Apple cider cake is more than a dessert, it’s a warm hug from autumn itself. The moment it comes out of the oven, your kitchen fills with the scent of spiced apples, brown sugar, and butter. Every slice is tender, moist, and infused with real apple cider, giving it that deep orchard flavor that tastes like fall in every bite. I first made this cake after a visit to a local cider mill, inspired by my nonna’s way of baking from the heart. Just like her famous rustic loaves, this cake isn’t about perfection; it’s about warmth, simplicity, and care. If you love comforting seasonal sweets, you might also enjoy my Pumpkin Spice Roll Cake, another autumn favorite from my kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This apple cider cake is perfect for crisp mornings, cozy evenings, or holiday gatherings. You’ll love it because it’s:
- Moist and flavorful: Thanks to reduced apple cider and a touch of oil, every crumb stays tender for days.
- Perfectly spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves bring depth without overpowering the natural apple flavor.
- Easy to make: No mixer needed, just a bowl, a whisk, and some love.
- Versatile: Serve it plain, dusted with sugar, or topped with a glaze for that bakery-style finish.
I often bake it alongside my Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts when family visits; because honestly, you can never have too many apple treats in autumn.
Apple Cider Cake
A cozy, spiced Apple Cider Cake infused with reduced apple cider for a rich, moist texture and warm autumn flavor. Perfect for fall gatherings or a quiet cup of coffee.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf 1x
Ingredients
1 cup apple cider (reduced)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
2 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
¾ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup melted unsalted butter
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
2. Simmer 2 cups of cider until reduced to 1 cup; let cool.
3. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, soda, and spices.
4. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, oil, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and cooled cider.
5. Fold dry ingredients into wet mix until just combined.
6. Pour into loaf pan and bake 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool completely before glazing with cider icing or dusting with powdered sugar.
Notes
For extra apple flavor, add 1 tablespoon of apple butter or grated apple.
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Ingredients
You’ll need simple, wholesome ingredients to bring this spiced cake to life.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Apple cider (reduced) | 1 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1½ teaspoons |
| Baking soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground cinnamon | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground nutmeg | ½ teaspoon |
| Brown sugar | ¾ cup |
| Granulated sugar | ¼ cup |
| Unsalted butter, melted | ½ cup |
| Vegetable oil | ¼ cup |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Apple cider vinegar (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
These ingredients work together to create a light yet rich crumb. For even more apple flavor, use fresh-pressed cider and don’t skip the reduction step, it intensifies the taste beautifully, much like in my Apple Crumble Cheesecake.
How to Make this Apple Cider Cake
- Reduce the cider: Pour 2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until reduced to 1 cup. Let it cool.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
- Blend the wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk melted butter, oil, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and the cooled cider.
- Combine: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mix until just combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350°F for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool and glaze (optional): Once cooled, drizzle with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and cider.
The result? A golden-brown loaf with a soft, spiced crumb that pairs beautifully with a warm drink. It’s the same comfort I get from my Apple Brownies; rich, tender, and full of nostalgia.
Tips and Variations
- Make it dairy-free: Swap butter for coconut oil or plant-based margarine.
- Add crunch: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts before baking.
- Make muffins: Divide the batter into a 12-cup muffin tin and bake for 20–22 minutes.
- Boost the flavor: Add a tablespoon of apple butter or grated fresh apple for extra moisture.
For a holiday twist, top it with maple frosting or a cinnamon sugar coating; both add a lovely texture, just like the one I used in my Cinnamon Sugar Blondies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make apple cider cake moist?
Reducing the cider concentrates its natural sugars, while adding oil ensures a soft texture. Don’t overbake; that’s key to locking in moisture.
Can I use store-bought cider for apple cider cake?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s real apple cider, not juice. Simmer it down to intensify the flavor.
How long does apple cider cake stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, it stays fresh for 3–4 days. Refrigerate for longer storage.
What frosting pairs best with apple cider cake?
A brown butter glaze or cream cheese frosting complements the spiced sweetness beautifully. For something simple, try a dusting of cinnamon sugar.
Final Thoughts
This apple cider cake captures everything we love about fall; cozy spices, tender crumb, and that sweet apple aroma that lingers in the air. It’s simple, nostalgic, and made to be shared. Whether you’re baking for Sunday brunch or a festive table, it’s a dessert that reminds us why homemade tastes best. If you can’t get enough apple flavor, you’ll also adore my Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles, another seasonal favorite worth making this week.
Loved this recipe? Follow me on Pinterest for more comforting dishes and easy weeknight favorites you’ll want to save.
