This apple cider cake is soft, sweet, and filled with the warm flavor of fall! With chunks of apples and a hint of spice, it smells heavenly while baking.
Honestly, I can’t resist a slice with a cup of hot cider! It’s my little way of celebrating autumn, and trust me, everyone will love it at your next gathering.
It’s super easy to whip up—just mix the ingredients, bake, and you’re done. Perfect for a cozy day at home or enjoying with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the cake. For a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free flour blend. Just be sure it’s suitable for baking!
Apple cider: Use fresh apple cider for the best flavor. If you can’t find it, apple juice works in a pinch, but it won’t have the same depth of flavor.
Spices: The mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves gives this cake a cozy feel. If you don’t have cloves, just leave them out—cinnamon is the star! For a twist, you could add a pinch of cardamom.
Butter: Unsalted butter offers control over the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free version, coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute can work well.
Apples: Granny Smith apples add tartness. You can use other tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn if that’s what you have!
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Properly?
Creaming butter and sugar is key to your cake’s texture! Here’s how to do it right:
- Softened butter is essential—leave it out of the fridge for about 30 minutes.
- Use a mixer and beat on medium speed. Start slow to avoid sugar flying everywhere.
- Beat until the mix looks light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This introduces air, helping the cake rise!
Don’t rush this step; it really affects your cake’s flop levels! Happy baking!
How to Make Apple Cider Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup apple cider (not concentrate)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (preferably tart apples like Granny Smith)
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful apple cider cake takes about 15 minutes to prep and 45-55 minutes to bake, plus a cooling time of around 10-15 minutes. So in total, you’ll need about 1 to 1.5 hours before you can enjoy a tasty slice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. This is your dry mix, and it needs to be set aside for later.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—this should take about 3-5 minutes. It’s important for a nice texture!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully mixed in before adding the next. Once incorporated, pour in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine with Dry Ingredients and Cider:
Now, it’s time to mix it all together! Add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the apple cider. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until everything is combined.
6. Prepare for Baking:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth out the top so it’s even. This ensures even baking!
7. Add Apple Slices:
Now for the fun part! Arrange the sliced apples on top of the batter in a circular pattern, slightly pressing them into the batter for a lovely presentation.
8. Bake the Cake:
Pop your cake in the oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the middle, and it should come out clean. If it’s still batter-y, give it a few more minutes.
9. Cool Down:
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven, and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent it from becoming soggy!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooled, you can dust the top with powdered sugar if you want a little extra sweetness and flair. Now it’s ready to enjoy! Pair it with a cozy cup of tea or coffee, and savor every bite!
Enjoy baking this delicious apple cider cake!
Can I Substitute Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can also use other tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn. Just make sure to slice them thinly for even distribution in the cake.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before enjoying!
Can I Use Apple Juice Instead of Apple Cider?
Yes, apple juice can be used as a substitute if you can’t find apple cider. Just be aware that it may not have the same depth of flavor, but it will still add sweetness and moisture to the cake!