This apple cider cream cheese frosting is an incredible frosting for fall cakes, cupcakes, and cookies! The apple cider flavor comes from the reduction of the apple cider. I first made this apple cider frosting for my gingerbread cookie recipe, and realized that it can be used for a whole variety of desserts! It only takes a few ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time.
What You Will Need:
- 1 cup of apple cider
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 6 tablespoons of butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 cup of powdered sugar
Reducing the Apple Cider
So how do you make apple cider cream cheese frosting? Well, it starts with the apple cider reduction. The reduction of the apple cider is simple. Just pour the apple cider in a small pan and cook over medium heat for roughly 20 minutes. Make sure to keep an eye on it and stir it occasionally so it does not burn. The cider will become thicker as it reduces and the flavor will become more pronounced. I have tried the frosting with apple cider that was not reduced and the apple flavor was not very strong. Once reduced, let the cider cool to room temperature.
Adding the Rest of the Ingredients
The rest of the apple cider frosting comes together without much fuss. Add the cooled, reduced apple cider and cinnamon to the bowl of your mixer or the bowl used for your hand mixer. Next, add the cream cheese and butter then combine with the apple cider. Once combined well, add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth and yummy. Use the whisk attachment of your mixer to get it fluffier.
This frosting recipe is best made a day ahead of time. A stay overnight in the fridge will allow the flavors to get to know each other.
My American buttercream and chocolate buttercream are two easy frostings to make for your next cake or cupcakes!
Please try some of my other dessert recipes!
FAQ’s:
Reducing the apple cider is crucial because it concentrates the flavor, ensuring the apple taste is strong and pronounced in the final frosting. It also thickens the apple cider so the frosting is not runny.
While you can use apple juice, the flavor will not be as robust as that of apple cider, as cider tends to have a more complex and tangy profile.
This frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. It’s often better if made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to get to know each other.
This frosting pairs well with a variety of fall-themed desserts, including gingerbread cookies, spiced apple cake, pumpkin cupcakes, and cinnamon rolls.
Apple Cider Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple cider
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 6 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Over a medium heat, reduce apple cider to ¼ cup. Set aside to cool
- Add cooled cider, cinnamon, cream cheese, and butter to the bowl of the mixer and combine well.
- After combined, add the powdered sugar and mix to combine well. After combined store in the fridge for up to 3 days.