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Apple Cider Cake

May 29, 2026
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Delicious homemade apple cider cake topped with cinnamon glaze.

Warm, cozy, and perfect for any occasion, this Apple Cider Cake is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall. With its moist texture and spiced aroma, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Pair it with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat, and be ready to impress your guests with this delicious dessert. You may also find Apple Cider Donut Cake useful.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Cake

  • Rich and aromatic flavors that capture the essence of autumn.
  • Quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy days.
  • Perfect for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day.
  • A family-friendly recipe that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Serve it as a dessert or enjoy with breakfast—it’s versatile!
  • Leftovers can be stored easily for a delightful snack later.


Apple Cider Cake
You may also find Apple Cider Oatmeal Cream Pies useful.

Ingredients Needed

Dry Ingredients: You may also find Apple Cider Pulled Pork Sliders Pomegranate Bourbon Bbq useful.

  • 3 cups all purpose flour (395g; see notes for gluten-free options)
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar (150g, packed)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup apple cider (240g)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (125g)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil (225g)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)

Topping:

  • 2 tbsp apple cider (for topping)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon (70g sugar with 3/4 tsp cinnamon for sprinkling)

Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar (100g for glaze)
  • 3-4 tsp apple cider (for glaze mix)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or a 9×13 inch baking dish.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In another large bowl, mix the apple cider, applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.

4. Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just blended—do not overmix.

5. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

6. Prepare Topping

While the cake is baking, combine the sugar and cinnamon mixture for sprinkling. Cool the cake for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. Brush with apple cider and sprinkle with the sugar mixture.

7. Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and enough apple cider to achieve your desired glaze consistency. Drizzle over the cooled cake.


Apple Cider Cake

Serving Suggestions for Apple Cider Cake

  • Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream for added sweetness.
  • Pair it with hot apple cider for a festive fall treat.
  • Crumble a piece over vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
  • Garnish with apple slices or nuts for extra texture.

Tips for Success Apple Cider Cake

  • Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
  • Don’t overmix the batter to ensure a light and fluffy cake.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • This cake can be frozen; wrap it well and it will last for up to three months.

Variations

Here are a few easy ways to change it up:

  • Swap in gluten-free flour for a gluten-free Apple Cider Cake.
  • Add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
  • Incorporate spices like ginger or cloves for an added flavor twist.

Apple Cider Cake

Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy ideas.

What type of apples work best in apple cider cake?

For the best flavor, use sweet and tart apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith.

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Yes, store-bought apple cider works perfectly for this recipe.

How should I store leftovers of this cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance; just glaze it before serving.
Delicious homemade apple cider cake topped with cinnamon glaze.

Apple Cider Cake

Warm, cozy, and perfect for any occasion, this Apple Cider Cake is a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of fall.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 3 cups all purpose flour 395g; see notes for gluten-free options
  • 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar 150g, packed
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar 100g
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 cup apple cider 240g
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce 125g
  • 1 cup vegetable oil 225g
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Topping
  • 2 tbsp apple cider for topping
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar and ground cinnamon 70g sugar with 3/4 tsp cinnamon for sprinkling
Glaze
  • 1 cup powdered sugar 100g for glaze
  • 3-4 tsp apple cider for glaze mix

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
  3. In another large bowl, mix the apple cider, applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just blended—do not overmix.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. While the cake is baking, combine the sugar and cinnamon mixture for sprinkling. Cool the cake for 10 minutes before removing it from the pan. Brush with apple cider and sprinkle with the sugar mixture.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and enough apple cider to achieve your desired glaze consistency. Drizzle over the cooled cake.

Notes

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter. Don’t overmix the batter to ensure a light and fluffy cake. Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness. This cake can be frozen; wrap it well and it will last for up to three months.
Written By

Stephanie Mitchell

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