Warm Apple Cider Poke Cake with Cinnamon Glaze
Moist spiced autumn sheet cake drenched in warm apple cider syrup, topped with whipped cream cheese and caramel cinnamon apples.
In a nutshell: This authentic american warm apple cider poke cake with cinnamon glaze comes together in just 50 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret is to Simmering apple cider for 10 minutes concentrates its sweet-tart flavor into a potent syru. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.
Riding the +180% surge in apple cider donut cakes, this Warm Apple Cider Poke Cake with Cinnamon Glaze delivers all the spiced autumn orchard magic in an ultra-moist, sliceable format. A cinnamon-spiced cake is poked all over and soaked with concentrated spiced apple cider syrup, then frosted with whipped cream cheese and drizzled with warm caramel glaze and diced sautéed Honeycrisp apples.
Key Equipment
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- 9x13-inch baking pan
- Wooden spoon handle for poking holes
- Hand mixer
- Saucepan
Chef's Pro-Tips
- Reduce apple cider for syrup: Simmering apple cider for 10 minutes concentrates its sweet-tart flavor into a potent syrup that absorbs deep into the cake crumb.
- Poke while warm, chill before frosting: Pour the warm cider reduction over the cake while it's fresh from the oven, but allow it to cool completely before spreading the cream cheese frosting.
- Firm baking apples for topping: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples stay tender and hold their shape when sautéed in cinnamon and butter.
Ingredients
12
servings
-
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour, or 1 box spice cake mix
-
2 tsp ground cinnamon and nutmeg, warm fall spice blend
-
2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp baking soda, for fluffy lift
-
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
-
1 cup brown sugar, packed
-
3 large eggs, room temperature
-
1 ½ cups pure apple cider, simmered down to 1 cup for poke syrup
-
8 oz cream cheese, softened for frosting
-
1 ½ cups powdered sugar, for whipped topping
-
1 cup heavy whipping cream, whipped to stiff peaks
-
2 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled, finely diced, sautéed in 2 tbsp butter & cinnamon
-
⅓ cup caramel or cinnamon glaze drizzle, for finishing
The Smart Meal Planner & Grocery Calculator
Interactive Google Sheets & Excel system with auto-generating grocery lists, macro calculations, and 50 pre-loaded recipes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Bake Spiced Cake
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. Whisk flour, spices, baking powder, and soda. In another bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and eggs until fluffy. Alternate adding dry ingredients and 1/2 cup apple cider until batter forms. Pour into pan and bake for 28-30 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
Reduce Cider & Poke
While cake bakes, simmer remaining 1 cup apple cider in a saucepan for 8-10 minutes until reduced by half. While cake is still warm, use the round handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the cake. Slowly pour warm cider reduction evenly over holes.
Cool Completely
Let cake cool for 30 minutes at room temperature, then place in refrigerator for 1 hour to chill thoroughly.
Whip Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold into cream cheese mixture. Spread evenly over chilled cake.
Top & Serve
Sauté diced apples in butter and cinnamon for 4 minutes until tender. Scatter spiced apples over frosting, drizzle with caramel cinnamon glaze, slice, and enjoy!
Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks
Kitchen EssentialsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet, 2-Pack
Warp-resistant aluminum for even browning, from sheet-pan dinners to cookies.
View on AmazonVictorinox Fibrox Pro 8" Chef's Knife
Razor-sharp Fibrox Pro blade that home chefs and pros both reach for.
View on AmazonTILUCK Stainless Measuring Cups & Spoons, 10-Pc
Stainless steel cups and spoons that measure precisely and last.
View on AmazonMercer Culinary Locking Tongs, 9" + 12"
Locking tongs in two handy sizes for the stovetop and the grill.
View on AmazonAmazon Basics Non-Stick Parchment Paper Roll
Non-stick paper for lining pans – easy release, easy cleanup.
View on AmazonWoodenhouse Teak Wooden Spoons, 10-Pc
Teak spoons gentle on cookware and built for daily stirring.
View on AmazonOXO Good Grips Silicone Whisk Set, 9" + 11"
Silicone whisks safe for nonstick pans, in two sizes.
View on AmazonUltra Cuisine Stainless Cooling Rack Set of 2
Stainless racks that fit half sheets – for cooling bakes and crisping roasts.
View on AmazonUmite Chef Stainless Mixing Bowls with Lids, 8-Pc
Nesting stainless bowls with airtight lids, from prep to storage.
View on AmazonHamilton Beach 6-Speed Electric Hand Mixer
Six speeds with a snap-on storage case for the beaters.
View on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
Yes! A box of yellow or spice cake mix baked according to package instructions makes this recipe effortless. Simply poke holes and pour the reduced cider syrup over it.
Stored covered in the refrigerator, it stays delightfully moist and tender for up to 5 days.
While the frosting is best chilled, you can serve individual slices at room temperature or warm the apple cinnamon topping before spooning over each slice.
Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
These Salted Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars capture all the best flavors of fall in one sliceable dessert.
View Recipe
Bakery-Style Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies
These Bakery-Style Brown Butter Pecan Chocolate Chip Cookies are the gold standard of fall baking.
View Recipe
Bakery-Style Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies
These Bakery-Style Pistachio Cranberry White Chocolate Cookies are the undisputed showstoppers of holiday...
View Recipe