This Martha Stewart apple cider cake is a moist and warmly spiced recipe, which uses apple cider and cinnamon. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in about 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Martha Stewart Apple Cider Cake Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1½ cups (186g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon cloves
- 7 tablespoons (99g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (15g) sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla
- ½ cup (118ml) apple cider
For the Glaze:
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup (79ml) apple cider
For the Topping:
- 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

How To Make Martha Stewart Apple Cider Cake
- Prep the oven and pan: Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and grease it with nonstick spray or butter and flour.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, stir together melted butter, sugar, and sour cream. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- Combine and mix: Stir in apple cider and dry ingredients just until moistened. Do not overmix. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake the cake: Bake for 34–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Make the glaze: While the cake bakes, heat sugar and apple cider in a small saucepan until boiling. Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
- Add glaze and topping: Remove the cake from the pan and place on a cooling rack. Brush the top with the glaze and immediately sprinkle with cinnamon sugar topping.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

Recipe Tips
- Can I use apple juice instead of cider? Apple cider gives stronger flavor, but unfiltered apple juice can be used in a pinch.
- Why use sour cream? It adds moisture and richness to the crumb.
- What kind of pan should I use? A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan works best; avoid overfilling.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, bake in two loaf pans or a Bundt pan and adjust bake time.
- Best way to store leftovers: Wrap slices individually and freeze for quick snacking.
What To Serve With Apple Cider Cake
This cozy loaf pairs well with warm drinks or sweet toppings:
- Warm apple cider or spiced tea
- A dollop of whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Maple glaze drizzle
- Sliced apples with honey

How To Store Apple Cider Cake
Room Temperature: Store loosely covered for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap whole loaf or individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze up to 1 month.
Apple Cider Cake Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 276 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 86mg
- Sugar: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour in this recipe?
Yes, replace up to half the flour with whole wheat flour for a denser texture.
Why is my cake dry?
Overbaking or measuring flour incorrectly can cause dryness—check for doneness early.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free yogurt and vegan butter alternatives.
What’s the difference between apple cider cake and spice cake?
Apple cider cake has a stronger apple flavor and more moisture.
Can I make muffins with this recipe?
Yes, divide batter into muffin cups and bake 18–22 minutes.
Try More Recipes:
Martha Stewart Apple Cider Cake
Description
A moist and spiced apple cider loaf cake brushed with glaze and cinnamon sugar—perfect for fall.
Ingredients
Cake:
Glaze:
Topping:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line and grease a 9×5″ loaf pan.
- Whisk dry ingredients in one bowl.
- Mix butter, sugar, sour cream, eggs, and vanilla in another bowl.
- Add cider and dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
- Pour batter into pan and bake for 34–40 minutes.
- Make glaze by boiling sugar and cider for 1 minute.
- Cool cake 15 minutes, then brush with glaze and sprinkle topping.
- Let cool completely before slicing.
