Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake has the cozy, spiced flavors of fall, elevated by reduced apple cider, which brings a deep apple taste to the cake. The addition of Honeycrisp apples adds a hint of sweetness, making the cake perfectly balanced. The bourbon cream cheese frosting adds a touch of warmth and richness, creating an unforgettable combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 ½ cups apple cider (reduced)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup milk (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled and grated
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons bourbon (Woodford Reserve recommended)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, reduce the apple cider over medium heat until it’s thickened by half. Set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice.
- In a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the milk, vanilla, and reduced apple cider to the butter mixture and mix until combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in the grated apples.
- Divide the batter evenly among the cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, beat together cream cheese and butter. Gradually add powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Frost the cooled cakes with the bourbon cream cheese frosting. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10-12
- Prep time: 30 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
- Cupcakes: For a more portable option, you can make cupcakes instead of a full cake.
- Non-Alcoholic Frosting: Omit the bourbon and use additional vanilla for a bourbon-free frosting.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.
- Spices: Adjust the spice mixture to suit your personal preferences. Add more cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: If you prefer your cake warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can substitute Honeycrisp apples with Fuji or Gala apples, which are also sweet varieties.
Can I make the frosting without bourbon?
Yes, you can skip the bourbon or replace it with more vanilla extract for a non-alcoholic version.
How do I store leftover cake?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the frosting doesn’t get squashed.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, the cake can be frozen. Wrap the individual layers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, the cake layers can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Frost it just before serving.
Can I make this without cream cheese frosting?
Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese frosting with a buttercream frosting or a simple glaze.
Is this cake good for a party?
Absolutely! The bourbon icing gives it a festive touch, making it perfect for gatherings and special occasions.
Can I add more apple cider to the cake batter?
While you can add a bit more cider, be careful not to add too much liquid as it may affect the cake’s texture.
How can I make the frosting thicker?
If your frosting is too thin, you can chill it for 20 minutes or add more powdered sugar until it reaches the desired consistency.
Can I use store-bought apple cider?
Yes, store-bought apple cider works perfectly fine, especially if you can find a good quality one with a strong apple flavor.
Conclusion
This Bourbon Apple Cider Cake is a festive, flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of apples, the warmth of fall spices, and the richness of bourbon cream cheese frosting. Perfect for autumn gatherings, this cake will be a hit at your next celebration. Whether you’re looking for a seasonal treat or just something to indulge in, this cake brings the cozy flavors of fall to life.
Festive Bourbon Apple Cider Cake
This festive Bourbon Apple Cider Cake combines all the flavors of an apple cider donut with a boozy twist of bourbon cream cheese frosting. It’s packed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and Honeycrisp apples, making it a perfect fall dessert for your celebrations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Apple cider
- Honeycrisp apples
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice
- Bourbon (for frosting)
- Cream cheese
- Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Flour, baking powder, salt
- Eggs, milk, vanilla
Instructions
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy, then add eggs.
- Mix in milk, vanilla, dry ingredients, and spices.
- Add pureed apples and reduced apple cider.
- Bake in 3 pans at 350°F for 25 minutes.
- For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter, then add powdered sugar and bourbon.
- Frost the cake and enjoy!
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients.
- Full-fat cream cheese for best frosting consistency.
- Chill frosting if it becomes too thin.
