6 Apple Cider Cakes That Bring Fall Flavor Home

There’s something magical about apple cider in the fall — its cozy sweetness, that hint of spice, and how it makes your kitchen smell like autumn. These apple cider cakes turn that warmth into irresistible bakes that taste just as comforting as a mug of hot cider. Each recipe brings its own twist, from rich caramel buttercream to browned butter and bourbon-spiked glazes.

Quick Summary

This roundup highlights seven apple cider cakes that perfectly capture the cozy essence of fall. From buttery caramel frostings to maple and cinnamon accents, these cakes are moist, flavorful, and filled with spiced apple goodness. Each recipe includes easy-to-follow instructions and balanced flavors designed to help your post rank with Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) and Google’s Helpful Content Guidelines. Perfect for fall gatherings, cozy weekends, or simply adding seasonal flair to your baking lineup.

1. Apple Cider Cake Recipe with Caramel Buttercream

Soft, spiced, and bursting with real apple cider flavor — this cake pairs perfectly with silky caramel buttercream for a dessert that defines fall indulgence.

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 cup apple cider (reduced)
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup butter, softened
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Caramel Buttercream:

• ½ cup butter
• ½ cup caramel sauce
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla.
3. Mix dry ingredients, then add alternately with apple cider.
4. Bake for 30–35 minutes. Cool completely.
5. Beat buttercream ingredients and frost once cake is cooled.

2. Apple Cider Cheesecake Recipe

Creamy, smooth cheesecake infused with spiced apple cider reduction — the perfect dessert for anyone who loves autumn’s cozy sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 16 oz cream cheese
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup apple cider (reduced)
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Graham cracker crust

Instructions:

1. Beat cream cheese, sugar, and spices until smooth.
2. Add eggs one at a time, then blend in apple cider.
3. Pour into crust and bake at 325°F for 45–50 minutes.
4. Chill for at least 4 hours before slicing.

3. Apple Cider Cake Recipe with Cinnamon Maple Buttercream

Moist apple cider cake meets a creamy cinnamon-maple frosting that tastes like breakfast and dessert in one bite.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 cup apple cider
• ½ cup oil
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Cinnamon Maple Frosting:

• ½ cup butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Mix dry and wet ingredients separately, then combine.
2. Pour batter into a greased 9-inch pan and bake for 30–35 minutes.
3. Beat frosting ingredients until creamy. Spread over cooled cake.

4. Apple Cider Cake Recipe

Classic, simple, and packed with fall flavor — this is the go-to apple cider cake for cozy afternoons and easy entertaining.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 cup apple cider
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and cider.
2. Fold in dry ingredients and pour into pan.
3. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Dust with cinnamon sugar before serving.

5. Browned Butter Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Deep, nutty, and aromatic, this browned butter apple spice cake adds a gourmet touch to everyday fall baking.

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup browned butter
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup brown sugar

Instructions:

1. Brown butter until golden and fragrant, then cool slightly.
2. Combine wet and dry ingredients, alternating with cider.
3. Bake for 35 minutes. Finish with a drizzle of glaze or powdered sugar.

6. Bourbon Apple Cider Cake Recipe

Rich apple cider cake infused with bourbon for a sophisticated dessert that’s equal parts cozy and bold.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ cup butter
• ¾ cup sugar
• ½ cup apple cider
• 2 tbsp bourbon
• 2 eggs

Instructions:

1. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs, bourbon, and cider.
2. Combine with dry ingredients.
3. Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes. Glaze with bourbon-cider syrup.

Final Thoughts

Each of these apple cider cakes captures the essence of fall — cozy, sweet, and beautifully spiced. From classic buttercream versions to bourbon and browned butter variations, they’re easy to bake yet impressive enough for guests. Pair a slice with warm cider or coffee for the perfect autumn afternoon treat.