• Preheat oven to 350°F/177°C.

Prepare the Caramel Topping

• Lightly spray a 10-inch bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.
• In a small mixing bowl, cream brown sugar and softened butter together using a hand mixer. If preferred, you may use a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
• Once brown sugar and butter mixture is creamy, mix apple cider and a pinch of salt using a hand mixer. The mixture should be light in color and fully incorporated. (See pics in blog post)
• Using a spatula, scrape prepared caramel topping into the bottom of the greased bundt cake pan. Set aside.

Prepare the Apple Bundt Cake Batter

• In a large mixing bowl, sift together 3 cups flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt.
• In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk together applesauce, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
• Using a spatula, fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients. Don't overmix - gently fold the batter until wet and dry ingredients are fully incorporated.

Prepare the Apples

• Peel 4 apples using a vegetable peeler or a paring knife.
• With 2 apples: Using a sharp knife, make 4 cuts around the core, discard the core. Thinly slice each side of the apple. (See video in blog post for demonstration.)
• Place each apple slice into the caramel filling in the Bundt pan, making a pretty design of your choice.
• With 2 remaining apples: Using a sharp knife, make 4 cuts around the core, discard the core. Chop the sides of the apple into ½" chunks. (See video in blog post for demonstration.)
• In a small bowl, toss apple chunks in remaining ¼ cup all purpose flour. Fold apples into Apple Bundt Cake Batter gently, using a spatula.

Finish Assembling Cake

• Pour Apple Bundt Cake Batter into the Bundt pan, covering the Caramel Topping and sliced apples. Smooth batter evenly, using a spatula.
• Place Bundt cake pan on a sheet pan, to prevent spillage during the baking process.
• Bake at 350°F/177°C for 55-65 minutes, or until toothpick/wooden skewer inserted in center of the cake comes out clean.

Cool and Flip Cake

• When cake is finished baking, allow it to cool for 20-30 minutes.
• After cake cools, place a large plate (at least 10" in diameter) on the top of the Bundt pan. Carefully flip the pan over and set the plate on your work surface.
• Gently lift the Bundt pan in an upward position. The cake should release easily onto the plate with the Caramel Topping and apple slices on top.
• If your cake sticks to the pan, take a butter knife and gently run it around the outside and inside of the Bundt pan to help the cake loosen.
• Enjoy the (literal) fruits of your labor!