This Apple Cider Cake is a cozy treat bursting with apple goodness. Made with fresh cider and warm spices, it’s perfect for fall gatherings or a simple afternoon snack!
Whenever I bake this cake, my home fills with a sweet smell that makes everyone rush to the kitchen. It’s so good, I’ve been known to enjoy it for breakfast—shh, don’t tell anyone! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the foundation of your cake. If you need a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work well. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum for better texture.
Apple cider: Fresh cider brings a lovely flavor! If you don’t have it, you can use apple juice or a mix of apple juice with a bit of vinegar for tang. This adjustment will maintain the cake’s moistness.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are my go-to for this cake because they add great tartness, balancing the sweetness. But feel free to use any firm variety such as Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.
Spices: The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves gives warm aromas. If you want to simplify, sticking with just cinnamon works too. Also, adding a dash of ginger can add warmth!
How Do You Cream Butter and Sugar Perfectly?
Creaming butter and sugar is key to getting a fluffy texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with softened butter (not melted) for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Use a mixer on medium speed and beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, usually about 3-5 minutes.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is combined well.
This step helps incorporate air into your butter, leading to a lighter cake!
Why Should You Layer the Apples on Top?
Layering the apples on top allows them to get tender and caramelized as the cake bakes. This not only adds a beautiful presentation but also enhances the flavor. Make sure to overlap the slices for an attractive look!
Delicious Apple Cider Cake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup apple cider (preferably fresh)
- 1 ½ cups peeled and sliced apples (about 2 medium apples)
- For Topping:
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for topping)
- Optional: cinnamon sticks for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 20 minutes of preparation time, and then around 45–55 minutes for baking. After baking, let the cake cool for about 20 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. So, in total, you’re looking at under 1.5 hours to have this delicious cake ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. This helps the cake release easily once it’s done baking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This combination will give your cake a wonderful flavor and make it rise nicely. Once mixed, set this bowl aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and 1 cup sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with a hand mixer. It’s essential to incorporate air for a light cake!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor.
5. Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients:
Now, you’ll want to mix in your flour mixture and apple cider. Do this in three additions: start with a third of the flour, mix until just combined, then add half of the cider, and keep alternating, ending with the flour. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Pour and Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Arrange the sliced apples on top in a circular pattern; this looks lovely and tastes great too!
7. Sprinkle Sugar on Top:
To create a nice caramelized top, sprinkle the 2 tablespoons of sugar evenly over the apples.
8. Bake the Cake:
Pop the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 20 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan to cool completely on the wire rack.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. For a special touch, you can garnish with cinnamon sticks. Enjoy your moist, fragrant Apple Cider Cake — perfect for any apple lover!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can use any firm variety like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor. A mix of apples can also add complexity to the taste!
How Do I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and place it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to 3 months!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the cake in advance and store it in an airtight container once cooled. If you plan to frost or serve it later, wait until just before serving to add any toppings or garnishes.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Apple Cider Cake?
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a nice touch too!