Easy Apple Cider Spice Cake

Fall is finally here! That means all things pumpkin and apple. While I like baking, I don't do it often and most times I use a boxed cake mix. Spiced up regular boxed cake with apple cider and apple chunks, turning it into a delicious and easy apple cider spice cake.

Spruce Your Cake Using Boxed Cake Mix

Who says boxed cake has to be boring? You can make a great a cake from a boxed mix to taste like you got it from a bakery.

If you are are not a baker, I get how frustrating it is. One of the most difficult aspects of food blogging is measuring for my recipes. I grew up watching my mom cooking by using un poquito de aqui y un poquito de alla! not measuring at all.

So baking is more complexed. If you add even a pinch extra of an ingredient it could affect the ending result of your baked goods.

So a few years ago, I found out by a baker friend of mine that you can spruce up a boxed cake mix and get great results. It is easy and you will end up with a great tasting cake!

Ingredients to Make The Apple Cider Spice Cake

**See the Recipe Card Below for complete measurements**

You can use any brand of boxed cake mix. I prefer using Duncan Hines. For this recipe I used Signature Spice Cake mix. There are a few ingredients you will be swapping from the regular ingredients that are listed in the box to make a better batter.

To make the batter you will need:

Dry mix - self explanatory

5 eggs - By adding the additional 2 eggs it will result in a fluffier cake

1 stick of butter melted - Swapping the oil for the butter it will give the cake the moisture needed for a fluffier cake.

1 cup of Apple Cider - Most of the boxed cakes ask for water or milk but for this cake adding apple cider will give that warm fall flavor. I use fresh apple cider that can be found in the produce aisle of your local market or you can also buy at the farmer's market to support local.

Apple chunks - I like adding apple chunks to give it a hearty feel. I use Honey Crisp apples. The PNW has a large variety of apples but for this recipe I used Honey Crisp Apples. You could also use Granny Smith apples.

1 Tbsp Vanilla - Use a vanilla bean or you can always use vanilla extract. I used good pure Vanilla.

½ tbsp of Pumpkin Pie Spice - You can always add the spices for apple pie but I love Pumpkin Spice so that is what I used.

¼ cup chopped Walnuts - I love adding any type of nuts or seeds to cakes to give it texture. You can use your favorites or leave them out.

1 tbsp of Bourbon - This is my secret ingredient. I love apple cider and Bourbon. I use my favorite Four Roses Bourbon.

There are a few steps that you should to follow when baking to make from OK to a great cake.

The mold you use matters when it comes to the cooking time and end result. I use the Nordic Ware Heritage Gold Bundt from Sur La Table.

This step is very crucial in the baking process to have a good cake. Make sure you butter the pan and coat with flour evenly.

In a stand mixer add eggs, milk, butter and dry mix, Pumpkin Spice, Bourbon and vanilla. Mix on medium for about 2 minutes, do not overmix. Fold in walnuts and apples.

Pour on prepared mold and bake on a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Rest for 15 minutes, unmold and sprinkled with powdered sugar.

Simple and yet delicious! Boxed cake doesn't have to be average!

Substitutions

• White or Yellow Cake mix can be used.
• Pecans can be used instead of walnuts.
• Brandy or Apple Liqueur can be used instead of Bourbon or it can be left out completely.

Storing and Reheating

Storing: Store in an air tight container. If you are not eating it immediately refrigerate for a few days.

Reheating: Place in a microwave safe plate and reheat for 30 seconds.

Some of My Favorite Desserts

• Nutella Banana French Toast
• Challah Mascarpone French Toast
• Carrot Cake with Brandy

If you make this recipe I'd love to hear from you! Leave me a comment below.

📖 Recipe