Apple Cider Snacking Cake with Maple–Cream Cheese Frosting

There’s something magical about the smell of apples and spices dancing through a cozy kitchen, especially when it all ends with a tender, spiced cake topped with a creamy swirl of maple-kissed frosting. This Apple Cider Snacking Cake is the kind of recipe that invites you to slow down, pour a cup of tea, and savor the little things. With its soft, moist crumb and a generous layer of maple cream cheese frosting, this treat brings fall flavors into every bite, no matter what time of year you bake it.

Behind the Recipe

I created this cake on a breezy afternoon when I had some leftover apple cider from a gathering and a craving for something warm and comforting. The result? A humble snacking cake that packs major flavor with minimal fuss. It’s the kind of cake you can whip up on a whim, yet it tastes like something you’d find at a charming bakery tucked in the countryside.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Snacking cakes have long been a staple in American kitchens, especially since the mid-20th century when home bakers began craving simpler, one-bowl treats. The apple cider infusion harks back to traditional fall harvest desserts, particularly in regions like New England where apple orchards thrive. Pairing it with maple, another Northeastern favorite, gives a nod to the golden syrups made in Vermont and Canada. This combo is not just cozy—it’s classic.

Why You’ll Love Apple Cider Snacking Cake with Maple–Cream Cheese Frosting

Trust me, you’re going to love this for so many reasons. Here’s why it’s a total keeper:

Versatile: Perfect as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast with coffee.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry staples and seasonal ingredients.

Quick and Easy: Comes together in one bowl with minimal cleanup.

Customizable: Add chopped apples, nuts, or swap the frosting if you’d like.

Crowd-Pleasing: Great for potlucks, brunches, or a cozy night in.

Make-Ahead Friendly: The flavors get even better the next day.

Great for Leftovers: Stays moist and tender for days—if it lasts that long!

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Want to make this cake extra dreamy? Here’s what works like magic:

1. Reduce the apple cider: Simmer the cider until it’s concentrated for a more intense apple flavor.
2. Room temp ingredients: Let eggs and cream cheese come to room temperature before using.
3. Don’t overmix the batter: Stir until just combined to keep the crumb tender.
4. Chill the frosting slightly: A cool, thick frosting layer spreads beautifully and holds its shape.
5. Let it rest: The cake tastes even better after sitting for a few hours, so don’t rush it!

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

No fancy equipment needed—just a few basics:

Mixing Bowl: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.

Whisk: Helps evenly blend the batter without overmixing.

8×8 Baking Pan: The ideal size for that perfect snacking-cake thickness.

Saucepan: To reduce the apple cider and concentrate the flavor.

Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: To whip the maple cream cheese frosting to fluffy perfection.

Offset Spatula: For smooth, swoopy frosting.

Ingredients in Apple Cider Snacking Cake with Maple–Cream Cheese Frosting

This cozy combo of ingredients brings depth, warmth, and rich texture.

1. All-purpose flour: 1 ½ cups. Provides the structure for the cake.
2. Apple cider: 1 ½ cups, reduced to ¾ cup. Adds concentrated apple flavor and moisture.
3. Baking powder: 1 teaspoon. Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy.
4. Baking soda: ½ teaspoon. Works with the cider for lightness and balance.
5. Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon. Brings that warm, spicy note.
6. Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon. Adds subtle earthy depth.
7. Salt: ½ teaspoon. Enhances and balances all the flavors.
8. Unsalted butter: ½ cup (1 stick), melted. Gives richness and a tender crumb.
9. Brown sugar: ¾ cup, packed. Adds moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
10. Granulated sugar: ¼ cup. Sweetens and balances the brown sugar.
11. Eggs: 2 large. Bind everything together for structure.
12. Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons. Adds a cozy, sweet aroma.
13. Cream cheese: 8 ounces, softened. The base of that luscious frosting.
14. Powdered sugar: 1 ½ cups. Sweetens the frosting and gives it smoothness.
15. Pure maple syrup: 2 tablespoons. Adds deep, earthy sweetness to the frosting.
16. Heavy cream: 1–2 tablespoons. Loosens the frosting for spreadability.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t worry if you’re missing something—these swaps have you covered:

Apple cider: Apple juice concentrate or spiced tea (reduce quantity slightly).

All-purpose flour: Use whole wheat pastry flour for a nuttier flavor.

Butter: Try neutral oil like canola or grapeseed.

Brown sugar: Coconut sugar works great here too.

Cream cheese: Mascarpone or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute.

Maple syrup: Use honey or agave if needed, but maple is worth it!

