Apple Cider Cake Ingredients: For the Apple Cider Reduction: 6 cups (1440 ml) apple cider For the Apple Cider Cake: 2 1/4 cups (282 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled 1 tbsp cinnamon 1 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp allspice 1 1/2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 10 tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (200 g) granulated white sugar 1/2 cup (110 g) light brown sugar, packed 3 large eggs, at room temperature 1 tbsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk, at room temperature 1/2 cup (122 g) sour cream, at room temperature 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider reduction, at room temperature 1/3 cup (95 g) unsweetened apple butter, at room temperature For the Apple Cider Caramel: 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider reduction, at room temperature 3/4 cup (165 g) light brown sugar, packed 9 tbsp (126 g) unsalted butter 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/8 tsp salt For the Cream Cheese Frosting: 1 cup (224 g) unsalted butter, softened 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, cold 2 cups (260 g) powdered sugar Directions: Make the Apple Cider Reduction: In a large saucepan, bring 6 cups of apple cider to a simmer over medium-low heat. Simmer for 40-50 minutes until it reduces to 1 cup. Allow it to cool completely. Half will be used in the cake and the other half in the caramel sauce. Prepare the Apple Cider Cake: Preheat the oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). Grease a 9x9-inch metal baking pan and line with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl (or stand mixer with paddle attachment), cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on high speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla and mix on medium speed for about 1 minute, until pale and smooth. Add buttermilk, sour cream, 1/2 cup apple cider reduction, and apple butter. Mix on medium speed until combined; the batter may look curdled but will smooth out once dry ingredients are added. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing on low speed just until combined. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 48-52 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Make the Apple Cider Caramel Sauce: While the cake bakes, combine the remaining apple cider reduction, brown sugar, and butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Reduce to medium-low heat, add the cream, and simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Allow caramel to cool to room temperature. Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large bowl, whip the softened butter on high speed until pale and fluffy. Add cold cream cheese and mix on medium speed until combined and creamy. Gradually sift in powdered sugar, mixing on low speed, then whip on high speed for 1 minute until fluffy. Assemble the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, remove it from the pan using the parchment paper. Use the end of a wooden spoon or skewer to poke holes across the top. Transfer cooled caramel sauce to a piping bag, snip the tip, and pipe caramel into the holes. Spread a thick layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the cake. Drizzle remaining caramel sauce on top and gently swirl with a spoon. Cut into 16 squares and serve with an extra drizzle of caramel if desired! Prep Time: 30 minutes Cooking Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes Chill Time: 6 hours Total Time: 2 hours, 50 minutes Kcal: 420 kcal per slice Servings: 16 servings This Apple Cider Cake captures the essence of fall with every bite. It starts with a moist, spiced cake thatΒs filled with apple cider caramel sauce and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. The rich apple and cinnamon flavors make it an ideal dessert for family gatherings or cozy autumn nights. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any fall celebration, this cake brings warmth and seasonal comfort to the table. The caramel drizzle and cream cheese frosting elevate this cake to a true showstopper, embodying the taste and aroma of autumn in every slice.
