Harvest Cake with Cider Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting
Celebrate the flavors of autumn with this irresistible Harvest Cake with Cider Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting. Packed with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and made moist with grated apples and applesauce, this cake is the ultimate seasonal treat. Topped with a luscious frosting infused with reduced apple cider and a hint of cinnamon, every bite offers a sweet, tangy, and creamy delight that perfectly complements the spiced cake layers. Whether you're hosting a fall gathering or simply craving a comforting dessert, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Serve chilled for the best texture, and don't forget to garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or apple slices for extra flair. It's autumn in every slice!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoons baking soda
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoons ground nutmeg
- 0.5 teaspoons ground ginger
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.75 cups light brown sugar (packed)
- 0.5 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 0.5 cups vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups grated apples (peeled)
- 3.5 cups powdered sugar
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 0.5 cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for frosting)
- 1.5 cups apple cider (reduced to 3 tablespoons)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar and brown sugar. Add the applesauce, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the grated apples to evenly distribute throughout the batter.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, reduce the apple cider: Simmer 1.5 cups of cider in a small saucepan over medium heat until it reduces to about 3 tablespoons. Let it cool completely.
Once the cakes are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
Add the reduced apple cider and ground cinnamon to the frosting, then beat until smooth and creamy.
Once the cakes have completely cooled, spread a layer of frosting on top of one cake layer, then place the second layer on top.
Frost the top and sides of the cake as desired. For decoration, optionally sprinkle extra cinnamon or garnish with thin apple slices.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set. Enjoy your Harvest Cake with Cider Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
7724 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 298.7 g | 383% | |
| Saturated Fat | 128.8 g | 644% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 67.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1067 mg | 356% | |
| Sodium | 3758 mg | 163% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1242.5 g | 452% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 24.8 g | 89% | |
| Total Sugars | 961.4 g | ||
| Protein | 67.4 g | 135% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.5 mcg | 23% | |
| Calcium | 612 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 20.3 mg | 113% | |
| Potassium | 2059 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
