Apple Cider Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Topping is the perfect autumn dessert that brings together the warm flavors of apple cider and cinnamon in a soft, moist cake. Topped with a sweet cinnamon-sugar crust, this cake is a comforting treat for any occasion. It’s simple to make, yet offers a delightful taste of fall in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Apple Cider Cake is the epitome of fall flavors, blending the sweetness of apple cider with the richness of a yellow cake mix. The cinnamon sugar topping adds a satisfying crunch and sweetness that perfectly complements the soft, moist cake. It’s easy to prepare and bake, making it a great choice for gatherings, holiday meals, or a cozy afternoon snack. The added bonus is that the cake can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature!
Ingredients
Cake
1 box yellow cake mix (no pudding mix)
¾ cup fresh apple cider (reduce for stronger flavor)
½ cup sweetened applesauce
3 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Topping
¼ cup melted butter
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or parchment-line a 9×13-inch pan. - Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, apple cider, applesauce, eggs, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth. - Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Top While Hot
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, brush it immediately with melted butter. Then, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar evenly over the top. - Cool & Serve
Allow the cake to cool for 20–30 minutes so the topping can set. Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 12-16 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Variations
- Apple Texture: Add diced apples or chunks of caramelized apples to the batter for extra texture and flavor.
- Nuts: Stir in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
- Spices: For a deeper flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the batter along with the cinnamon.
- Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy butter and applesauce to make this cake dairy-free.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh apple cider in place of the store-bought kind?
Yes, fresh apple cider will give the cake a more intense apple flavor. If using fresh cider, simmer it down to about ¾ cup to concentrate the flavor.
2. Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a spice cake or vanilla cake mix for a slightly different flavor profile.
3. Can I make this cake without the cinnamon sugar topping?
While the cinnamon sugar adds a delicious crunchy topping, you can skip it if you prefer a simpler cake. However, the crunch is a signature feature of this dessert.
4. Can I add other fruits to this cake?
Yes, you can add other fruits like pears or diced apples to the batter for more texture and flavor. Just make sure to chop the fruit into small pieces.
5. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of the regular cake mix and adjust for any additional binding agents if necessary.
6. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
7. How do I ensure the topping stays crunchy?
Make sure to add the cinnamon sugar topping while the cake is still hot, right after it comes out of the oven. This helps the sugar to crystallize and form a crunchy layer.
8. Can I use a bundt pan instead of a 9×13 pan?
Yes, you can use a bundt pan. Just adjust the baking time to ensure the cake is fully cooked through. Start checking for doneness around 35 minutes.
9. Can I make this cake without applesauce?
If you don’t have applesauce, you can substitute it with an equal amount of mashed bananas or even yogurt for a different flavor.
10. How do I make the cake more flavorful?
For a more intense apple flavor, you can reduce the apple cider to concentrate the flavor or add a bit of apple extract or cinnamon to the batter.
Conclusion
Apple Cider Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Topping is a simple, yet delightful dessert that combines the flavors of fall in one delicious cake. The soft, moist cake paired with the sweet, crunchy topping makes for a perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. It’s quick to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it a great option for busy days or special occasions. Enjoy this warm, comforting dessert that celebrates the essence of autumn!
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Apple Cider Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Topping
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Cider Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Topping combines the cozy flavors of fall into a simple, delicious dessert. The cake is moist and packed with apple cider and applesauce, while the cinnamon sugar topping creates a perfect crunchy contrast. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
1 box yellow cake mix (no pudding mix)
¾ cup fresh apple cider (reduce for stronger flavor)
½ cup sweetened applesauce
3 large eggs (room temperature)
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping:
¼ cup melted butter
½ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or parchment-line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
Mix the Batter:
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, apple cider, applesauce, eggs, melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth.
Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Top While Hot:
Once the cake is baked, immediately brush the top with melted butter. Then, evenly sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture over the top while the cake is still hot to form the crunchy topping.
Cool & Serve:
Allow the cake to cool for 20-30 minutes to let the topping set. Slice and enjoy while warm or at room temperature.
Notes
The cake must be HOT when the topping is added to ensure the crunch forms.
For a deeper apple flavor, you can simmer 1 cup of cider down to ¾ cup before adding it to the batter.
You can add diced apples or nuts to the batter for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
