Festive Bourbon Apple Cider Cake (Print)
Layers of apple cider cake with Honeycrisp apples and bourbon icing for festive, spiced indulgence.
# What You'll Need:
→ Cake
01 -
2 cups apple cider
02 -
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
03 -
1 tbsp baking powder
04 -
1 tsp salt
05 -
8 ounces unsalted butter (two sticks)
06 -
2 1/4 cups sugar
07 -
3 large eggs
08 -
1 cup whole milk
09 -
2 tsp vanilla
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2 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1/2 tsp ground clove
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1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
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1 1/2 tsp ground allspice
14 -
2 Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and pureed
→ Icing
15 -
8 ounces cream cheese
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1 stick butter
17 -
5 cups powdered sugar
18 -
1/4 cup plus 3 tsp bourbon
19 -
1/2 tsp vanilla
# How to Make It:
01 -
Heat the apple cider in a small saucepan on medium heat until it reduces by half, making 1 cup.
02 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), grease and line three 9-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
03 -
Whisk together the flour, salt, spices, and baking powder in a large bowl.
04 -
In a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
05 -
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
06 -
Mix the milk and vanilla together. On low speed, alternately add the dry flour mixture and milk mixture to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
07 -
Pour in the pureed apples and reduced apple cider, mixing until just combined.
08 -
Evenly divide the batter among the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
09 -
In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth.
10 -
Slowly add the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Add the bourbon and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
11 -
After frosting the cake, optionally drizzle 4-5 tablespoons of honey, caramel, or dulce de leche as a glaze.
# Additional Notes:
01 -
Use room temperature eggs, butter, and milk to ensure an even bake.
02 -
Tap the pans against the counter to release any air pockets.
03 -
Lining the pans with parchment makes the cakes easier to remove.
04 -
Use full-fat cream cheese for the frosting to avoid a watery consistency.
05 -
If the frosting becomes too soft, chill it for 20 minutes before using.