This Apple Cider Cake is moist and packed with warm spices, making it perfect for cozy days. The sweet apple flavor shines through, and a sprinkle of cinnamon adds a delightful touch!
Honestly, I can’t resist a slice with my afternoon tea. It feels like a big hug in every bite! 🍏 I love how it fills my kitchen with the smell of fall.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This flour is a must for structure. If you want to make it gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I’ve tried this with good results, and my friends couldn’t even tell the difference!
Apple Cider: Fresh apple cider enhances the flavor. If it’s not available, you can use unsweetened applesauce or diluted apple juice. I even use a little apple juice concentrate sometimes for sweetness!
Apples: Granny Smith apples hold their shape and offer a great tartness. If you prefer sweeter apples, consider Fuji or Honeycrisp. You can also use a mix for varied flavor and texture!
Spices: The warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg are essential! If you don’t have all of them, don’t worry; just a good amount of cinnamon works wonders too. I often add a pinch of ginger for extra warmth!
How to Cream Butter and Sugar for a Light Cake?
Creaming butter and sugar is a vital step to get a light and fluffy cake. This process traps air in the mixture, making your cake rise beautifully.
- Ensure your butter is softened but not melted; this helps it mix smoothly with sugar.
- Beat them together on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to incorporate everything evenly.
This step is key to achieving that perfect cake texture, so don’t rush it!
What’s the Best Way to Arrange Apple Slices on the Cake?
Arranging apple slices artfully can make your cake look extra special. Here’s a simple way to do it:
- Start with the outer edge and place slices in a circular pattern, slightly overlapping each slice.
- Continue inward, forming a spiral. You can leave a small area in the center empty for a standout look!
- Don’t worry about it being perfect; a rustic look adds charm!
This will not only look beautiful but also allow those apple slices to caramelize nicely while baking! Enjoy baking this delightful treat!
Delicious Apple Cider Cake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups apple cider
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For Topping:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored and thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (for sprinkling on top)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for sprinkling on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Apple Cider Cake takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and 50-60 minutes to bake. Allow some additional time for cooling before serving, making the total time roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes. Perfect for a weekend baking project!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to make sure your cake comes out easily later on.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This is a crucial step as it ensures all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake. Set this mixture aside for now.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. It’s so satisfying to see it transform!
4. Add the Eggs:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to lock in the air you created earlier!
5. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate measuring cup, combine the apple cider, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. This adds extra moisture and flavor to your cake.
6. Combine Everything:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the apple cider mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to over-mix!
7. Pour the Batter:
Pour the lovely batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Arrange the Apples:
Now for the fun part! Arrange the sliced apples evenly over the top of the batter, creating a beautiful circular pattern.
9. Add the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the apples for that sweet, caramelized topping.
10. 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. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing by now!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help maintain that perfect moisture.
This Apple Cider Cake is sure to be a favorite with its moist texture, delicious apple flavor, and warm spices. Slice it up and enjoy a piece with some tea or coffee – it’s the perfect treat! Happy baking!
Can I Substitute the Apples in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can use any apples you prefer. Sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji work well, or a mix of different apples for added flavor!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this Apple Cider Cake gluten-free, simply swap out the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum included, as this helps mimic the texture of regular flour!
Can I Use Store-Bought Apple Cider?
Yes, store-bought apple cider is perfect for this recipe! Just ensure it’s pure apple cider without added sugars or preservatives for the best flavor. You can also look for unfiltered versions for a richer taste!
How Do I Store Leftover Cake?
To store leftover cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze pieces in an airtight container for up to 3 months!
