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- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg - ½ teaspoon salt For the dry mix, I use all-purpose flour as the base. I add baking powder and baking soda to help it rise. Ground cinnamon gives warm flavor, while nutmeg adds depth. Salt balances the sweetness, making each bite perfect. - 2 cups apple cider - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 3 large eggs - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For wet ingredients, I start with fresh apple cider, which adds moisture and flavor. Softened unsalted butter gives richness. Eggs bind everything together, and vanilla adds a sweet note that brightens the cake. - 1 cup granulated sugar - ½ cup brown sugar, packed - 1 cup diced apples - 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze) - 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup - 1 tablespoon milk (adjust for glaze thickness) The sugars create a sweet foundation. Granulated sugar provides sweetness, while brown sugar adds a hint of caramel. Diced apples bring texture and fruitiness. For the glaze, I mix powdered sugar with maple syrup and milk, creating a sweet finish that makes the cake shine. Reducing the apple cider Start by pouring 2 cups of apple cider into a saucepan. Heat it on medium. Watch as it boils and then let it simmer. This will take about 15-20 minutes. You want it to reduce to 1 cup. This step adds a rich flavor. Creaming the butter and sugars In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter, 1 cup of granulated sugar, and ½ cup of packed brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes. It’s key for a soft cake. Mixing in eggs and vanilla Add 3 large eggs one at a time. Mix well after each egg to blend it in. Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds a lovely aroma and flavor. Whisking dry ingredients In another bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This step ensures even mixing of the dry ingredients. Folding in diced apples Now, slowly add the dry mix to the butter mix. Alternate with the reduced apple cider, starting and ending with the dry mix. Mix until just combined. Then gently fold in 1 cup of diced apples. This step adds texture and flavor. Pouring batter into prepared pans Grease and flour your chosen baking pan. Pour the batter in, spreading it evenly. This helps the cake bake uniformly. Baking times for different pan sizes If using two 9-inch round pans, bake for 30-35 minutes. For a 9x13-inch sheet cake, bake for 40-45 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if it’s done. It should come out clean when inserted in the center. Cooling tips before glazing Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack. Cool completely before adding the maple glaze. This prevents the glaze from melting away. - Using fresh apple cider: Fresh apple cider makes a big difference. It adds rich flavor. Look for cider with no added sugars or preservatives. This will help your cake taste great. You can find fresh cider at local markets in autumn. - Avoiding overmixing the batter: Mix the batter just till it comes together. Overmixing can make the cake dense. Gently fold in the diced apples at the end. This keeps the texture light and fluffy. - Adjusting glaze thickness: Start with the maple syrup and powdered sugar. Add milk slowly until you reach the right thickness. A thicker glaze stays on top. A thinner glaze will drip down the sides more. - Techniques to drizzle glaze effectively: Use a spoon or small whisk to drizzle the glaze. Hold it high for a more even drizzle. Move your hand in a back-and-forth motion for a fun pattern. Practice makes perfect! - Adding spices or extracts: Consider adding a pinch of ginger or cloves. These spices can give your cake a warm flavor. A splash of almond extract also adds a nice touch. - Tips for incorporating different apple varieties: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work well together. This blend will add depth to the cake's flavor. Make sure to peel and dice the apples so they blend well in the batter. {{image_2}} You can change up the frosting for fun. A cream cheese frosting adds a tangy taste. It pairs well with the sweet apple cider cake. To make this, mix softened cream cheese with butter and powdered sugar. Add a splash of vanilla for extra flavor. If you love chocolate, try a chocolate ganache. Melt chocolate with heavy cream for a rich topping. Pour it over the cooled cake. The chocolate and apple flavors blend beautifully. For those who need gluten-free options, use a gluten-free flour blend. This works well in the cake batter. Make sure the other ingredients are gluten-free too. If you want a vegan version, swap eggs for flax eggs. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit until it thickens. Use a dairy-free butter substitute and almond or oat milk for the glaze. To boost the flavor, add nuts or dried fruits. Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch. Dried cranberries or raisins bring a sweet chewiness. Mix them into the batter before baking. Experiment with spices too. Add ginger or cloves for a warm twist. A pinch of allspice can deepen the flavor, making every bite exciting. To keep your apple cider cake fresh, wrap it tightly. Use plastic wrap or foil. This prevents air from drying it out. You can store it at room temperature for up to two days. If you live in a warm area, refrigerate it. Always keep it in an airtight container to maintain its moisture. To freeze the cake, let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it well in plastic wrap. You can also use aluminum foil for extra protection. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. This will help avoid freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For the best texture, let it sit at room temp for an hour before serving. This cake lasts up to five days at room temperature. In the fridge, it can last about a week. Look for signs of spoilage like mold or an off smell. If the cake feels dry or crumbly, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy every slice while it’s fresh for the best taste! For this cake, baking time depends on the pan. If you use two 9-inch round cake pans, bake for 30-35 minutes. If you opt for a 9x13-inch sheet cake, go for 40-45 minutes. Always check with a toothpick. Insert it into the center; it should come out clean. Yes, you can use store-bought apple cider. However, homemade cider often has a richer flavor. Store-bought cider may taste milder. If using store-bought, look for a brand with no added sugars. This way, your cake stays true to the apple flavor. You can use honey or agave syrup as substitutes for maple syrup. Honey gives a floral note, while agave is milder. However, these alternatives may change the glaze's flavor slightly. If you prefer a vegan option, agave is your best bet. Yes, this cake can fit special diets with a few changes. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use coconut oil in place of butter and almond milk in the glaze. These adjustments keep the cake tasty and enjoyable! This blog post covered how to make a delicious apple cider cake. We explored the dry and wet ingredients, and essential components like apples and maple glaze. I walked you through step-by-step instructions, including tips for the best flavor and texture. We also looked at variations, storage methods, and answered common questions. Remember, this cake is not just a treat; it’s a way to enjoy fall flavors any time. With a bit of practice, you can make it your own. Happy baking!

Apple Cider Cake with Maple Glaze

Delight in the flavors of fall with this Autumn Apple Cider Cake topped with a heavenly maple glaze! This recipe combines sweet apples and warm spices for a moist, delicious cake perfect for any gathering. It's simple to make and sure to impress your guests. Ready to bake up a slice of autumn? Click through for the full recipe and tips to make your cake even more special!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups apple cider

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 cup granulated sugar

½ cup brown sugar, packed

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon baking powder

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup diced apples (peeled and cored)

1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon milk (adjust for thickness of glaze)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.

    Reduce the apple cider: In a saucepan over medium heat, bring the apple cider to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the volume is reduced to about 1 cup (around 15-20 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

      Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.

        Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

          Mix together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the reduced apple cider. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

            Fold in the apples: Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed in the batter.

              Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 30-35 minutes for round cakes, or 40-45 minutes for a sheet cake, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

                Cool: Allow the cake(s) to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

                  Make the maple glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk until smooth. Adjust the milk based on your desired glaze thickness.

                    Glaze the cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the maple glaze over the top. Allow it to set for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.

                      Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 mins | 1 hr 15 mins | 12 servings

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve slices on a rustic wooden board or plate, garnished with thin apple slices and a light dusting of extra powdered sugar for an elegant touch.