Apple Cider Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream Recipe

If you love the cozy flavors of fall wrapped up in one irresistible dessert, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Apple Cider Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream. This cake is a delightful celebration of fresh apple cider’s bright, tangy notes combined with warm spices that spark memories of crisp autumn days. Paired with a luxuriously smooth salted caramel buttercream, it creates a perfect balance of sweet and salty that will have you going back for seconds (and thirds). Whether you’re baking it for a family gathering or a special treat for yourself, this cake is sure to become a staple favorite that’s bursting with seasonal goodness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple but thoughtfully selected ingredients is the first step to making an Apple Cider Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream that truly sings. Each item contributes to the rich texture, aromatic spices, or that dreamy sweetness you crave in this dessert.

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture to the cake and frosting without overwhelming the flavors.
• Brown sugar: Lightly packed for natural sweetness and a hint of molasses depth in the cake.
• Eggs: Four eggs to provide structure and tenderness to the batter.
• Pure vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla amplifies warmth and rounds out the spices.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy foundation for the cake’s tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise beautifully and become delightfully fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors throughout.
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, ground clove: These warming spices bring the essence of autumn into every bite.
• Fresh apple cider: The star ingredient that lends moisture and authentic apple flavor.
• Apple for filling: Peeled and thinly sliced, adds a juicy burst inside the cake layers.
• Salted caramel sauce: Elevates both the filling and buttercream with its dreamy, sweet-savory notes.
• Cream cheese: Adds tangy creaminess to the salted caramel buttercream frosting.
• Confectioners sugar: Sweetens and smooths the frosting to perfect consistency.
• Walnuts (optional): Adds a pleasing crunch and nutty contrast when used as a garnish.

How to Make Apple Cider Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Batter

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and get two 8-inch round pans ready by greasing and flouring them thoroughly. Mixing the dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove — in a bowl ensures your spices are evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy; this step is crucial for a tender crumb. Then, add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well to incorporate air and build structure. Alternate adding your dry ingredients with fresh apple cider, starting and finishing with the dry mix, to create a batter that balances moisture with strength beautifully. Your layers will bake for about 25 to 28 minutes, transforming into fragrant, golden cakes that set the stage for all the deliciousness to come.

Step 2: Craft the Caramel Apple Filling

While the cake is baking, focus on making the caramel apple filling. Gently sauté thin apple slices in butter over medium-high heat, letting them soften just enough to release their natural sweetness without losing shape. A sprinkle of cinnamon infuses warm spice, and adding salted caramel sauce elevates the mixture into a luscious filling that’s rich and irresistible. Bring this combination to a boil briefly on low heat, then cool it in the refrigerator until it thickens — this step lets the flavors meld and ensures the filling stays perfectly contained inside the cake layers.

Step 3: Whip Up the Salted Caramel Buttercream

Get ready to make the crowning glory of your cake — the salted caramel buttercream. Using a stand mixer, beat the butter until pale and fluffy before adding softened cream cheese, which adds a subtle tang and silky texture. Gradually incorporate confectioners sugar on low speed to keep the airiness intact, then seamlessly blend in the salted caramel sauce for an indulgent, velvety frosting. Don’t forget to scrape the bowl as you go to make sure every bit comes together perfectly.

Step 4: Assemble Your Apple Cider Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream

Place your first cake layer on your serving plate and carefully pipe a frosting wall around the edges. This clever “dam” holds in the thick caramel apple filling. Spoon the cooled filling into the enclosed space, spreading it evenly but gently. Top with the second cake layer and press lightly to set. Finish by frosting the outside of the cake with the remaining caramel buttercream, smoothing it to a silky finish. For a final touch, add cinnamon sticks on top and optionally press crushed walnuts around the bottom edge for crunch and texture that complement the cake’s softness.

How to Serve Apple Cider Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream

Garnishes

Adding garnishes such as cinnamon sticks or lightly crushed walnuts not only enhances the cake’s appearance but also provides extra hints of texture and spice that echo the flavors inside. These simple touches elevate your presentation effortlessly.

Side Dishes

Serve this cake alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to balance the rich caramel notes with creaminess. A cup of chai or spiced apple cider perfectly complements and rounds out the wholesome autumn experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the slice! This cake is a showstopper when converted into cupcakes filled with diced caramelized apples for individual treats. You can also serve it as a layered trifle in clear glasses to showcase each delicious component or decorate with edible flowers for a festive look at holiday gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Because the salted caramel buttercream contains cream cheese, it’s best to store leftover Apple Cider Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Wrapped well in plastic wrap or in an airtight container, it will maintain its flavor and texture for several days.

Freezing

You can freeze individual cake layers before assembling, wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting. The fully assembled and frosted cake is better enjoyed fresh, but if needed, freeze it well-covered for up to one month and thaw carefully to preserve the buttercream’s smooth texture.

Reheating

Since this cake is best served at room temperature to enjoy the full depth of caramel flavor and creamy frosting, remove it from the fridge about an hour before serving. Avoid heating as it can alter the texture of the buttercream and soften the cake layers excessively.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought apple cider?

Yes! Store-bought fresh apple cider works wonderfully in this recipe and saves time. Just make sure it’s pure apple cider without added sugars or preservatives to maintain the cake’s authentic flavor.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just keep in mind that texture might slightly vary, so adding a bit of xanthan gum can help mimic the structure of gluten.

Can I prepare the caramel sauce in advance?

Definitely. Making the salted caramel sauce a day ahead is actually recommended since it needs time to cool and reach the ideal consistency. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before using.

How do I prevent the caramel apple filling from making the cake soggy?

The key is to cool and thicken the caramel apple filling completely before assembling the cake. Chilling it allows it to set and keeps the cake layers moist but not soggy.

Can this recipe be made into cupcakes?

Absolutely! This recipe easily converts into about 24 cupcakes. Dice the caramelized apples finely and stuff them in the center of each cupcake for a delightful surprise, then top with the salted caramel buttercream.

Final Thoughts

Making this Apple Cider Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream is like capturing the warmth and sweetness of fall in every bite. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together, sparking smiles and happy memories around the table. If you want to impress your friends or family with a dessert that’s both comforting and elegantly flavored, give this cake a try — I promise it will become one of your cherished favorites before the first slice is even gone.

Print