Apple Cider Spice Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle

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Delicious Apple Cider Spice Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle on a rustic table

Apple Cider Spice Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle is the perfect dessert to brighten your fall gatherings. Its warm spices and sweet apple cider not only bring a cozy flavor to the table but also evoke the sweetness of autumn days. Topped with a luscious salted caramel drizzle, this cake is an absolute showstopper. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting an afternoon tea, or simply treating yourself, this delightful cake is sure to impress family and friends alike. Let’s dive into making this delicious dessert!

What Goes into This Apple Cider Spice Cake

To create this wonderful Apple Cider Spice Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle, gather the following ingredients:

For the Cake:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (115 g, softened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (100 g)
  • 3 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil (120 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (5 ml)
  • 1 cup apple cider (240 ml)
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (360 g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder (5 g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda (5 g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (2 g)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (4 g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (1 g)

For the Frosting:

  • 2 cups unsalted butter (460 g, softened)
  • 1 cup cream cheese (225 g, softened)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (10 ml)
  • 2/3 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought, 160 ml)
  • 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream (30-60 ml)
  • 3/4 teaspoon sea salt (3 g)
  • 5 cups powdered sugar (600 g)
  • Chopped pecans for garnish
  • 1/3-1/2 cup salted caramel sauce (80-120 ml) for drizzle

Step-by-Step Apple Cider Spice Cake Recipe

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get started on making this amazing cake:

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Spray three 8-inch cake pans with baking spray and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Set them aside.

  2. Creaming the Butters and Sugars: In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes.

  3. Add Eggs and Oil: Scrape down the sides of the bowl, and then add the eggs one at a time. Make sure to beat each egg fully before adding the next. Mix in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract until well combined.

  4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

  5. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add 1/3 of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, then mix until just combined. Next, mix in 1/2 of the apple cider. Repeat this process until all the flour and cider are incorporated, making sure not to overmix.

  6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for a bit, then run a butter knife around the edges and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Apple Cider Spice Cake

When it’s time to serve your Apple Cider Spice Cake, you’ll want to take a moment to assemble and present it beautifully:

  1. Assemble the Cake: Place one layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting on top. Add the second layer, repeat the process, and finish with the third layer on top.

  2. Frost the Cake: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.

  3. Garnish: Drizzle the salted caramel sauce over the top, allowing it to spill down the sides. Finally, sprinkle the chopped pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.

  4. Serving Suggestion: This cake is fabulous on its own but also pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Helpful Tricks for Apple Cider Spice Cake

To help you along the way, here are some expert tips and variations for making this lovely cake:

  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Be sure all your dairy ingredients (butter, cream cheese, and eggs) are at room temperature before you start. This helps create a smoother batter.

  • Make It Moist: If you’d like an even moister cake, try using fresh apple sauce mixed into the batter along with the apple cider.

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This cake also freezes well—just wrap it tightly and store it for up to 3 months.

Apple Cider Spice Cake FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just frost them on the day you plan to serve.

2. Can I substitute the cream cheese frosting?
Absolutely! You can use a simple buttercream or a whipped topping if you prefer something lighter.

3. Is there an alternative to salted caramel?
If you want a less sweet option, you can use a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and a bit of milk instead.

Baking this Apple Cider Spice Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle is sure to fill your kitchen with heavenly scents of fall. Its delightful flavors and beautiful presentation make it a favored treat for any gathering. So why not give it a try this season? Your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy your baking adventure!