Apple Spice Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for a cozy, flavorful treat that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Apple Spice Cake. This delightful cake masterfully combines tender, moist crumb with the natural sweetness of fresh apples and a harmonious blend of spices that will fill your kitchen with the most inviting aromas. Each bite offers the perfect balance of soft texture and subtle crunchy bits from walnuts or pecans, making the Apple Spice Cake a standout dessert that’s just as perfect for family gatherings as for a simple afternoon indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the best results with this Apple Spice Cake starts with a handful of simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that make this cake so irresistible.

• All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and softness to the cake.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents help the cake rise beautifully for that light texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor, balancing the sweetness and spices perfectly.
• Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice: This spice blend delivers warm, cozy notes that define the cake’s character.
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture, allowing a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar and brown sugar: Brown sugar brings depth and a hint of caramel that complements the apples.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavor with subtle sweetness and warmth.
• Sour cream: Ensures a moist, tender texture with a gentle tang.
• Chopped apples: Fresh and juicy, they bring natural sweetness and moistness.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds wonderful crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure your cake bakes evenly. This foundational step sets the stage for a perfect bake.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. This uniform mixture guarantees every bite delivers that signature spice flavor without clumps or uneven spots.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a large bowl, cream the softened butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial for integrating air, resulting in a cake that’s tender and moist.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth, well-emulsified batter. Stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely depth and warmth to the mix.

Step 5: Blend in Sour Cream

Slowly add the sour cream into your wet mixture. Don’t overmix; you want to gently combine it so the batter stays airy, maintaining that perfect cake texture.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet, stirring just until blended. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so stop once everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 7: Add Apples and Nuts

Gently fold in the finely chopped apples and nuts if using. This ensures the fruit and nut pieces are evenly spread throughout the cake for bursts of sweetness and crunch in every bite.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The aroma at this stage will hint that something magical is baking.

Step 9: Cool and Slice

Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack, which helps it set properly and makes slicing easier without crumbling. Once cooled, cut into generous squares to serve.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake

Garnishes

For a simple yet elegant touch, sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds creamy contrast that pairs perfectly with the warm spices and juicy apples.

Side Dishes

This cake shines alongside a hot cup of spiced tea or freshly brewed coffee, making it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. For a dessert course, a drizzle of caramel sauce amplifies the apple and spice flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices topped with spiced roasted apple slices or warm caramelized nuts to elevate the presentation. For a festive twist, add some candied ginger or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like rosemary for a surprising burst of aroma.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Apple Spice Cake stays wonderfully moist when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer keeping, refrigeration extends freshness for up to a week, just bring slices to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Frozen Apple Spice Cake can last up to three months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To revive leftover cake, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven until just heated through. This refreshes the texture and warms the spices, making each bite taste freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I substitute the sour cream in the Apple Spice Cake?

Absolutely! Sour cream adds moisture and slight tang, but you can swap it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk in equal amounts to achieve a similar texture and flavor profile.

What type of apples works best in this cake?

Firm apples that hold their shape such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect since they provide tartness and texture without turning mushy during baking.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, ensuring it contains xanthan gum for proper structure. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Is it necessary to add nuts to the Apple Spice Cake?

Not at all. Nuts are optional and provide crunch and flavor depth, but if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free dessert, the cake will still taste amazing without them.

How long will the Apple Spice Cake keep fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, the cake stays fresh for about three days at room temperature and up to a week in the fridge. Beyond that, freezing is your best option to preserve freshness.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try this Apple Spice Cake, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes whether you want a cozy treat or a charming dessert for guests. It’s simple to make, packed with delightful flavors, and full of that homey warmth that only a great cake can bring. So go ahead, give this recipe a whirl and enjoy all the wonderful moments it creates around your table!

Print