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Dessert • American

Apple Cider Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream Recipe

Two layer apple cider cake, sweet and full of warming spices, gooey caramel apple filling and salted caramel buttercream.

4.8 from 168 votes
80 mins
Total Time
10
Servings
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Apple Cider Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream

How to Make the Best Apple Cider Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream

Apple cider cake is the quintessential fall dessert—a beautiful two-layer cake bursting with warm spices and the subtle sweetness of fresh apple cider. This particular recipe elevates the classic combination by adding a gooey caramel apple filling and topping it all off with a luxurious salted caramel buttercream. The result is an elegant yet approachable dessert that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or as an impressive finish to any autumn meal.

What makes this cake so special is the balance of flavors. The apple cider gives the cake a delicate, sophisticated taste that’s distinctly seasonal, while the warming spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground clove—create that cozy, nostalgic feeling we all crave when the leaves start to turn. The salted caramel buttercream adds a layer of indulgence that perfectly complements the spiced cake.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to capture the essence of fall in dessert form, this apple cider cake with salted caramel buttercream is sure to become a cherished favorite. The combination of tender cake, spiced apples, and buttery caramel frosting creates a memorable dessert that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Apple Cider Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream

Apple Cider Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream

Two layer apple cider cake, sweet and full of warming spices, gooey caramel apple filling and salted caramel buttercream.

4.8 from 168 votes
CourseDessert
CuisineAmerican
Keywordapple desserts, fall baking, fall inspired cakes, holiday baking, holiday desserts
Prep Time45 mins
Cook Time35 mins
Total Time80 mins
Servings10 servings
Calories1018kcal
AuthorRare Ivy
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Ingredients

Apple Cider Cake

Caramel Apple Filling

Salted Caramel Buttercream

Instructions

Apple Cider Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground clove.
  5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and apple cider to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before turning out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Caramel Apple Filling

  1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add sliced apples and cinnamon, cooking until apples are tender, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the salted caramel sauce and let cool slightly.

Salted Caramel Buttercream

  1. Beat together softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
  2. Gradually add confectioners sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
  3. Stir in salted caramel sauce until well combined.

Assembling the Cake

  1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread with caramel apple filling.
  2. Top with the second cake layer.
  3. Frost the top and sides of the cake with salted caramel buttercream.
  4. Garnish with crushed walnuts if desired.
  5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • This cake is best served at room temperature or slightly chilled.
  • The cake can be made a day in advance for easier assembly.
  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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