Name: Apple Cider Spice Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 3 large eggs (room temperature); 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup apple cider; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 cups unsalted butter (softened); 1 cup cream cheese (softened); 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2/3 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought); 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream; 3/4 teaspoons sea salt; 5 cups powdered sugar; chopped pecans; 1/3-1/2 cup salted caramel sauce

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Apple Cider Spice Cake is perfectly moist and delicious with a luxurious salted caramel frosting topped with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

Apple Cider Spice Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle on a white cake stand

There’s something about apple cider that just screams fall. It’s so wonderfully cozy and I love baking with it because it makes the house smell amazing.

This showstopping three layered Apple Cider Spice Cake was my latest baking project.

Apple Cider Spice Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle on a white cake stand with a slice removed

Each layer is soft, fluffy and brimming with apple cider and spices.

The crunchy pecans and decadent salted caramel frosting along with the caramel glaze are the perfect compliment to balance out the warm autumn flavors.

Close-up view of Apple Cider Spice Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle

This would make one showstopping dessert at any holiday gathering and perfect for sharing with your favorite people.

A slice of Apple Cider Spice Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle on a plate

5 from 5 votes

Apple Cider Spice Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle

Prep Time

30 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

1 hr

Apple Cider Spice Cake is perfectly moist and delicious with a luxurious salted caramel frosting topped with a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Keyword: apple spice cake, fall cake recipe, thanksgiving cake recipe

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 961 kcal

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 large eggs room temperature
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup apple cider
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Salted Caramel Buttercream Frosting:

2 cups unsalted butter softened
1 cup cream cheese softened
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2/3 cup caramel sauce homemade or store-bought
2-4 tablespoons heavy cream
3/4 teaspoons sea salt
5 cups powdered sugar

Toppings:

chopped pecans
1/3-1/2 cup salted caramel sauce

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray three 8-inch cake pans with baking spray on the sides and line with parchment paper. Set aside.
In the bowl of stand mixer, cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, at least 3 minutes.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl, then add in the eggs, one at a time, beating each egg in fully before adding in the next. Add in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, beat until combined and scrape down the sides of the bowl.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture, mix until combined, then add in 1/2 of the apple cider. Repeat once more, finishing with the flour, mixing until just moistened.
Divide batter evenly among pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until set and a tooth pick comes out clean. Set aside until the cakes cool completely (or place in the refrigerator), then run a butter knife around the edges of the cakes to release them.

To Make the Frosting:

In a large bowl, cream together butter and cream cheese until smooth - around 5 minutes. Beat in vanilla and caramel sauce until combined then turn the mixer to low and add powdered sugar until smooth. Turn the mixer back to high speed and add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed until desired consistency is reached.

To Assemble:

Place the first cake layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread 1/3 of your frosting over the top of the cake, smoothing it out towards the edges. Place the next layer on top, press down slightly to secure the next layer, and repeat with the frosting. Add the third layer on top and spread a very thin layer of frosting over the sides and top of the cake. Refrigerate until firm. Frost the sides and top of the cake with the remaining frosting. Drizzle some additional salted caramel sauce on top and sprinkle with chopped pecans. Return to the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes prior to serving.

Nutrition Facts

Apple Cider Spice Cake with Salted Caramel Drizzle

Amount Per Serving (1 slice (1/12 cake))

Calories 961 Calories from Fat 504

% Daily Value*

Fat 56g86%

Saturated Fat 36g180%

Cholesterol 172mg57%

Sodium 467mg19%

Potassium 162mg5%

Carbohydrates 111g37%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 77g86%

Protein 6g12%

Vitamin A 1550IU31%

Vitamin C 0.2mg0%

Calcium 77mg8%

Iron 1.9mg11%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

More layer cakes:

Pumpkin Snickers Layer Cake with Salted Caramel Frosting