This yummy apple cider cake is perfect for fall! It’s moist, sweet, and filled with the warm flavors of apples and spices. You can enjoy it for dessert or with a cup of coffee!
Seriously, who can resist a cake that smells like a cozy kitchen? I love serving it warm with a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It always puts a smile on my face! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base of your cake. You can swap in whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Just note it may make the cake denser.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves give this cake its warm flavor. If you’re out of one, feeling adventurous? Try pumpkin pie spice as a substitute!
Butter: Unsalted butter is best because it allows you to control the salt level. If you need a dairy-free option, try coconut oil or vegan butter, but the texture may vary slightly.
Apple Cider: Fresh cider is delicious, but you can use store-bought as well. In a pinch, apple juice works, though you might miss that robust cider flavor.
Apples: Granny Smith is my favorite for its tartness, which balances the sweetness of the cake. You can also use Honeycrisp or another tart variety. You could even mix types for added texture!
What’s the Best Way to Fold Ingredients Without Overmixing?
Folding is a gentle mixing technique important for maintaining the cake’s light texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon. Avoid electric mixers at this stage!
- Cut through the center of the batter, scrape along the bottom, and lift the batter over itself. Rotate the bowl a quarter turn and repeat.
- Be gentle! Stop as soon as you don’t see dry flour anymore. A few lumps are okay. This will keep your cake tender.
With these tips and insights, your Apple Cider Cake is sure to turn out deliciously every time! Happy baking!
Apple Cider Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup apple cider (preferably fresh)
Other Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (preferably Granny Smith or tart apples)
- 1-2 apples, thinly sliced for the top decoration
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Time Needed:
This Apple Cider Cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-55 minutes to bake. Allow additional time for cooling—approximately 10 minutes in the pan and then cooling completely on a wire rack. Overall, you’ll need about 1.5 hours before you can enjoy this delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until well combined. This will help distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the cake.
3. Creaming the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is important because it helps to add air into the cake batter, making the cake nice and fluffy.
4. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract. This makes the batter richer and more flavorful!
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the apple cider to the butter mixture. Start and end with the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your cake tender.
6. Folding in Apples:
Gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula. This adds bits of tartness and sweetness throughout the cake.
7. Pouring the Batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. This helps to ensure an even baking surface.
8. Decorating with Apple Slices:
Arrange the thin apple slices neatly on top of the batter in a circular pattern, pressing them down gently to embed them in the cake.
9. Baking the Cake:
Place the cake in your preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready!
10. Cooling the Cake:
After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring it retains its moistness.
11. Serving the Cake:
Once the cake has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a lovely finish. Slice up your beautiful Apple Cider Cake, serve it, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of fall!
Enjoy your moist and warmly spiced Apple Cider Cake — it’s perfect for cozy autumn days!
Can I Substitute Apple Cider with Something Else?
Yes, if you don’t have apple cider on hand, you can use apple juice as a substitute. However, for the richest flavor, fresh apple cider is recommended as it gives a more intense apple taste!
How Should I Store Leftover Apple Cider Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure it’s wrapped well to maintain moisture.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance and keep it covered at room temperature. When you’re ready to serve, simply dust with powdered sugar. It’s perfect for gatherings!
What Are Some Good Toppings for Apple Cider Cake?
While it’s delicious on its own, you can elevate it with toppings like whipped cream, caramel sauce, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. A sprinkle of nuts or additional cinnamon can also add an extra crunch and flavor!
