apple cider cake

Apple cider cake: 5 irresistible ways to make it this fall

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Apple Cider Cake: 5 Irresistible Ways to Make It This Fall

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves turn vibrant hues, there's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple cider cake filling your home. This delightful dessert captures the essence of fall, blending the sweet and tangy flavors of apple cider with warm spices. Whether you're hosting a cozy gathering or simply indulging in a personal treat, an apple cider cake is the perfect companion to a cup of tea or coffee. Personally, I love how the moist texture and spiced aroma make it a seasonal favorite in my household. Preparing this cake is a breeze, taking just about 15 minutes of prep time and 1 hour of baking.

Ingredients

For the Apple Cider Syrup:

  • 2 cups apple cider
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • Peels from 2 large apples
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon

For the Cake:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

For the Brown Butter Glaze:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons apple cider
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • Pinch of kosher salt
  • ⅓ cup powdered sugar

Prep Time & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apple Cider Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the apple cider, granulated sugar, apple peels, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and let it reduce by half until it reaches a syrupy consistency. This should take about 23 to 25 minutes. Once done, set it aside to cool.

  2. Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the sour cream and 75ml of the cooled apple cider syrup.

  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, ground cinnamon, baking powder, and kosher salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

  4. Add Flour: Slowly incorporate the all-purpose flour into the batter, mixing until smooth.

  5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased 10-inch angel food cake pan or fluted tube pan. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for approximately 1 hour 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  6. Prepare the Glaze: While the cake is baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat until it turns a golden brown color and emits a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.

  7. Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle the brown butter glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to soak in and create a delightful finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Apple Variety: For a more intense apple flavor, consider using tart apple varieties like Granny Smith.
  • Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking; adding a pinch of ground ginger can introduce a subtle warmth.
  • Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The apple flavor tends to deepen after a day or two.
  • Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to three months.
  • Serving Suggestion: Serve slices of this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Serving Suggestions

  • Warm Apple Cider: A steaming cup of spiced apple cider complements the cake's flavors beautifully.
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream balances the spiced cake.
  • Caramel Sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cake adds a rich sweetness.
  • Chai Latte: The spiced notes of a chai latte pair well with the cake's cinnamon and nutmeg flavors.

Storage & Reheating

  • Storage: Keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: To enjoy a warm slice, microwave it for 15-20 seconds or warm it in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for about 10 minutes.
  • Freezing: Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Nutrition Info

Per serving (based on 12 servings):