This Apple Cider Cake is a warm and cozy treat that’s perfect for fall. Made with fresh apple cider and spices, it has a moist texture and a sweet, comforting flavor!
Whenever I bake this cake, my whole house smells like autumn. It’s so good, I sometimes eat it for breakfast (shh, don’t tell!). Just add a sprinkle of cinnamon and enjoy! 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is your base for structure. If you want a gluten-free version, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s suitable for baking!
Butter: I use unsalted butter to control the salt level. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well, just be sure to melt and cool it first.
Apple cider: Fresh apple cider gives a wonderful flavor. If you can’t find it, you can use unsweetened apple juice which also works, although the taste might be slightly less rich.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Both add moisture and tanginess to the cake. If you want a healthier option, you can use plain applesauce in equal measure to keep it moist!
Tart apples: I love using Granny Smith, but you can swap for Honeycrisp or Braeburn if you want a sweeter taste in your cake.
How Do I Get Perfectly Baked Apple Slices on Top?
Getting those apple slices just right is key to a beautiful cake! You’ll want to slice them thin, around 1/8-inch thick, so they cook evenly. Before placing them on top, slightly press each slice into the batter to ensure they stick and bake well.
- Start from the outside and work your way to the center for a nice pattern.
- The apple slices should barely peek above the batter; they’ll rise as they bake.
- Don’t skip the sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon – it creates a lovely caramelized top!
Delicious Apple Cider Cake Recipe
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
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple cider (preferably fresh)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 3 medium tart apples (like Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Apple Cider Cake takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 50-60 minutes to bake, followed by a cooling time of about 15 minutes. So, overall, dedicate about 1.5 hours from start to finish, but the delicious aroma and flavor will be well worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper. This will help the cake pop out easily later on.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using). Once mixed, set the bowl aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this takes about 3-4 minutes. Now, add the eggs one by one, making sure to beat well after each addition. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract, mixing until just combined.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate small bowl, mix the apple cider and sour cream (or yogurt) together. This adds moisture and a delightful tang to the cake.
5. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to combine everything! Alternately add the flour mixture and the apple cider mixture to the butter mixture. Start with the dry ingredients and end with them. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix the batter.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Make sure it’s even so it bakes nicely.
7. Arrange the Apples:
Take the sliced apples and arrange them on top of the batter in a circular pattern, gently pressing them into the batter. This not only looks pretty but also ensures the apples bake well.
8. Add Sugar and Cinnamon Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of sugar with 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the apples to create a sweet, crispy topping as it bakes.
9. Bake the Cake:
Now, pop your cake into the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
10. Cooling Time:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. After that, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate, so the apple slices are on top!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
This delightful Apple Cider Cake can be served warm or at room temperature. For an extra treat, consider dusting it with powdered sugar or serving it with a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Enjoy every bite of this autumn-inspired dessert!
Enjoy your moist, tender cake infused with apple cider and warm spices, beautifully complemented by tender baked apple slices on top!
Can I Substitute Apple Cider with Apple Juice?
Yes, you can substitute apple cider with unsweetened apple juice if you can’t find cider. While the flavor might not be as rich, it will still work well in the recipe!
How to Store Leftover Apple Cider Cake?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure it’s properly covered to maintain moisture!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith gives a nice tanginess, you can also use Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji apples for sweetness. Mixing different varieties can give a more complex flavor, too!
Can I Freeze the Cake?
Yes, this cake freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
