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Easy Kid-Approved Apple Cider Caramel Cake with Cinnamon Buttercream

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A moist apple cider cake with rich caramel sauce and cinnamon buttercream, inspired by a beloved local bakery. This kid-approved fall dessert is made with simple pantry ingredients and is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) apple cider
  • 1 cup (240ml) apple cider (for caramel)
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar (for caramel)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed (for caramel)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream (for caramel)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt (for caramel)
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream)
  • 3–4 cups (360–480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Reduce the apple cider: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup (240ml) of apple cider to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about ¼ cup (60ml), about 15–20 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  2. Make the caramel sauce: In a clean, dry saucepan, spread ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar in an even layer. Cook over medium heat, swirling occasionally, until melted and deep amber, about 5–7 minutes. Carefully whisk in 3 tablespoons cubed butter, then slowly stream in ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream while whisking constantly. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of the reduced apple cider syrup and ¼ teaspoon salt. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a jar.
  3. Prepare the cake pans: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans, line bottoms with parchment paper, and dust with flour.
  4. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
  5. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat ¾ cup (170g) softened butter with 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar and ½ cup (100g) packed light brown sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes.
  6. Add eggs and vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  7. Alternate dry ingredients and apple cider: With mixer on low, add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with remaining apple cider (about ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons). Mix just until combined. Fold in 2 tablespoons of reduced apple cider syrup.
  8. Bake the cakes: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Make the cinnamon buttercream: In a large bowl, beat 1 cup (226g) softened butter until smooth. Add 2 teaspoons cinnamon and beat until combined. Gradually add 3 cups (360g) sifted powdered sugar, beating on low. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 2 tablespoons heavy cream. Beat on medium-high for 3–4 minutes until light and fluffy. Adjust consistency with more cream or powdered sugar as needed.
  10. Assemble the cake: Place one cooled cake layer on serving plate. Spread a generous layer of buttercream on top. Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of caramel sauce over buttercream. Place second cake layer on top. Frost entire cake with remaining buttercream. Drizzle remaining caramel sauce over top, letting it drip down sides. Let sit for 30 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Don’t rush the caramel; low and slow is key. Room temperature ingredients matter for proper creaming. Measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling. Let cakes cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream. Use a serrated knife to level domed cake tops.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider cake, caramel cake, cinnamon buttercream, fall dessert, kid-friendly cake, homemade cake

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/easy-kid-approved-apple-cider-caramel-cake-with-cinnamon-buttercream/