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Apple Cider Cake

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A moist, warmly spiced cake infused with rich apple cider flavor, topped with a luscious cinnamon cream cheese frosting. This easy one-layer cake is the ultimate fall dessert—perfect for cozy gatherings, Thanksgiving, or any autumn celebration!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • 1½ tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • 2 tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp nutmeg

  • ¼ tsp ground cloves

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • ¾ cup brown sugar

  • ½ cup granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • ½ cup reduced apple cider (see instructions)

  • ½ cup applesauce

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 3 cups powdered sugar

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1–2 tbsp apple cider or milk

Optional Garnish:

  • Caramel drizzle

  • Thin apple slices (tossed in lemon juice)

  • Chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

1. Reduce the Apple Cider:

  • Simmer 1 cup apple cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced to ½ cup (about 10 minutes). Let cool.

2. Make the Cake Batter:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan and line with parchment paper.

  • Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

  • In a large bowl, cream butter and both sugars until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in reduced cider, applesauce, and vanilla.

  • Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.

3. Bake the Cake:

  • Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.

  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  • Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

4. Make the Frosting:

  • Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and cider/milk (1 tbsp at a time) until fluffy.

  • Spread over cooled cake.

5. Garnish & Serve:

  • Drizzle with caramel, arrange apple slices on top, or sprinkle with nuts.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

  • Pair with hot coffee, spiced tea, or mulled cider

  • Perfect for Thanksgiving or Halloween parties

Notes

Pro Tips

  • Reduce cider for intense apple flavor

  • Use room-temperature ingredients for smoother batter and frosting

  • Toast nuts for extra crunch and flavor

Storage Instructions

  • Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days

  • Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months (thaw before frosting)

  • Frosting can be made 1 day ahead and refrigerated

  • Enjoy this Apple Cider Cake—a slice of autumn bliss!

Find it online: https://bakesbliss.com/apple-cider-cake/