There’s something magical about the flavors of fall, and nothing captures the season better than a homemade apple cider cake. Bursting with warm spices, sweet apple flavor, and a moist, tender crumb, this cake is perfect for cozy gatherings, autumn holidays, or even as an everyday treat with your morning coffee. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, apple cider cake is a must-try dessert that delivers comfort in every bite.
Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Cake
Apple cider cake is the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and tangy. Unlike plain apple cakes, this recipe uses fresh apple cider, which adds depth and richness to the flavor. Combined with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it’s like fall in dessert form.
Benefits of Baking Apple Cider Cake
- Seasonal flavors: A true taste of autumn.
- Moist and tender: Apple cider keeps the cake soft and flavorful.
- Simple ingredients: Easy to make with pantry staples.
- Versatile dessert: Works for breakfast, brunch, or after-dinner sweet.
- Crowd-pleasing: Perfect for potlucks, parties, or family dinners.
Ingredients for Apple Cider Cake
To make the perfect apple cider cake, you’ll need:
- Fresh apple cider (not apple juice)
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder and baking soda
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves
- Sugar and brown sugar
- Butter or oil
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
Optional add-ins include diced apples, chopped pecans, or raisins for extra flavor and texture.
How to Make Apple Cider Cake
Step 1: Reduce the Cider
Simmer apple cider until it reduces by half. This intensifies the flavor and ensures the cake has that distinct apple essence.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat softened butter with sugars until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and cooled reduced cider.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet mixture, then pour into a greased cake pan or bundt pan. Bake until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
Step 5: Finish with Toppings
Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with a cider glaze, or frost with cream cheese icing. A caramel drizzle also pairs beautifully with this cake.
Variations of Apple Cider Cake
- Apple Cider Donut Cake: Use a bundt pan and coat the cake with cinnamon sugar to mimic the flavor of classic apple cider donuts.
- Apple Cider Cupcakes: Make individual servings topped with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.
- Glazed Apple Cider Loaf: Bake in a loaf pan and drizzle with a simple apple cider glaze for a coffee-shop style treat.
- Spiked Apple Cider Cake: Add a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult twist.
Tips for the Best Apple Cider Cake
- Use real apple cider, not juice. Juice doesn’t have the same depth of flavor.
- Don’t skip reducing the cider. It concentrates the flavor for a stronger apple taste.
- Use fresh spices. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves lose flavor over time.
- Let the cake cool before glazing. This prevents runny toppings.
- Store properly. Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Perfect Occasions for Apple Cider Cake
- Thanksgiving dessert table
- Fall family gatherings
- Afternoon tea or coffee companion
- Holiday parties
- A sweet treat to bring to the office or share with neighbors
Final Thoughts
Apple cider cake is the ultimate fall dessert — warm, comforting, and full of seasonal flavors. Whether you keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or dress it up with glaze and toppings, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. With its moist texture, spiced aroma, and rich apple flavor, this cake is a delicious way to celebrate the best of autumn.
Apple Cider Cake
Equipment
- Saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
- Bundt Pan or Cake Pan
- Whisk
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour sifted
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider to be reduced to 3/4 cup
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 eggs room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup diced apples, chopped pecans, or raisins optional mix-ins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt or cake pan.
- In a saucepan, simmer apple cider until reduced by half (about 15 minutes). Let cool.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a bowl.
- Cream butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and cooled reduced cider.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Fold in optional apples, pecans, or raisins if using.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar, glazing with cider drizzle, or topping with cream cheese frosting.