Apple Cider Cake with Cinnamon Maple Buttercream (Moist & Easy Recipe)

Apple Cider Cake with Cinnamon Maple Buttercream is a delicious fall dessert featuring soft, tender cake layers, warm autumn spices, and rich maple frosting. Made with fresh apple cider, cinnamon, and creamy buttercream, this homemade cake brings comforting seasonal flavors to every bite.

Whether you’re planning a Thanksgiving celebration, hosting a family gathering, or simply craving a homemade dessert, this moist apple cider cake is a wonderful choice.

If you enjoy baking with apples, you’ll also love this Spiced Apple Cider Donut Loaf, which combines concentrated apple cider flavor with a cinnamon-sugar topping.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cider Cake

This homemade apple cider cake recipe combines simple ingredients with delicious fall flavors.

• Moist and fluffy: Buttermilk, butter, and vegetable oil help create soft cake layers.
• Rich apple flavor: Fresh apple cider adds fruity sweetness.
• Warm autumn spices: Cinnamon and apple pie spice create a comforting aroma.
• Creamy maple frosting: Homemade cinnamon maple buttercream adds a smooth, buttery finish.
• Perfect for celebrations: Ideal for Thanksgiving, birthdays, and fall gatherings.
• Beautiful presentation: Decorate with apples, pecans, or cinnamon for an elegant dessert.

For another delicious apple-inspired treat, try these Brown Butter Apple Blondies with Cinnamon Glaze. Their chewy texture and warm cinnamon flavor make them perfect for autumn baking.

Ingredients for Apple Cider Cake with Cinnamon Maple Buttercream

For the richest flavor, use 100% pure maple syrup to give your cinnamon maple buttercream a naturally sweet, authentic maple taste.

Gather the following ingredients before preparing your apple cider layer cake.

For the Apple Cider Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups cake flour
• 2½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅓ cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup fresh apple cider
• ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Maple Buttercream

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3–4 tablespoons milk

Optional Decorations

• Fresh apple slices
• Chopped pecans
• Cinnamon sticks
• Ground cinnamon
• A light drizzle of maple syrup

Baking tip: Use pure maple syrup for a more authentic maple flavor. Fresh apple cider also provides a fuller apple taste than ordinary filtered apple juice.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Prepare these essential baking tools:

• Two 8-inch round cake pans
• Large mixing bowls
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk and rubber spatula
• Parchment paper
• Wire cooling rack
• Offset spatula

How to Make Apple Cider Cake Step by Step

Follow these simple instructions to prepare a moist and fluffy apple cider cake.

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cake Pans

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
• Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
• Set the prepared pans aside.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• All-purpose flour
• Cake flour
• Baking powder
• Apple pie spice
• Salt

Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

• Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add the eggs one at a time.
• Mix in the vanilla extract and vegetable oil.
• Continue mixing until the ingredients are combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Cake Batter

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture.
• Alternate with the apple cider and buttermilk.
• Mix on low speed until just combined.
• Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
• Bake for approximately 30–35 minutes, checking for doneness.
• Insert a toothpick into the center of each cake.
• Remove from the oven when the toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool Completely

• Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes.
• Transfer them to a wire rack.
• Let them cool completely before frosting.

How to Make Cinnamon Maple Buttercream Frosting

This homemade cinnamon maple buttercream perfectly complements the sweet apple flavor and warm spices.

Step 1: Beat the Butter

• Place softened butter in a large mixing bowl.
• Beat for 2–3 minutes until pale and fluffy.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar

• Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar.
• Mix on low speed until incorporated.

Step 3: Add Maple Syrup and Cinnamon

• Pour in the pure maple syrup.
• Add the ground cinnamon.
• Beat until the frosting becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Adjust the Consistency

• Add milk one tablespoon at a time until spreadable.
• If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk.
• If it’s too thin, add additional powdered sugar.

How to Assemble and Decorate Your Apple Cider Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, assemble your cinnamon maple layer cake.

1. Place the first cake layer on a serving plate.
2. Spread an even layer of buttercream over the top.
3. Carefully position the second cake layer.
4. Cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.
5. Smooth the buttercream using an offset spatula.
6. Decorate with apple slices, pecans, or cinnamon.

For a beautiful fall dessert table, serve this cake alongside Pumpkin Pie Cookies, another seasonal treat featured in the site’s dessert collection.

Expert Tips for a Moist and Fluffy Apple Cider Cake

Achieving a perfectly moist apple cider cake is easier when you follow a few important baking techniques.

• Use fresh apple cider: It gives the cake a fuller apple flavor than regular apple juice.
• Measure flour accurately: Too much flour can make the cake dry or dense.
• Use room-temperature ingredients: Softened butter and room-temperature eggs blend more evenly.
• Avoid overmixing: Excessive mixing can produce a tough cake.
• Don’t overbake: Start checking for doneness near the recommended baking time.
• Cool completely: Frosting warm cake layers can cause the buttercream to melt.

If you enjoy soft, cinnamon-flavored baked goods, try this Cinnamon Apple Bread recipe. It features tender apple pieces and warm cinnamon in an easy homemade loaf. Easy, Moist & Delicious Recipe

Delicious Apple Cider Cake Variations

You can customize this easy apple cider cake recipe to suit different occasions and preferences.

