What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This Caramel Apple Cider Cake recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the combination of moist cake, crunchy apples, and sweet caramel, all wrapped up in a warm and comforting package.
With its perfect blend of fall flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household, whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy night in.
- The recipe uses a mixture of brown sugar and granulated sugar to create a rich, deep flavor profile that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples and caramel.
- It incorporates apple cider to add an extra layer of moisture and a subtle tanginess that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
- The caramel sauce is easy to make from scratch and adds a velvety smoothness to the cake, balancing out the crunch from the chopped nuts and apples.
- Additionally, incorporating seasonal fruits like apples enhances the overall flavor and ensures a delightful seasonal dessert experience.
Recipe
To make a delicious Caramel Apple Cider Cake, start by gathering the necessary components. The cake is comprised of 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar, 3 large eggs, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 cup apple cider, and 1 cup diced fresh apples. For the caramel drizzle, you’ll need 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, and 1/2 teaspoon unsalted butter.
Instructions for the cake include preheating the oven to 350°F (180°C), then greasing and flouring two 9-inch round cake pans. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the apple cider, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
Beat just until combined. Fold in diced apples. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the caramel drizzle, combine heavy cream, granulated sugar, and sea salt in a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the caramel turns a deep amber color.
Remove from heat and whisk in butter until melted. Let cool slightly before using.
Notes: It’s important to not overmix the batter to guarantee the cake remains tender. Also, be careful when making the caramel as it can easily burn.
Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Serving: 8-10 people
Nutrition
The Caramel Apple Cider Cake is a delicious dessert that provides a range of nutritional benefits. A single serving of this cake can offer various essential nutrients.
| Nutrient | Quantity (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 14g |
| Sodium | 350mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 30g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
What to Serve With This Recipe
Now that I’ve got a sense of the cake’s nutritional profile, I’m thinking about how I’ll serve it.
I’ll pair it with a warm beverage, like coffee or tea. The cake’s sweetness will also complement a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
If you want something lighter, a simple green salad with fruit works well.
It’s all about balance, and I think these options will do the trick nicely, letting the cake’s flavors shine through.
