Apple Cider Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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 then realized that it can be used for a whole variety of desserts! Cupcakes to layered cakes apple cider frosting gives whatever you put it on the taste of autumn. It only takes a few ingredients and about 30 minutes of your time. I feel it is one of the best cream cheese recipes out there.

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.

The rest of the frosting

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!