Ingredient Spotlight

Apple Cider: Reducing the cider transforms it into a syrupy concentrate, boosting the flavor and giving the cake moisture with that nostalgic apple taste.

Maple Syrup: This sweet liquid gold adds richness and depth to the frosting. Make sure you’re using real maple syrup, not pancake syrup, for the best flavor.

Instructions for Making Apple Cider Snacking Cake with Maple–Cream Cheese Frosting

Let’s walk through the steps together and bring this cozy cake to life!

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper if desired.

2. Combine Ingredients:
In a small saucepan, simmer apple cider over medium heat until reduced to ¾ cup. Let it cool. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In another bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, and reduced cider until smooth. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed.

3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top evenly.

4. Assemble the Dish:
Tap the pan gently to remove air bubbles. Pop it in the oven.

5. Cook to Perfection:
Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

6. Finishing Touches:
Beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and maple syrup until fluffy. Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. Spread the frosting over the cooled cake.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice into generous squares and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee. Maybe even sneak a second piece—you won’t regret it.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The contrast between the tender, moist cake and the creamy, tangy frosting is what makes this recipe so special. The reduced cider infuses a deep apple essence into every crumb, while the maple in the frosting rounds it out with a mellow sweetness that lingers on the palate.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here’s how to make things even smoother in the kitchen:

• Use parchment paper for easy removal and cleaner slices.
• Chill the cake before frosting to avoid melting.
• Dust a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg over the frosting for a little flair.

What to Avoid

Mistakes happen, but here’s how to steer clear:

• Over-reducing the cider can make it too sticky and sweet.
• Don’t overmix the batter or the cake may turn out dense.
• Avoid frosting a warm cake—it will melt and slide right off.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 9
Calories per serving: 410

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This cake actually gets better the next day, as the spices settle and meld. You can bake the cake a day in advance and frost it before serving. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months, tightly wrapped.

How to Serve Apple Cider Snacking Cake with Maple–Cream Cheese Frosting

Serve it on a rustic wooden board, dusted with cinnamon or with a few thin apple slices on the side. It’s perfect with a cup of chai, a cappuccino, or even a glass of warm apple cider. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent twist.

Creative Leftover Transformations

If you somehow end up with extra:

• Crumble into a parfait with whipped cream and granola.
• Warm slices and top with a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Turn into cake truffles by mixing with leftover frosting and rolling into balls.

Additional Tips

• Always sift powdered sugar for smooth frosting.
• Let cake cool fully before adding toppings.
• You can double the recipe and bake in a 9×13 pan for a crowd.

Make It a Showstopper

Want to wow your guests? Swirl the frosting with the back of a spoon and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. Serve it on a pretty cake stand or slice neatly and display on a tiered dessert platter.

Variations to Try

• Apple Spice Walnut Cake: Add ½ cup chopped toasted walnuts to the batter.
• Chai Cider Cake: Use chai spice blend instead of cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Caramel Drizzle Top: Drizzle with homemade caramel before serving.
• Ginger Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon ground ginger for a warm zing.
• Cinnamon Streusel: Sprinkle a brown sugar streusel on top before baking.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
A1: Yes, but the flavor will be milder. Reduce it the same way to concentrate the taste.

Q2: Can I make this gluten free?
A2: Absolutely. Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

Q3: Can I skip the frosting?
A3: Sure! It’s still moist and flavorful without it. You can dust with powdered sugar instead.

Q4: What’s the best way to reduce apple cider?
A4: Simmer it on medium heat until it’s thickened and syrupy. Don’t boil too hard or it might burn.

Q5: Can I use store-bought frosting?
A5: You can, but homemade maple cream cheese frosting really makes this shine.

Q6: Can I bake this as cupcakes?
A6: Yes! Fill cupcake liners ¾ full and bake for 18–20 minutes.

Q7: How long does the frosting last?
A7: It keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before spreading.

Q8: Can I use maple extract instead of syrup?
A8: Yes, but reduce the amount since the flavor is stronger.

Q9: Can I freeze the whole cake?
A9: Freeze unfrosted. Thaw overnight in the fridge and frost before serving.

Q10: Why is my cake dense?
A10: You might have overmixed or added too much flour. Always spoon and level your flour.

Conclusion

Whether you’re savoring it warm out of the oven or stealing a slice the next day straight from the fridge, this Apple Cider Snacking Cake is one of those comforting, soul-hugging bakes that feels like home. With its apple-spice goodness and creamy maple topping, this one’s a total game-changer. Let me tell you, it’s worth every bite.

Print