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Kid-Approved Apple Cider Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze: Perfect Easy Dessert

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A tender, fragrant apple cider cake with a tangy cream cheese glaze that started as a happy kitchen accident. This easy dessert is moist, perfectly spiced, and a crowd-pleaser for family dinners and fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup apple cider (unfiltered is best)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1–2 tablespoons milk (or heavy cream)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the long sides.
  2. Reduce the apple cider: Pour ¾ cup of apple cider into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, until it reduces to about ½ cup. Let it cool while you prep the rest.
  3. Whisk the dry ingredients together: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
  4. Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through.
  5. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then add the vanilla extract and beat until combined.
  6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the cider: With the mixer on low speed, add about a third of the flour mixture, then half of the reduced cider. Repeat with another third of flour, the remaining cider, and finally the last of the flour. Mix just until combined.
  7. Fold the batter one last time: Use a rubber spatula to give the batter a few gentle folds from the bottom up.
  8. Pour and spread the batter: Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and spread it into an even layer. Give the pan a gentle tap on the counter to release any air bubbles.
  9. Bake for 45-55 minutes: Place the pan on the middle rack and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If the top is browning too quickly (around the 30-minute mark), tent it loosely with foil.
  10. Cool completely: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift it out onto a cooling rack. Let it cool completely before adding the glaze—at least 1 hour.
  11. Make the cream cheese glaze: Beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy—about 2 minutes. Add the sifted powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt, then beat on low until combined. Add milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach a pourable consistency.
  12. Glaze and serve: Pour the glaze over the completely cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before slicing. Store any leftovers in the fridge, covered.

Notes

Don’t skip the cider reduction—it concentrates the apple flavor. Room temperature ingredients are important for proper creaming. Let the cake cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off. The cake tastes even better on day two. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter and cream cheese (block-style). For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cider cake, cream cheese glaze, easy dessert, fall dessert, kid-friendly, apple cake, loaf cake

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/kid-approved-apple-cider-cake-with-cream-cheese-glaze-perfect-easy-dessert/