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Bourbon Apple Cider Cake Recipe

4.5 from 71 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 23 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
  5. 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.
  6. Add Apples: Fold in the chopped apples evenly through the batter.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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