There’s something magical about the smell of cinnamon and warm apples wafting through the house. When fall rolls around, this apple cider cake recipe becomes the first thing I bake, and the one my husband always requests seconds of. It’s not just a cake; it’s a ritual. It’s the kind of dessert that turns a simple evening into a celebration. With every soft, cinnamon-swirled bite soaked in reduced cider, this cake captures the warmth of fall in the most comforting way.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weekend brunch or a showstopping Thanksgiving dessert, this moist apple cider cake will become a seasonal favorite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Cake Recipe
If you love the nostalgic taste of cider donuts but want something a little more impressive for the table, this is your go-to treat. It’s made with real apple cider that’s reduced down to intensify its flavor; giving the cake a deep apple essence without needing artificial extracts. The crumb is tender and buttery, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg throughout.
This cake feels rustic yet elegant. You can dress it up with a glaze or powdered sugar, or keep it simple and serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It’s also a great make-ahead dessert, staying moist for days and even tasting better after it rests.
Looking for more cozy fall flavors? Don’t miss this baked apple cider donuts recipe, perfect for pairing with this cake.
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Apple Cider Cake
This moist and flavorful Apple Cider Cake captures the essence of fall with reduced apple cider, warm spices, and a soft, buttery crumb. It’s a cozy dessert perfect for gatherings or a quiet night in.
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 bundt cake 1x
Ingredients
2 cups apple cider (reduced to ¾ cup)
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup whole milk
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a bundt or loaf pan.
2. Simmer apple cider over medium heat until reduced to ¾ cup. Let cool.
3. Cream butter with brown and granulated sugar until fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
6. Add flour mixture and milk alternately to the wet mixture, starting and ending with flour.
7. Fold in reduced apple cider until combined.
8. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool 15 minutes before removing from pan.
Notes
You can brush the warm cake with extra cider or top with a cider glaze.
Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Ingredients You’ll Need
Below is everything you need to bring this cake to life. Each ingredient plays a role in building depth and structure.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Apple cider (not vinegar) | 2 cups (reduced to ¾ cup) |
| All-purpose flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp |
| Cinnamon | 1 tsp |
| Nutmeg | ½ tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Unsalted butter, room temp | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | ¾ cup |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
| Eggs | 3 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp |
| Whole milk | ¼ cup |
For another spiced dessert you’ll love, try this apple cinnamon bread.
How to Make this Apple Cider Cake
This cider cake comes together easily, but the secret is in reducing the cider for a rich, bold flavor. Here’s a quick step-by-step overview:
- Reduce the cider: Pour 2 cups into a saucepan and simmer on medium heat until it reduces to about ¾ cup. Let it cool.
- Preheat and prep: Heat oven to 350°F. Grease a bundt or loaf pan.
- Cream butter and sugars: Beat butter with both sugars until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Dry ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, spices, and salt.
- Combine: Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, ending with flour.
- Finish with cider: Fold in the cooled, reduced cider gently.
- Bake: Pour batter into the pan and bake for 45–50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Let the cake rest for at least 15 minutes before removing it from the pan. For extra flavor, brush it with warm cider or dust it with cinnamon sugar.
Still in a baking mood? You might enjoy these apple cinnamon roll delights.
Tips and Variations
- Use boiled cider: If you have access to boiled cider syrup, it works even better than homemade reduction.
- Add diced apples: Stir 1 cup of finely chopped apples into the batter for texture.
- Swap the milk: Buttermilk or sour cream gives the crumb a tangy softness.
- Try different pans: Bundt pans work beautifully, but this recipe bakes well in loaf pans or even as cupcakes.
- Glaze options: Mix powdered sugar with a tablespoon of cider for a quick icing drizzle.
Want a simpler option with similar flavors? Try these apple brownies, perfect for lunchbox treats!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use apple juice instead of cider?
No, apple cider has a stronger flavor. Apple juice is sweeter and less concentrated, which can make the cake bland.
Does the cake need a glaze?
It’s optional! The cake is flavorful on its own, but a light cider glaze adds a lovely finish.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap tightly in plastic or foil. It stays moist at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5.
Can I freeze this apple cider cake?
Yes! Wrap the whole cake or slices in plastic and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
For another fall-inspired showstopper, don’t miss this apple cider cheesecake cookie recipe!
Final Slice
This apple cider cake is the ultimate way to bring the essence of fall into your kitchen. It’s cozy, moist, and packed with real apple flavor thanks to the reduced cider. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s one of those recipes that turns a simple moment into something warm and memorable. Trust me, this one won’t last long on the cake stand.
And if you’re gathering recipes for a full fall feast, be sure to check out these 10 Thanksgiving sides that’ll round out the table beautifully.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