• Gluten-free apple cider cake: Use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for cakes. Results may vary.
• Dairy-free apple cider cake: Replace butter, milk, and buttermilk with appropriate plant-based alternatives.
• Apple cider cupcakes: Divide the batter into cupcake liners and adjust the baking time.
• Pecan apple cake: Add chopped pecans for extra crunch.
• Apple-filled layer cake: Spread a thin layer of cooked apple filling between the cake layers.
• Extra cinnamon flavor: Add a little more cinnamon to the buttercream.

For another seasonal baking idea, these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins combine warm fall spices with a creamy filling. Easy, Moist & Delicious

How to Store and Freeze Apple Cider Cake

Proper storage helps preserve the cake’s moist texture and rich maple frosting.

Refrigerating Leftover Cake

• Store the frosted cake in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for approximately 3–4 days.
• Allow individual slices to soften slightly before serving.

Freezing Apple Cider Cake

• Cool the unfrosted cake layers completely.
• Wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place them in freezer-safe packaging.
• Freeze for up to 2–3 months for best quality.
• Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting.

Making the Cake Ahead of Time

You can bake the cake layers a day before serving.

Keep them securely wrapped and refrigerated, then prepare the cinnamon maple buttercream and assemble the cake when needed.

FAQS About Apple Cider Cake with Cinnamon Maple Buttercream

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cider Cake with Cinnamon Maple Buttercream combines the comforting flavors of fresh apple cider, warm cinnamon, and creamy maple frosting into one delicious homemade dessert.

Whether you’re preparing a Thanksgiving celebration, hosting a fall gathering, or simply enjoying a weekend baking project, this moist apple cider cake is a wonderful seasonal treat.

Decorate it with fresh apple slices, crunchy pecans, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful finishing touch.

Apple Cider Cake with Cinnamon Maple Buttercream (Moist & Easy Recipe)

---

• Author: MERIEM
• Total Time: 60 minutes, plus cooling and decorating time
• Yield: Approximately 12 to 16 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Apple Cider Cake with Cinnamon Maple Buttercream is a delicious homemade fall dessert featuring moist, fluffy cake layers infused with fresh apple cider and warm autumn spices. Topped with rich, creamy cinnamon maple buttercream, this cake is perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday celebrations, birthdays, and cozy family gatherings.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Apple Cider Cake

2 cups all purpose flour

2 cups cake flour

2½ teaspoons baking powder

1½ cups granulated sugar

2 teaspoons apple pie spice

½ teaspoon salt

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 large eggs, room temperature

⅓ cup vegetable oil

1 cup fresh apple cider

½ cup plus 2 tablespoons buttermilk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Cinnamon Maple Buttercream

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

5 cups powdered sugar, sifted

¼ cup pure maple syrup

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

3 to 4 tablespoons milk

Optional Decorations

Fresh apple slices

Chopped pecans

Cinnamon sticks

Ground cinnamon

Extra maple syrup for drizzling

---

Instructions

Prepare the Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8 inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour, cake flour, baking powder, apple pie spice, and salt until evenly combined.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. Stir in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the fresh apple cider and buttermilk. Mix on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for approximately 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire cooling rack and let them cool completely before frosting.

Prepare the Cinnamon Maple Buttercream

Step 7: Beat the Butter

Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat with an electric mixer for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth, pale, and fluffy.

Step 8: Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until incorporated.

Step 9: Add Maple Syrup and Cinnamon

Pour in the pure maple syrup and add the ground cinnamon. Beat until the frosting becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 10: Adjust the Consistency

Add milk one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Add more powdered sugar if the frosting becomes too thin.

Assemble the Cake

Step 11: Layer the Cake

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of cinnamon maple buttercream over the top.

Step 12: Add the Second Layer

Carefully place the second cake layer on top. Spread the remaining buttercream over the top and sides of the cake.

Step 13: Decorate and Serve

Smooth the frosting with an offset spatula. Decorate with fresh apple slices, chopped pecans, cinnamon sticks, or a light drizzle of maple syrup. Slice and serve.

Notes

Use fresh apple cider for the richest apple flavor.

Make sure the butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing.

Measure flour carefully to prevent a dry or dense cake.

Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a soft and fluffy texture.

Allow the cake layers to cool completely before applying the buttercream.

Use pure maple syrup instead of pancake syrup for the best frosting flavor.

Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for approximately 3 to 4 days.

Unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped tightly and frozen for up to 2 to 3 months for best quality.

For a dairy free variation, use suitable plant based butter, milk, and buttermilk alternatives.

This recipe formulation has not been independently kitchen tested. Baking times and results should be verified before publication.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice, assuming 16 equal slices
• Calories: Not calculated
• Sugar: Not calculated
• Sodium: Not calculated
• Fat: Not calculated
• Saturated Fat: Not calculated
• Unsaturated Fat: Not calculated
• Trans Fat: Not calculated
• Carbohydrates: Not calculated
• Fiber: Not calculated
• Protein: Not calculated
• Cholesterol: Not calculated

Keywords: Apple Cider Cake with Cinnamon Maple Buttercream, Apple Cider Cake Recipe, Moist Apple Cider Cake, Cinnamon Maple Buttercream, Homemade Apple Cake, Apple Cider Layer Cake, Fall Cake Recipe, Thanksgiving Cake, Maple Buttercream Frosting, Easy Apple Cider Cake