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Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Apple Spice Cake Recipe

4.9 from 22 reviews

This Apple Spice Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the warmth of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with fresh chopped apples and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for autumn gatherings or an everyday treat, it’s finished with optional crunchy walnuts or pecans for added texture and taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Other Ingredients

  • 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (about 2 large apples)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Set aside for later.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
  5. Incorporate Sour Cream: Gradually add the sour cream to the wet mixture, mixing just until it is combined to maintain moisture.
  6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just blended to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
  7. Fold in Apples and Nuts: Carefully fold in the chopped apples and nuts, if using, to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without breaking the fruit down too much.
  8. Transfer Batter to Pan: Pour the prepared batter into the greased baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
  9. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
  10. Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing. This ensures it sets well for easier serving.

Notes

  • For extra moistness, make sure not to overmix the batter once the flour is added.
  • Apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well because they hold their shape and add a nice tartness.
  • Walnuts or pecans add a pleasant crunch, but you can omit them for a nut-free version.
  • Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang; if unavailable, plain yogurt can be substituted.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cake, spice cake, autumn dessert, baked apple cake, cinnamon cake, apple dessert recipe