Glazed Apple Cider Cake: A Slice of Autumnal Bliss
Apple cider cake is the epitome of fall baking. The warm spices, the moist crumb, and the unmistakable apple cider flavor combine to create a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. This glazed apple cider cake recipe takes that classic to the next level with a shimmering glaze that adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy-to-make, absolutely delicious cake.
## Why This Recipe Works
* **Intense Apple Cider Flavor:** Using reduced apple cider concentrates the flavor, ensuring every bite is bursting with apple goodness.
* **Moist and Tender Crumb:** Oil and buttermilk contribute to a supremely moist cake that stays fresh for days.
* **Perfectly Spiced:** A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves creates a warm and inviting aroma and flavor.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires no special equipment and comes together quickly.
* **Stunning Glaze:** The apple cider glaze adds a beautiful sheen and an extra layer of apple cider flavor.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
### For the Cake:
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/4 cup (see instructions below)
* 1/2 cup buttermilk
* 1 cup chopped apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
### For the Apple Cider Glaze:
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup apple cider, plus more as needed
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
## How to Make Apple Cider Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed instructions to ensure your apple cider cake turns out perfectly every time.
### Step 1: Reduce the Apple Cider
This step is crucial for intensifying the apple flavor in the cake.
1. Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Continue simmering, uncovered, until the cider is reduced to 1/4 cup. This will take about 15-20 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent it from burning. The cider should thicken slightly and become more concentrated.
4. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
### Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Alternatively, you can use baking spray with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking.
### Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together:
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
Whisk until well combined and set aside.
### Step 4: Cream Wet Ingredients and Sugars
In a separate large bowl, combine:
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be light and fluffy.
### Step 5: Add Eggs and Vanilla
1. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
2. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
### Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients
This step is important for developing the right texture in the cake.
1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the reduced apple cider and buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients.
2. Begin by adding about 1/3 of the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix on low speed until just combined.
3. Add 1/2 of the reduced apple cider and mix until just combined.
4. Add another 1/3 of the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Add the remaining buttermilk and mix until just combined.
6. Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
### Step 7: Fold in Chopped Apples
Gently fold in 1 cup of chopped apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
### Step 8: Pour Batter into Pan and Bake
1. Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. Spread the batter evenly with a spatula.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown on top.
### Step 9: Cool the Cake
1. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes.
2. After 10-15 minutes, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely. This will prevent the bottom of the cake from becoming soggy.
### Step 10: Make the Apple Cider Glaze
While the cake is cooling, prepare the apple cider glaze.
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups of powdered sugar and 1/4 cup of apple cider.
2. Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
3. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add more apple cider, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. If the glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time.
### Step 11: Glaze the Cake
1. Once the cake is completely cool, pour the apple cider glaze over the top.
2. Spread the glaze evenly with a spatula or let it drip down the sides for a rustic look.
3. Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
## Tips for the Perfect Apple Cider Cake
* **Use Fresh Apple Cider:** For the best flavor, use fresh, unfiltered apple cider. If you can’t find fresh cider, good quality store-bought cider will work.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Using room temperature ingredients helps the batter come together smoothly and ensures even baking.
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a wooden skewer to check for doneness. If the skewer comes out clean, the cake is done. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes and check again.
* **Cool Completely Before Glazing:** Make sure the cake is completely cool before glazing. If the cake is warm, the glaze will melt and run off.
* **Adjust the Glaze Consistency:** Adjust the amount of apple cider in the glaze to achieve your desired consistency. For a thinner glaze, add more cider. For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Applesauce:** Substitute 1/2 cup of applesauce for 1/2 cup of oil for a slightly healthier cake.
* **Spices:** Adjust the amount of spices to your liking. You can also add other spices, such as ginger or cardamom.
* **Nuts:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter for added texture and flavor.
* **Caramel Glaze:** Substitute a caramel glaze for the apple cider glaze for a different flavor profile.
* **Cream Cheese Frosting:** Frost the cake with cream cheese frosting instead of glazing it.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to add a binder like xanthan gum.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use a dairy-free milk alternative (like almond or soy milk) and a dairy-free butter substitute in the glaze to make this cake dairy-free.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Serve warm or at room temperature.**
* **Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.**
* **Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant presentation.**
* **Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea.**
## Storage Instructions
* **Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.**
* **Store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.**
* **Freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.**
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: Can I use a different type of apple?**
A: Yes, you can use any type of apple you like. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji apples are all good choices.
**Q: Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?**
A: While you *can*, apple cider has a richer, more concentrated flavor than apple juice. The flavor will be less pronounced if you use apple juice.
**Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can make the cake ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
**Q: Can I freeze this cake?**
A: Yes, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
**Q: My glaze is too thick. What should I do?**
A: Add more apple cider, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
**Q: My glaze is too thin. What should I do?**
A: Add more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
**Q: Why did my cake sink in the middle?**
A: A sunken cake can be caused by several factors, including overmixing the batter, opening the oven door too frequently during baking, or using too much liquid. Make sure to follow the recipe carefully and avoid these common mistakes.
## Glazed Apple Cider Cake Recipe
This is a repeat of the ingredients and steps for easy access while baking.
### Ingredients:
**For the Cake:**
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup granulated sugar
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/2 cup vegetable oil
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup apple cider, reduced to 1/4 cup
* 1/2 cup buttermilk
* 1 cup chopped apples
**For the Apple Cider Glaze:**
* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup apple cider, plus more as needed
* 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
### Instructions:
1. **Reduce the Apple Cider:** Pour 1 cup of apple cider into a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and reduce to 1/4 cup. Let cool completely.
2. **Preheat and Prepare the Pan:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
3. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
4. **Cream Wet Ingredients and Sugars:** In a separate bowl, beat granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until well combined.
5. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
6. **Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, alternating with reduced apple cider and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. **Fold in Chopped Apples:** Gently fold in chopped apples.
8. **Pour Batter into Pan and Bake:** Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. **Cool the Cake:** Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. **Make the Apple Cider Glaze:** Whisk together powdered sugar, apple cider, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust consistency as needed.
11. **Glaze the Cake:** Pour glaze over the cooled cake and let set before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Glazed Apple Cider Cake! This cake is a perfect treat for fall gatherings, holidays, or any time you crave a warm and comforting dessert. The combination of apple cider, spices, and a sweet glaze will surely delight your taste buds.