This apple cider cake is a cozy treat perfect for any gathering! It’s moist, sweet, and packed with the delightful taste of apple cider and warm spices.
Every bite reminds me of fall and makes me want to sip on hot cider while I enjoy it. Pair it with a scoop of ice cream for an extra happy moment! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the cake. For a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free baking blend instead.
Apple cider: Fresh apple cider gives the cake a rich flavor. If you don’t have any, you can swap it for apple juice or even some lemon juice mixed with water for a similar tang.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness and firmness. However, you can use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor. Mixing two types also adds depth.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: This adds moisture and richness to the cake. You can use buttermilk in a pinch, or a non-dairy yogurt if you’re looking for dairy-free alternatives.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Your Cake?
The key to achieving a perfectly moist apple cider cake is to not overmix the batter. Mix just until you see no more flour; this helps keep the cake fluffy. Also, make sure your butter is softened but not too warm, which can cause the cake to be dense.
- Use room temperature ingredients for even mixing.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and cider to prevent clumping.
- Be careful with the folding in of the sour cream; do this gently to avoid deflating your batter.
Lastly, keep an eye on your baking time. Ovens vary, so check the cake a few minutes before the recommended time to prevent overbaking.
How to Make Delicious Apple Cider Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup apple cider
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith preferred), peeled, cored, and sliced
For The Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful apple cider cake takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 45-50 minutes to bake. Once it’s done, let it cool for a bit, and you’ll have a delicious treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, get your 8-inch round cake pan ready by greasing and flouring it. This will help the cake come out easily when it’s done.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. This step ensures that all the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed in the flour.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 3-4 minutes and helps create a nice texture for your cake.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This will help incorporate air into the batter. Next, stir in the vanilla extract for a lovely flavor boost.
5. Combine Everything Together:
Now, it’s time to alternate adding the dry ingredients and the apple cider to the butter mixture. Start with a bit of the dry ingredients, then add some apple cider, and repeat until everything is mixed in. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until combined.
6. Add the Sour Cream:
Gently fold in the sour cream or Greek yogurt until you have a smooth batter. This will add moisture and richness to the cake, making it even more delicious!
7. Assemble the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and use a spatula to smooth out the top. Then, arrange the apple slices on top, gently pressing them into the batter.
8. Bake the Cake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen, and you’ll be tempted to sneak a taste!
9. Cool and Dust:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, dust the top with powdered sugar for a delightful finishing touch.
Now you’re ready to slice and serve up pieces of this delicious Apple Cider Cake! It’s perfect for a cozy family dessert or a sweet treat at a gathering. Enjoy! 🍏🎂
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness, you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for added sweetness. Mixing a couple of types will enhance the flavor and texture!
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Once it cools, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Just dust with powdered sugar right before serving for a fresh look!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have longer-term leftovers, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, but it might dry out a bit. Just warm slices in the microwave for a minute before enjoying!
Can I Freeze the Cake?
Yes! This cake freezes well. After it’s cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again.