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Apple Cider Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 58 reviews

This Apple Cider Cake with Salted Caramel Buttercream is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for fall and special occasions. The spiced cake is infused with fresh apple cider and warm spices, layered with a luscious caramel apple filling and frosted with a rich salted caramel buttercream. Optional walnuts add a delightful crunch to complement the creamy frosting and tender cake layers.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Cider Cake

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 ⅓ cup brown sugar (lightly packed)
  • 4 eggs
  • 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground clove
  • 1 ½ cups fresh apple cider

Caramel Apple Filling

  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 apple (peeled and thinly sliced)
  • ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup Salted Caramel Sauce

Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting

  • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (softened)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 3 cups confectioners sugar
  • ¾ cup Salted Caramel Sauce

Optional Garnish

  • 1 cup walnuts (crushed)
  • Cinnamon sticks

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground clove. Whisk these together until fully integrated, then set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to mix on medium speed for about 1 minute, scraping down the sides occasionally.
  4. Add Dry Ingredients and Apple Cider: Alternately add the dry ingredients and fresh apple cider to the butter mixture in three batches, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on medium speed until fully incorporated, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. Bake the Cake Layers: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few crumbs. For 9-inch pans, reduce baking time to 22 to 25 minutes.
  6. Prepare Caramel Apple Filling: Heat butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the peeled, thinly sliced apples and sauté them for about 2 minutes until slightly soft and coated in butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon, then stir in the salted caramel sauce. Reduce heat to low and bring to a gentle boil, then remove from heat and refrigerate for about 20 minutes to thicken.
  7. Make Salted Caramel Buttercream: Using a stand mixer, beat the softened butter on medium-high until pale and fluffy. Add the cream cheese and beat until fully combined, scraping the bowl as needed. On the lowest speed, gradually add the confectioners sugar, 1 cup at a time. Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 1 minute. Add the salted caramel sauce and beat for an additional 2 minutes, stopping halfway to scrape the bowl.
  8. Assemble the Cake: On the first cake layer, pipe a frosting wall around the edge to create a barrier for the filling. Spoon the cooled caramel apple filling inside the ring. Top with the second cake layer and gently press down.
  9. Frost the Cake: Use the remaining salted caramel buttercream to frost the outside of the cake completely. Garnish the top with cinnamon sticks.
  10. Add Optional Walnut Garnish: If desired, crush walnuts in a plastic food bag with a rolling pin and press them onto the bottom half of the frosted cake to add texture and crunch.

Notes

  • Ensure butter and cream cheese are fully softened before making the buttercream for a smooth texture.
  • Use fresh apple cider for best flavor in the cake batter.
  • Adjust baking time according to the size of pans used (8-inch vs 9-inch).
  • Cool the caramel apple filling completely before assembling to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.
  • Walnuts are optional but add a nice textural contrast to the cake.
  • The frosting wall helps contain the filling and prevent it from leaking out.

Keywords: apple cider cake, salted caramel buttercream, caramel apple filling, fall dessert, spiced cake, cream cheese frosting

Find it online: https://thedishspot.com/apple-cider-cake-with-salted-caramel-buttercream-recipe/