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Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 3-4 minutes. This is an important step because it helps create a light texture in your cake.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Add the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples and Raisins
Once your batter is mixed, gently fold in the chopped apples and raisins. The apples will provide moisture and a subtle crunch, while the raisins offer a burst of sweetness with every bite.
Step 7: Pour the Batter into the Bundt Pan
Transfer the batter into your prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Smooth the top to ensure the cake bakes evenly.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake towards the end, as baking times may vary depending on your oven and the moisture content of your apples.
Step 9: Let the Cake Cool
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes, then carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Prepare the Glaze (Optional)
While the cake is cooling, you can prepare a simple glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for a sweet finishing touch.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Raisin Bundt Cake
- Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work best in this recipe. Their tartness complements the sweetness of the raisins and the spice of the cinnamon.
- Don’t Skip the Glaze: While the cake is delicious on its own, the glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and a nice finishing touch. If you prefer a more subtle sweetness, you can skip the glaze or use a light dusting of powdered sugar instead.
- Try Adding Walnuts or Pecans: If you love nuts, feel free to fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the raisins and apples. The crunch will add a lovely contrast to the soft cake.
- Make-Ahead: This cake actually gets better as it sits! You can make it a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. The flavors have more time to meld, and the cake remains wonderfully moist.
- Storage: To keep your Apple Raisin Bundt Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Raisin Bundt Cake is a comforting and flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon snack or the centerpiece of your holiday spread, its warm spices and moist texture are sure to please everyone. The combination of apples, raisins, and cinnamon makes every bite a little taste of fall, while the Bundt pan shape makes it a showstopper on the dessert table.
Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee or tea, and let the comforting aroma fill your home. Happy baking!