This semi-homemade Spiced Apple Cider Charlotte Cake with Cinnamon Vanilla Bean Frosting and Apple Cider Cinnamon Apples is a Fall treat that is sure to impress. All the components can be made ahead of time for an easy weeknight dessert or Autumn holiday.

This post is sponsored in conjunction with AppleWeek. All opinions are mine alone.

While I love making cakes from scratch, I do use boxed mixes with a twist often. I added apple cider in place of some of the water and the cake turned out very moist and delicious. I would even try it next time replacing all the water with cider – I love cider that much.

Up until last year, I have only had cider from the grocery store. Granted it still tastes good, but there is nothing like fresh pressed cider. While in Vermont last year, Mr. L&C and I were able to visit a cider mill and have fresh cider, warm cider donuts and go apple picking. I was like a kid in a candy store. Apple picking was my favorite part, since I had never done it before. I cannot wait to plan a trip and take Little L&C to go get some apples. It probably won’t be as far as Vermont though.

The Cinnamon Buttercream is my new favorite. I used it on my Pumpkin Pecan Pie Layer Cake last week for #PumpkinWeek. I have a few recipe ideas for more fall treats using this frosting too! It pairs perfectly with apples, pumpkin, pecans – all the flavors of the season!

Apple Cider Cinnamon Apples was a last minute delicious decision. I originally posted these apples a few years ago on a #BrunchWeek post for Oatmeal Walnut Waffles with Fried Apples. I didn’t have any orange juice or zest, so I used some apple cider instead. It has a great flavor and any leftover fried apples are great for breakfast on top of oatmeal, or dessert on top of ice cream!

Thank you Nordic Ware for the Charlotte Cake Pan. Head to the Nordic Ware Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more recipe ideas!

Here are a few items I used in this recipe:

Friday Recipes:

• Apple, Bacon and Caramelized Onion Pizza by Strawberry Blondie Kitchen
• Apple Bakewell Tart by Books n’ Cooks
• Apple Cider Pulled Pork with Apple Slaw by Simple and Savory
• Apple Cinnamon Baklava by Kate’s Recipe Box
• Apple Cream Pie with Oatmeal Crust by Savory Moments
• Easy Apple Crisp Pie with Oats by The Anthony Kitchen
• Apple Gingerbread Cakelets by The Monday Box
• Apple Oatmeal Muffins by House of Nash Eats
• Apple Pie Crepes by The Bitter Side of Sweet
• Apple Pie Moonshine by Cookaholic Wife
• Apple Snack Cake by Caroline’s Cooking
• Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash by Palatable Pastime
• Baked Apple Donuts with Oatmeal Crumble Topping by Girl Abroad
• Baked Cinnamon Apple Doughnuts by Jonesin’ For Taste
• Braised Chicken with Apples by A Day in the Life on the Farm 
• Buttery Apple Streusel Thumbprint Cookies by Faith, Hope, Love & Luck 
• Caramel Apple Stuffed Waffles by 4 Sons R Us
• Caramel Apple Cider Vodka Slush Cocktail by Everyday Eileen
• Caramel Drizzled Apple Pie Egg Rolls by The Freshman Cook
• Chai Apple Multigrain Pancakes by Amy’s Cooking Adventures
• Chai-Spiced Baked Apple Oatmeal by The Redhead Baker
• Crumbly Apple Cranberry Casserole by Who Needs a Cape
• Easy Apple Dumplings by Corn, Beans, Pigs and Kids
• Gingered Apple Trifles by Culinary Adventures With Camilla
• Individual Apple Croissant Bread Pudding by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Instant Pot Applesauce by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Marlborough Apple Custard Pie by Karen’s Kitchn Stories
• Maple Apple Crisp by Jolene’s Recipe Journal 
• Overnight Apple Pie Steel Cut Oatmeal by Tip Garden
• Prairie Apple Crunch by Family Around the Table
• Ricotta Tart with Apples and Prosciutto by Cooking With Carlee
• Shaved Apple Salad by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Spiced Apple Cider Charlotte Cake by Love and Confections
• Vegan Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls by The Baking Fairy

Disclaimer: Thank you AppleWeek Sponsors: Swiss Diamond, Nordic Ware, Envy Apples, Imperial Sugar, The Spice House, Rodelle Vanilla, Flahavan’s Irish Oats and Nairn’s for providing the prizes free of charge. These companies also provided the bloggers with samples and product to use for AppleWeek recipes. All opinions are my own. The AppleWeek giveaway is open to U.S. residents, age 18 & up. All entries for the winner will be checked and verified. By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. The number of entries received determines the odds of winning. Seven (7) winners will be selected. The prize packages will be sent directly from the giveaway sponsors. The AppleWeek Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members in their household cannot enter or win the giveaway. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter or any other social channel mentioned in the AppleWeek posts or entry.