Apple Cider Layer Cake – Best Fall Dessert

Apple Cider Layer Cake is the ultimate fall dessert — moist, flavorful, and perfect for gatherings. This cozy cake layers rich apple cider yellow cake with a tender apple filling and creamy apple cider buttercream. Whether you’re baking for Thanksgiving, a crisp autumn weekend, or just craving a seasonal treat, this cake brings the comforting essence of apple orchards right to your plate.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Layer Cake

This Apple Cider Layer Cake isn’t just delicious — it’s also incredibly versatile and rewarding to bake. The cake itself is made with both butter and oil, ensuring a moist and rich crumb. It’s filled with cooked apples for texture and warmth and topped with an apple cider buttercream that packs a sweet and tangy punch. You can prep the components over a couple of days, making it a great option for stress-free entertaining. And yes, the flavor screams autumn!

Ingredients That Make This Apple Cider Layer Cake

• Cake Flour: Gives the cake a soft, fine texture — perfect for layers.
• Apple Cider: Provides seasonal flavor and moisture to the cake batter.
• Whole Milk: Adds richness and balances the acidity of the cider.
• Grapeseed Oil: Neutral oil keeps the crumb moist without overpowering the flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Infuses richness and supports the structure of the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps tenderize the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, aromatic depth.
• Eggs & Egg Yolks: Contribute to the cake’s structure and richness.

For the Apple Filling

• Granny Smith Apples: Offer tartness and stay slightly firm when cooked.
• Gala Apples: Provide sweetness and a tender texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the apples.
• Lemon Juice: Balances sweetness and preserves the color of the apples.
• Brown Sugar: Deepens the flavor with molasses undertones.
• Cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice.
• Arrowroot Powder: Thickens the filling without cloudiness.

For the Apple Cider Buttercream

• Unsalted Butter: Forms the creamy base.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting.
• Apple Cider Concentrate: Intensifies apple flavor — a game-changer.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor.
• Salt: Balances sweetness.

For the Optional Soaking Liquid

• Apple Cider Concentrate + Calvados: Moistens the cake and enhances apple flavor — skip the alcohol if preferred.

Easy Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re missing something or need to adapt:

• Cake Flour Swap: Use all-purpose flour and cornstarch if needed (subtract 2 Tbsp flour per cup and replace with cornstarch).
• Apple Varieties: Sub Rome for Granny Smith or Fuji for Gala.
• Arrowroot Alternative: Cornstarch works too (though the texture may vary slightly).
• Dairy-Free: Substitute plant-based milk and vegan butter.
• Booze-Free: Skip Calvados and stick with apple cider concentrate.

How to Make the Perfect Apple Cider Layer Cake

1. Preheat the Oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together cake flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a bowl.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a measuring cup, mix apple cider, milk, and oil.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: Beat softened butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Add Eggs Gradually: Mix in yolks and whole eggs one at a time, scraping the bowl between additions.
6. Alternate Dry and Wet: Add flour mixture and liquid in stages, beginning and ending with flour.
7. Bake the Cakes: Divide batter evenly among pans and bake for 35–40 minutes. Cool completely before assembling.

Making the Apple Filling

1. Cook the Apples: Sauté apples in butter and lemon juice. Stir in brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
2. Simmer with Cider: Add cider and simmer until apples soften (5–7 minutes).
3. Thicken: Mix arrowroot with water, add to the apples, and cook until thickened. Cool before using.

Whipping Up the Apple Cider Buttercream

1. Beat the Butter until creamy.
2. Add Powdered Sugar, Cider Concentrate, Vanilla, and Salt: Start with 2 tablespoons of concentrate, then adjust for desired texture and flavor.
3. Fluff It Up: Mix until light and spreadable.

Assembling Your Showstopper Cake

1. Level Cake Layers for even stacking.
2. Soak with Syrup: Lightly brush Calvados-cider mixture on each layer (optional).
3. Buttercream Base: Spread a thin layer on the first cake layer.
4. Pipe a Double Ring of buttercream along the edge to hold the filling.
5. Add the Apple Filling inside the ring. Repeat for second layer.
6. Top with Final Layer and apply a crumb coat. Chill for 15–30 minutes.
7. Final Frosting Layer: Apply another coat of buttercream for a smooth finish.
8. Decorate: Use a star tip to pipe borders and add sprinkles if desired.

Tips for Success

• Reduce Apple Cider in Advance: Simmer 1 cup to make ½ cup concentrate. It adds an intense apple punch.
• Keep Cake Chilled for Clean Slices: Slice cold, then let come to room temperature before serving.
• Don’t Skip the Crumb Coat: It traps crumbs and ensures a clean, professional finish.
• Make Ahead: Cakes and filling can be made a day in advance; assemble the next day.
• Adjust Frosting Sweetness: Add cider concentrate slowly and taste along the way.

Pairing Ideas & Variations

Serve your Apple Cider Layer Cake with:

• Chai Tea or Black Coffee: The spice and bitterness balance the sweetness.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent pairing.
• Caramel Drizzle: Adds richness and complements the apple flavors.

Variations:

• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
• Booze-Free: Skip Calvados completely — the cake still shines.
• Spiced Buttercream: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
• Naked Cake Look: Skip outer frosting for a rustic, exposed finish.

Celebrating Autumn with Apple Cider Layer Cake

This Apple Cider Layer Cake is more than just a dessert — it’s a tribute to fall. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner, celebrating a birthday, or simply embracing sweater weather, this cake brings cozy orchard vibes to any occasion. Rich with apples, kissed with spice, and topped with silky buttercream, it’s a recipe you’ll return to year after year.

Conclusion

The Apple Cider Layer Cake is a seasonal showstopper that effortlessly captures the essence of fall. With layers of rich apple cider-infused yellow cake, a spiced apple filling, and a creamy apple cider buttercream, it strikes a beautiful balance between cozy and celebratory. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just diving into layer cakes, this recipe offers a manageable, rewarding process with a delicious payoff. Its texture, aroma, and nostalgic flavor make it an ideal dessert for everything from family gatherings to festive holidays. Bake it once, and it just might become your new fall tradition.

FAQ About Apple Cider Layer Cake

More Relevant Recipes

• Cinnamon Apple Cobbler
• Pumpkin Snickerdoodles
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

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