Easy Apple Cider Spice Cake

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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

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!

Spruce up your boxed cake mix

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 PS 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.

Preparing the Apple Cider Spice cake

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 like this one here, I bought it a couple of years ago on sale at 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!

If you want to make this recipe later? Pin it on Pinterest.

You can find the behind the scenes and how to's on my Instagram Stories. You can find me @hungrytravelingmama tag me #hungrytravelingmama if you made this recipe!

Happy Baking!

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More Sweet Recipes:

• Nutella Banana French Toast
• Challah Mascarpone French Toast

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