Bourbon Apple Cider Cake Recipe
Introduction
Bourbon Apple Cider Cake is a delightful fall dessert that combines the warm flavors of apples and bourbon with a moist, tender crumb. This cake is perfect for cozy gatherings or as a sweet treat with your afternoon tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup apple cider
- 2 cups chopped apples
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional: powdered sugar or bourbon glaze for topping
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with apple cider, beginning and ending with flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Step 5: Fold in the chopped apples and bourbon gently to distribute evenly.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is moist.
- Step 7: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 8: If desired, drizzle with a bourbon glaze or dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
- Substitute bourbon with brandy or rum for a different but equally delicious profile.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour.
- Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg enhances the warm spices in the cake.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or enjoy chilled; the flavors develop even more over time.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cake without alcohol?
Yes, you can omit the bourbon or replace it with extra apple cider or a splash of vanilla extract for a similar flavor without alcohol.
How do I make a bourbon glaze?
Mix powdered sugar with a small amount of bourbon and a splash of lemon juice or water until smooth and pourable. Adjust consistency by adding more liquid or sugar as needed.
PrintBourbon Apple Cider Cake Recipe
This Bourbon Apple Cider Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh apples with the rich, warming notes of bourbon and spiced apple cider. Perfect for autumn gatherings or any time you crave a comforting cake with a hint of sophistication.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 3/4 cup apple cider
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
For the Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons bourbon
- 1 tablespoon apple cider
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This helps to create a tender texture in the cake.
- Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Incorporate Liquids: Mix in the bourbon and apple cider alternately with the dry ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Stir gently to combine without overmixing.
- Add Apples: Fold in the chopped apples evenly through the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be moist but set.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare Glaze (Optional): Whisk powdered sugar, bourbon, and apple cider in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or liquid as needed.
- Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake. Let it set for about 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with additional apple cider or apple juice.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance against the sweetness of the cake.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and sheen.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Keywords: Bourbon Apple Cider Cake, Autumn dessert, Fall cake, Spiced apple cake, Easy apple cake, Moist cake recipe
