Bourbon Apple Cider Cake Recipe – A Cozy Slice of Autumn Bliss

There’s something so magical about the aroma of baking that wafts through the house, especially on a crisp fall day. The warmth of spices fills the air, mingling with the sweetness of apples, creating a comforting embrace that feels like a big hug from your favorite sweater. As I poured the reduced apple cider into my mixing bowl, my heart danced with the memories of family gatherings and laughter echoing through the kitchen. This is the essence of my Bourbon Apple Cider Cake — a dessert that brings everyone together, offering a slice of warmth with every bite.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make — perfect for busy days.
• Offers comforting homemade flavor that feels like a warm hug.
• Made with simple, everyday ingredients that you may already have.
• Perfect for any occasion: from family dinners to cozy weeknight treats.
• Always a crowd-pleaser; trust me, it won’t last long on your table!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups apple cider (The star of the show — make sure to reduce it for that rich flavor!)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour (This forms the base of your delightful cake. Use a spoon to measure!)
• 1 cup sugar (Just enough sweetness to balance the spices.)
• 1/2 cup butter, softened (I love unsalted for better control of saltiness.)
• 3 eggs (Room temperature works best for a lovely fluffy texture.)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon (Fall feels in spice form!)
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg (A warm hug in spice form.)
• 1/4 tsp cloves (Just a pinch adds depth and warmth.)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (Because vanilla makes everything better!)
• 1/4 cup bourbon (A splash to elevate the flavor; the fun secret ingredient!)
• 8 oz cream cheese (For that luscious frosting.)
• 2 cups powdered sugar (Sweet and smooth, just like you want your frosting to be.)

How to Make It

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing and flouring your cake pan is the first step towards assured success.

2. Reduce your apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it’s about 1 cup. As the apple cider thickens, let its sweet aroma waft through your kitchen. Once reduced, let it cool for a bit.

3. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial; you’ll want it to feel airy as you beat in the eggs one at a time, letting them blend in fully before adding the next.

4. Now, stir in the reduced apple cider and vanilla extract. This is where the magic begins — you’ll start to smell that warmth already.

5. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gradually add these dry ingredients into the wet mixture. You’re building a beautiful batter, so mix it gently until just combined!

6. Don’t forget the bourbon! Stir it in with love — it brings all the flavors together.

7. Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smell that sweet hug? It’s time to bake! Put it in the oven for about 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. While your cake is cooling, let’s whip up the icing. Beat the cream cheese in a bowl until smooth, then mix in the powdered sugar and a splash more of bourbon for that extra flair.

9. Once your cake is completely cool, frost it generously with that creamy, dreamy icing. Remember, there’s no such thing as too much frosting.

10. Serve and enjoy this delightful slice of happiness!

Kitchen Tips

• Time-Saving Trick: Reduce the apple cider while you prep your other ingredients to save time!
• Common Mistake Fix: If your cake sinks in the middle, it could be due to under-baking. Just stick with the toothpick test!
• Creative Twist: Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a bit of crunch to contrast the smooth cake.

Serving Ideas

This Bourbon Apple Cider Cake shines brightest when served at family dinners, Sunday brunches, or those cozy nights in wrapped in a blanket. Imagine cutting into that moist cake and letting the frosting melt slightly on top — pure bliss! You could also dust it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Storing & Leftovers

• Keep your cake in the fridge, covered, for about a week. It stays moist and delicious!
• To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds — it’s like it just came out of the oven.
• If you have leftovers (which I doubt!), try toasting slices and turning them into breakfast sandwiches with a bit of cream cheese and fresh fruit.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! It actually improves in flavor as it sits, making it perfect for preparing a day in advance.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is quite forgiving. You can replace the bourbon with apple juice or omit it altogether.

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the pan, while it’s still warm and aromatic, is always a hit!

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden edges and the delightful smell — that’s your cue!

Final Thoughts

This Bourbon Apple Cider Cake is more than just dessert; it’s a reminder of cozy moments, shared laughter, and the simple pleasures in life. Every bite takes me back to family gatherings where stories were told, and everyone left with a smile. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own, adding your special touch. Let it become a warm, comforting tradition in your home, just as it is in mine. Enjoy every crumb of this Bourbon Apple Cider Cake!

Bourbon Apple Cider Cake

A delightful and cozy cake made with reduced apple cider, spices, and a splash of bourbon, topped with creamy frosting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Baked Goods

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Cake

• 2 cups apple cider Reduce it for richer flavor.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour Use a spoon to measure.
• 1 cup sugar Just enough sweetness.
• 1/2 cup butter, softened Unsalted preferred.
• 3 pieces eggs Room temperature works best.
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon Fall feels in spice form.
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg A warm hug in spice form.
• 1/4 tsp cloves Adds depth and warmth.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract Makes everything better.
• 1/4 cup bourbon Elevates the flavor.

For the Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese For a luscious frosting.
• 2 cups powdered sugar Sweet and smooth.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour your cake pan.
2. Reduce the apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat until it’s about 1 cup, then let it cool.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time.
4. Stir in the reduced apple cider and vanilla extract.
5. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
7. Stir in the bourbon.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Frosting

1. While the cake is cooling, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar and a splash of bourbon.
2. Once the cake is completely cool, frost it generously with icing.

Notes

You can add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for extra crunch.