinnamon flavor which just overpowers the cake. This one calls for less than a teaspoon.
• There is a cider reduction. Some of the cider reduction is added to the batter, some is brushed on the finished cake, and some is used for the icing. If you’re lucky enough to live somewhere where apples are harvested, you’ll most likely be able to find apple cider reduction or boiled apple cider which is basically boiled and reduced apple cider. Don’t worry if you can’t find it in the stores, we’ll make it here.
• It’s made in a bundt pan. If you’re not a fan of frosting, you’ll appreciate the simple glaze. Plus it seems like a bundt cake always serves more than a traditional loaf or tiered cake. Expect to get at least 16 generous servings from this apple cake recipe.
• This cake is easy enough to make in a bowl, so there’s no need to pull out the mixer. 

How to make apple cake

As always I recommend weighing and measuring out all ingredients before you begin baking. There’s nothing worse than getting started an realizing you’re missing 1 ingredient. Since a good baking scale is so cheap, there’s no reason to not own one. This kitchen scale has over 16,000 4 star recommendations, and is under $15!

First make the cider reduction. Bring 4 cups of cider to a boil in a large skillet. A skillet is quicker than a saucepan as it has a greater surface area. This takes the most time; about 20-25 minutes to reduce 4 cups to 1.

While the cider is reducing, measure out the remaining ingredients. The cider is reduced to one cup.

Next, you’ll need to divide it three ways; 1/2 cup will be for the cake batter, 2 Tablespoons will be used for the cider glaze and the remaining 1/3 or so cup will be brushed on the warm cake before glazing. This adds an additional pop of apple flavor and gives it a nice sheen.

Make the cider glaze using 2 Tablespoons of the cider reduction and 3/4 cup powdered sugar. Set aside.

Once the wet and dry ingredients have been measured out, peel and shred the apples.

Too soon, and they’ll turn brown. Fold the shredded apples into the batter.

Pour batter into greased and floured bundt pan and smooth top. Bake at 350 degrees F. for 55 minutes to 65 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

Transfer cake to a baking sheet with a rack, this will help catch any spills. Brush one tablespoon of the cider.

Let cake cool 10 minutes, then invert it onto the wire rack and continue to brush remaining glaze over the sides and top of the cake.

Let cool another 20 minutes, then drizzle cider glaze over cake.

Allow cake to cool for 2 hours before serving. Cake will keep for up to 3 days loosely wrapped in plastic, at room temperature.

I think the apple cake is delicious warm with a cup of tea (or coffee) on a cool autumn afternoon, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a dessert.

What to do with leftover apple cider?

Depending on how much cider you bought, you might have leftover. These cider glazed chicken breasts are an easy and quick weeknight meal. Hot apple pie is a spiced cider drink that’s spiked with apple brandy for a cozy autumn drink. Porc a la Normande (Pork with apples) is a tradtional French dish that uses just 1/4 cup of apple cider.