Description
This Bourbon Apple Cider Cake is the ultimate fall dessert—moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a boozy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for holiday gatherings, Thanksgiving, or cozy weekend baking!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
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4 cups apple cider (reduced to 1½ cups)
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3½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 tbsp baking powder
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1 tsp salt
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2 tsp cinnamon
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½ tsp nutmeg
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¼ tsp cloves
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1 cup unsalted butter, softened
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2¼ cups granulated sugar
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4 large eggs, room temperature
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1 cup whole milk
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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2 cups applesauce (or pureed apples)
For the Bourbon Frosting:
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
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3 tbsp bourbon (or apple cider for non-alcoholic)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Reduce the Apple Cider
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Simmer 4 cups apple cider in a saucepan over medium heat until reduced to 1½ cups (~20-25 mins). Cool completely.
2. Make the Cake Batter
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan.
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Whisk flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a bowl.
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In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy (~3 mins).
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Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla, applesauce, and reduced cider.
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Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
3. Bake & Cool
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Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 45-55 mins until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool in pan 15 mins, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Make the Frosting
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Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth.
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Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in bourbon and vanilla.
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Spread over cooled cake.
Notes
✅ Serve at room temperature for best flavor.
✅ Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.
✅ Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 3 months—frost after thawing.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
Nutrition
- Calories: 480 cal Per Serving
- Sugar: 55g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 75g