Delicious Apple Cider Cake Recipe

Looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall? This Apple Cider Cake is a moist and flavorful treat infused with the rich taste of apple cider, warm spices, and a creamy frosting. Perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or simply enjoying on a cozy afternoon, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends with its delectable flavors and beautiful presentation.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to try this Apple Cider Cake. First, the rich apple cider flavor brings a unique twist to a classic cake. The combination of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and aroma, making it a perfect dessert for autumn gatherings and holidays. Plus, topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting and a decadent apple cider caramel sauce, this cake is not just a dessert but a celebration of flavors!

How to Make Apple Cider Cake

Ingredients

• For the Apple Cider Reduction:

  • 6 cups (1440 ml) apple cider

• For the Apple Cider Cake:

  • 2 1/4 cups (282 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp allspice
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 cup (110 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 3 eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tbsp vanilla
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (122 g) sour cream, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider reduction, at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup (95 g) unsweetened apple butter, at room temperature

• For the Apple Cider Caramel Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider reduction, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 9 tbsp (126 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1/8 tsp salt

• For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold
  • 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar

Directions

1. Prepare the Apple Cider Reduction:

   • In a saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until reduced to 1 cup. Allow it to cool.

2. Make the Apple Cider Cake:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
   • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
   • In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla.
   • Mix in the buttermilk, sour cream, apple cider reduction, and apple butter.
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely in the pans.

3. Prepare the Apple Cider Caramel Sauce:

   • In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
   • Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, apple cider reduction, vanilla, and salt until everything is well combined. Bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.

4. Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

   • In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.

5. Assemble the Cake:

   • Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top, drizzle with caramel sauce, and then add the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake, and drizzle with more caramel sauce for decoration.

How to Serve Apple Cider Cake

This Apple Cider Cake is best served at room temperature. You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for extra indulgence. Garnishing with sliced apples or cinnamon sticks can also enhance its autumnal appeal.

How to Store Apple Cider Cake

To keep your Apple Cider Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap.

Tips to Make Apple Cider Cake

• Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor.
• Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing results.
• For an even moister cake, try adding a bit more sour cream or buttermilk.

Variations

• Substitute the apple butter with pumpkin puree for a pumpkin cider cake.
• Use different spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
• Swap out half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?

   • Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to frost and serve.

2. Can I use store-bought apple cider?

   • Absolutely! Store-bought apple cider works just as well as homemade for this recipe.

3. What can I use instead of eggs?

   • You can use eggs replacements like flax eggs or applesauce. For each egg, use 1/4 cup of applesauce or a mixture of 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons of water.

Enjoy baking this delicious Apple Cider Cake and savor every bite!

Apple Cider Cake

A moist and flavorful Apple Cider Cake infused with the rich taste of apple cider and warm spices, topped with cream cheese frosting and a caramel sauce, perfect for autumn gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Course Cake, Dessert

Cuisine American, Fall

Servings 12 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Apple Cider Reduction

• 6 cups apple cider For reducing to 1 cup for the cake.

For the Apple Cider Cake

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp allspice
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 10 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated white sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup sour cream, at room temperature
• 1/2 cup apple cider reduction, at room temperature
• 1/3 cup unsweetened apple butter, at room temperature

For the Apple Cider Caramel Sauce

• 1/2 cup apple cider reduction, at room temperature
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 9 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/8 tsp salt

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 8 oz cream cheese, cold
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a saucepan, simmer the apple cider over medium heat until reduced to 1 cup. Allow it to cool.

Making the Cake

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla.
• Mix in the buttermilk, sour cream, apple cider reduction, and apple butter.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool completely in the pans.

Preparing the Caramel Sauce

• In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and stir until dissolved.
• Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, apple cider reduction, vanilla, and salt until everything is well combined.
• Bring to a simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Making the Cream Cheese Frosting

• In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
• Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.

Assembly

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on top, drizzle with caramel sauce, and then add the second cake layer.
• Frost the top and sides of the cake, and drizzle with more caramel sauce for decoration.

Notes

Best served at room temperature. Adding vanilla ice cream or whipped cream can enhance the dessert.

Keyword Apple Cider Cake, Autumn Cake, Baking Recipe, Dessert Recipe, Fall Dessert