Homemade Apple Spice Cake with fresh apples and warm spices

Apple Spice Cake

Why Make This Recipe

Apple Spice Cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of apples with warm spices, making it perfect for any occasion. This cake is not only delicious but also easy to make, which means you can whip it up quickly for family gatherings, dessert nights, or simply when you crave something sweet. The smell of spices and apples baking in your kitchen will surely make your home feel cozy and inviting.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp. ground allspice
  • 1/8 tsp. ground cloves
  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 2-3 large honey crisp apples, grated using the large holes on a box grater (~1 1/2 cups, can keep the skin on)
  • 1/4 cup salted butter
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 2 Tbsp. heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch light-colored nonstick pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
  3. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: vegetable oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold just until combined.
  5. Fold in the grated apples.
  6. Turn out the cake batter into the prepared pan.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. To make the brown sugar icing, melt the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the mixture is combined and comes to a gentle boil.
  9. Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla and powdered sugar.
  10. Pour the icing on top of the cake while it is still warm, letting it melt into the cake.
  11. Slice and enjoy warm!

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake

Apple Spice Cake is perfect on its own but can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence. It’s also great with a cup of tea or coffee, making it an ideal snack or dessert choice.

How to Store Apple Spice Cake

If you have leftovers (which may be unlikely!), store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. If you’d like to keep it longer, consider wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and freezing it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Tips to Make Apple Spice Cake

  1. Use Fresh Apples: The fresher the apples, the better your cake will taste. Honey crisp apples add great flavor and texture.
  2. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
  3. Check for Doneness: All ovens are different, so start checking your cake a few minutes before the recommended baking time to prevent overbaking.

Variation

You can experiment with different spices or add-ins, like chopped nuts or raisins, to customize your Apple Spice Cake. For a little extra sweetness, try adding a sprinkle of walnuts on top of the icing.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different type of apple?
    Yes, you can use any type of apple you like. Just make sure they are firm and slightly sweet for the best results.

  2. What should I do if I don’t have sour cream?
    You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or even buttermilk if you have it on hand.

  3. How can I make this cake gluten-free?
    Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it has a binding agent like xanthan gum included.

Print
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Apple Spice Cake


  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A delightful cake combining the sweetness of apples with warm spices, perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2-3 large honey crisp apples, grated (~1 1/2 cups)
  • 1/4 cup salted butter
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted


Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch nonstick pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients.
  4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold until combined.
  5. Fold in the grated apples.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
  7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  9. For icing, melt butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan. Whisk until combined and boils gently.
  10. Remove from heat, whisk in vanilla and powdered sugar. Pour icing on warm cake.
  11. Slice and enjoy warm!

Notes

Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for extra indulgence. Best enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

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