There’s something magical about the smell of apple cider cake wafting through your kitchen. It’s a warm, inviting aroma that wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly autumn day. As you take in the sweet and spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, you can almost hear the leaves crunching beneath your feet outside. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a ticket to nostalgic moments shared with family and friends.

Imagine gathering around the table with loved ones, laughter filling the air as you slice into this delectable treat. The texture is perfectly moist, each bite bursting with the essence of fresh apples and rich cider. Whether it’s a crisp fall afternoon or a holiday celebration, apple cider cake brings joy to any occasion. Trust me; this flavor adventure is one you won’t want to miss!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This apple cider cake is incredibly easy to prepare for even novice bakers
- The flavor profile balances sweetness with spice, creating an irresistible treat
- Its golden-brown appearance and glossy glaze make it visually stunning on any dessert table
- Perfect for fall gatherings but versatile enough for year-round enjoyment!
I remember the first time I made this apple cider cake for my family during Thanksgiving. The smiles on their faces when they took their first bites were priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
All-Purpose Flour: Use unbleached flour for better texture; it gives the cake structure and stability.
Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar adds sweetness, but feel free to adjust based on your taste preference.
Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh for maximum rise; no one likes a dense cake!
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warm spices are essential; they bring out the cozy flavors of autumn.
Apple Cider: Use fresh or store-bought cider for that authentic apple flavor throughout.
Fresh Apples: Choose tart apples like Granny Smith for added flavor contrast in every bite.
Eggs: Large eggs help bind everything together while adding moisture to the batter.
Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil keeps the cake moist without interfering with flavors.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances sweetness and complements apple flavors beautifully.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to ensure easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. This step not only incorporates air but also ensures an even distribution of spices.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in the apple cider, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix as it could make your cake tough.
Incorporate Apples: Fold in diced fresh apples carefully using a spatula. You want them evenly dispersed throughout without breaking them down too much; we’re looking for chunks of apple goodness!
Pour into Pan: Transfer the batter into your prepared loaf pan smoothly. Give it a gentle shake to level out and send those apples sinking slightly into their cozy beds.
Bake Away: Place in preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time—try not to sneak tastes!
Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
This delightful apple cider cake will become an instant favorite among family and friends alike! Serve it warm with whipped cream or enjoy it plain as an afternoon snack—it’s versatile enough for any occasion!
You Must Know
- This apple cider cake combines the warm flavors of fall with a moist texture
- With a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a simple afternoon treat
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F while you mix the dry ingredients. This way, everything is ready when you need to bake the cake, ensuring an even rise and a perfectly baked dessert.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out some of the flour for whole wheat flour for added texture. You can also add chopped nuts or dried fruits to enhance the flavor and make it uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftover apple cider cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it. Warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve that perfect apple cider cake, remember to use fresh apple cider for better flavor
- Don’t overmix your batter; this keeps the cake light and airy
- Lastly, let it cool completely before frosting to prevent melting!
There was a time when I brought this apple cider cake to a potluck, and it disappeared faster than my last slice of pizza at home! Everyone raved about how moist and flavorful it was—definitely one for the recipe box.
FAQ
What makes apple cider cake unique?
The combination of fresh apple cider and spices gives this cake its delightful flavor profile.
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Absolutely! Store-bought cider works well if you don’t have fresh cider on hand.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend for a delicious gluten-free version.
Apple Cider Cake
Apple cider cake is a delightful autumn treat, capturing the essence of cozy gatherings and sweet nostalgia. With its moist texture enriched by fresh apples and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings family and friends together. Serve it warm for a comforting afternoon snack or as a centerpiece at your holiday table, and watch as smiles spread with every slice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup apple cider (fresh or store-bought)
- 2 medium tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith), diced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Add apple cider, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined—avoid overmixing.
- Fold in the diced apples carefully to maintain their texture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and level it out gently.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 90g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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