The aroma of freshly baked apple cider cake wafts through the kitchen, making it impossible to resist. This delightful dessert, with its moist crumb and warm spice notes, is like a hug in cake form.

Picture this: a cozy autumn afternoon, leaves dancing outside, and you slice into a cake that tastes like your grandma’s love wrapped in apples and cinnamon. It’s perfect for family gatherings or just because you deserve a sweet treat today.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This apple cider cake is simple to make, ensuring anyone can whip it up without fuss
- Its rich flavor profile combines sweet apples with warm spices for an unforgettable taste
- Visually stunning with a golden-brown crust, it’s sure to impress at any gathering
- Perfect as a dessert or paired with coffee for an afternoon snack
I remember the first time I made this apple cider cake; my friends couldn’t get enough and even started fighting over the last slice.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Apple Cider: Use fresh, unfiltered apple cider for maximum flavor and sweetness; it’s the star of this cake.
All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works great; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
Baking Powder: Ensure it’s active; this ingredient gives your cake that lovely lift.
Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds warmth and spice; use a good quality brand for the best flavor.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar sweetens the batter beautifully; adjust to your taste if you prefer less sweetness.
Brown Sugar: Use light brown sugar for a hint of molasses flavor and moisture.
Eggs: Fresh eggs help bind everything together; room temperature eggs mix better.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist; you can substitute with melted butter if desired.
Chopped Apples: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance against the sweetness of the cake.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract elevates the flavors; skip imitation varieties for best results.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray or butter. Dust with flour to prevent sticking and ensure a beautiful release.
In a large mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whisk these dry ingredients until well blended—this helps avoid any clumps in your batter.
In another bowl, whisk together wet ingredients: apple cider, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should look rich and creamy—this is where all that deliciousness begins!
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients while stirring gently. Be careful not to overmix; fold just enough until combined to keep your cake light and fluffy.
Once well combined, gently fold in chopped apples. Their sweetness will create pockets of joy throughout every slice. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan evenly.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with heavenly scents by now—golden brown perfection awaits! Let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack.
Serve warm or at room temperature. You can dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle some caramel sauce on top if you’re feeling extra indulgent! Enjoy each bite of this delightful apple cider cake—it’s like autumn on your plate!
You Must Know
- Apple cider cake is a delicious twist on traditional cake, combining the sweetness of apples with warm spices
- The aroma while it bakes will make your kitchen feel like a cozy fall retreat
- It’s perfect for gatherings or just a comforting treat at home
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your baking pan, then mix dry ingredients first, followed by wet ones for even consistency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out apples for pears or add nuts for extra crunch. A sprinkle of cinnamon on top adds a delightful finish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover apple cider cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh apple cider instead of juice for richer flavor
- Let the cake cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling
- Consider serving with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat
Baking this apple cider cake always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter and delicious smells filled the air. Friends rave about it every time!
FAQ
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, store-bought apple cider works perfectly if you don’t have homemade.
How do I know when the cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when done.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
Apple Cider Cake
Apple Cider Cake is a heartwarming dessert that captures the essence of autumn in every bite. With its moist crumb and fragrant blend of sweet apples and warm spices, this cake is perfect for family gatherings or cozy afternoons. Easy to make and visually stunning, it will leave your guests asking for seconds. Enjoy a slice with coffee or as a delightful treat any day of the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider (fresh, unfiltered)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup chopped tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
- In another bowl, combine apple cider, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until just combined; avoid overmixing.
- Fold in chopped apples gently.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 42mg
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