This Apple Cider Cake is a warm, delightful treat packed with the sweet flavors of fall. It’s moist and fluffy, making every bite feel like a hug from a cozy sweater.
When I bake this, my kitchen fills with the lovely smell of spices and apples. It’s perfect for sharing with friends, or, you know, keeping all to yourself! 🤫
I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. It’s so easy to make that I often whip it up for any gathering—everyone always asks for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of your cake. If you’re looking for healthier options, you can substitute with whole wheat flour. Just be aware it might make the cake a bit denser.
Apple Cider: This ingredient adds lots of flavor. If you don’t have apple cider, unsweetened applesauce or even orange juice can work in a pinch, but the apple flavor won’t be as strong.
Apples: Mixing tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, brings out a delightful balance. If you’d like alternatives, pears can also be a sweet substitute.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: This adds moisture and tang. If you’re in a bind, try using buttermilk or even a non-dairy yogurt for a similar texture.
What’s the Best Way to Cream Butter and Sugar?
Creaming butter and sugar is a key step for a fluffy cake. This process incorporates air, which helps the cake rise. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your butter is soft but not melted; leave it out at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed to break up the butter for about 1 minute.
- Add sugar gradually, beating for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
Pro tip: Don’t rush this step! Proper creaming leads to a light, airy cake. Cake enthusiasts can vary their mixing time based on the look and texture they feel is right!
How to Make Apple Cider Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
For the Topping:
- 2 medium apples (a mix of tart and sweet is best), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- Optional: Sugar for sprinkling on top before baking (about 2 tablespoons)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prep and around 50-60 minutes to bake. After baking, let it cool for about 15 minutes. So, in total, you’ll be looking at around 1 hour and 35 minutes from start to finish before you can enjoy your delicious apple cider cake!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan to ensure your cake comes out easily.
2. Mix Your Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This mix will help provide flavor and lift to your cake. Set it aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step is key for a fluffy cake!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the vanilla extract for a lovely aroma.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate small bowl, mix the apple cider and sour cream together. This combination adds moisture and flavor to your cake.
6. Combine Mixtures:
Now it’s time to combine! Alternately add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture with the apple cider mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overmix!
7. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out gently. Then, arrange half of the sliced apples evenly over the batter. Pour the rest of the batter on top and smooth it once more, followed by the remaining apple slices arranged in a circular pattern on top.
8. Sprinkle with Sugar:
If you like, sprinkle the optional sugar over the top of the cake for a sweet, crunchy finish.
9. Bake the Cake:
Pop the cake in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. It’s a good idea to check on it at the 50-minute mark just in case!
10. Cool and Enjoy:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature, and enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream for a delightful treat!
Enjoy your moist, warmly spiced apple cider cake filled with tender apple slices that pack a fruity finish!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour in This Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just check that the blend contains xanthan gum, or add a teaspoon of it to help with texture.
What Type of Apples Work Best?
A mix of tart and sweet apples works wonderfully. I recommend using Granny Smith for tartness combined with Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness. This combination enhances the flavor and texture of the cake!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Ingredients?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a lovely crunch. You can also mix in dried cranberries or raisins for extra flavor. Just make sure to adjust the quantities slightly so the batter stays balanced.
