Apple Cider Layer Cake

Name: Apple Cider Layer Cake
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups cake flour (480 g); 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup apple cider; ½ cup whole milk; ½ cup grapeseed oil or other neutral flavored oil; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (room temperature); 2 cups granulated sugar (400 g); 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 3 large egg yolks; 3 large eggs; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for apple filling); 285 grams peeled, chopped apples (2 medium apples); 1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice; 6 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ cup apple cider (for apple filling); 2 teaspoons arrowroot powder; 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (340 g, for buttercream); 5 cups powdered sugar (568 g); 2-4 tablespoons apple cider concentrate (for buttercream); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for buttercream); ½ teaspoon kosher salt (for buttercream); 3 tablespoons apple cider concentrate (for soaking liquid); 1 tablespoon Calvados (optional, for soaking liquid)

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Apple cider layer cake combines the sweetness of apples with the richness of a tender, spiced cake. Topped with a creamy apple cider buttercream and a luscious apple filling, this cake is the perfect fall dessert to celebrate the season. Whether you’re preparing it for a Thanksgiving gathering or simply enjoying a slice with a cup of tea, this Apple Cider Layer Cake will delight your taste buds and add a touch of autumn flavor to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Layer Cake

This apple cider layer cake stands out for its unique combination of rich, moist cake layers filled with cooked apples, complemented by a creamy apple cider buttercream. The cake offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it ideal for the fall season. It’s also surprisingly simple to make, with step-by-step instructions to guide you. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced one, this cake is a delightful challenge worth trying.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Layer Cake

To create this delicious fall dessert, gather the following ingredients:

Cake Flour: Provides a tender, fine crumb texture.

Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These help the cake rise and stay fluffy.
Apple Cider: Adds a natural apple flavor and moisture to the cake.

Whole Milk: Works in tandem with apple cider for a smooth batter.
Grapeseed Oil: A neutral oil that keeps the cake moist.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the cake.

Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with texture.
Egg Yolks & Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the cake.

Apple Filling Ingredients

Unsalted Butter: Adds flavor and helps soften the apples.

Granny Smith and Gala Apples: A mix of tart and sweet apples gives the filling a varied texture.
Brown Sugar & Cinnamon: Add warmth and sweetness to the filling.
Apple Cider: Enhances the apple flavor of the filling.

Arrowroot Powder: Used to thicken the filling.

Apple Cider Buttercream Ingredients

Unsalted Butter: The base for the buttercream frosting.
Powdered Sugar: Provides the sweetness and smooth texture.

Apple Cider Concentrate: Adds a concentrated apple flavor to the frosting.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
Kosher Salt: Balances the sweetness of the frosting.

Calvados Apple Soaking Liquid (Optional)

Apple Cider Concentrate: Intensifies the apple flavor.
Calvados (Apple Brandy): Adds depth to the cake (can be omitted for a non-alcoholic version).

How to Make Apple Cider Layer Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Set aside.

3. Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a separate measuring jug, combine the apple cider, milk, and grapeseed oil. Set aside.

4. Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.

5. Add Eggs

Add the egg yolks and eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry and wet ingredients to the batter. Start with one-quarter of the dry mixture, mix, then add one-third of the wet mixture. Repeat until all ingredients are incorporated.

7. Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Prepare the Apple Filling

In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the chopped apples, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and apple cider. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes until the apples are softened. Stir in arrowroot powder and let the mixture cool.

9. Make the Apple Cider Buttercream

Beat the softened butter in a stand mixer until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, apple cider concentrate, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until fluffy and smooth.

10. Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes have cooled, level the layers if necessary. Place one layer on your cake stand, drizzle with the Calvados soaking liquid (if using), and spread a layer of buttercream. Pipe a border of buttercream around the cake and fill with half of the apple filling.

Repeat with the second cake layer, buttercream, and apple filling. Place the final cake layer on top.

11. Frost and Decorate

Crumb-coat the cake with a thin layer of buttercream and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes to set. Afterward, cover the cake with a smooth layer of buttercream. Decorate with piped star borders or sprinkles if desired.

12. Serve and Enjoy

Allow the cake to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for the best texture. Slice and serve with a hot beverage like tea or coffee.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Apple Cider Layer Cake

Prevent Dry Cake: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can cause the cake to be dense. Mix only until ingredients are incorporated.
Storage: Store the cake in the refrigerator if you need to keep it fresh. Make sure it’s covered to prevent it from drying out.
Consistency of Buttercream: Adjust the apple cider concentrate in the buttercream to achieve the desired consistency. Add more for a thicker, more stable frosting.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This Apple Cider Layer Cake pairs wonderfully with warm beverages like chai tea or hot apple cider. If you want to make the cake gluten-free, simply substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend. For a different flavor twist, consider adding a handful of toasted nuts to the filling for a delightful crunch.

Why This Cake is Perfect for Fall

Apple Cider Layer Cake captures the essence of autumn. The combination of apple cider and fresh apples delivers a seasonal flavor that feels comforting and nostalgic. Whether for Thanksgiving or a simple family gathering, this cake is a crowd-pleaser that will make any occasion feel special.

Conclusion: The Perfect Fall Treat – Apple Cider Layer Cake

Apple Cider Layer Cake is the ultimate dessert for autumn, offering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The moist cake, the rich apple cider buttercream, and the delectable apple filling make this dessert a standout at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it at a Thanksgiving feast or enjoying it on a cozy afternoon, this cake is sure to impress. Its layers of sweetness, spice, and everything nice embody the essence of fall in every bite. Try it today, and let the flavors of apple cider and baked apples take center stage on your dessert table.

FAQ: Apple Cider Layer Cake

1. Can I make Apple Cider Layer Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers ahead of time. Simply let them cool completely, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store them at room temperature for up to two days. You can assemble and frost the cake the day you plan to serve it. If you’re short on time, consider making the apple filling and buttercream the day before as well.

2. Can I use a different type of apple for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute the Granny Smith and Gala apples with other varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Golden Delicious. However, be aware that different apples have varying textures when cooked, so experiment to find the combination that best suits your taste.

3. Is it necessary to use Calvados in the soaking liquid?

No, Calvados is optional. If you prefer to keep the cake alcohol-free, simply omit it and use extra apple cider concentrate in the soaking liquid. The cake will still have a wonderful apple flavor without the brandy.

4. Can I make the frosting without apple cider concentrate?

Yes, if you don’t have apple cider concentrate, you can substitute it with regular apple cider or even apple juice. However, apple cider concentrate provides a more intense apple flavor, so it may affect the richness and depth of the frosting.

More Relevant Recipes

Apple Cider Cheesecake – Perfect Fall Dessert: This Apple Cider Cheesecake combines creamy cheesecake with the rich flavors of apple cider. It’s the perfect dessert for fall gatherings, offering a delightful, seasonal twist on a classic favorite.

Apple Cider Donut Pancakes – Fall Breakfast Delight: These Apple Cider Donut Pancakes are a warm and comforting breakfast treat that captures the essence of apple cider donuts in pancake form. Perfect for a cozy autumn morning, these pancakes are packed with flavor and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Apple Cider Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream: This Apple Cider Cake is a delicious fall treat, enhanced with a salted caramel buttercream that adds a sweet and savory contrast. It’s the ultimate indulgence for apple lovers looking for a seasonal dessert to impress their guests.

Apple Cider Layer Cake – Easy Fall Recipe

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