Apple Spice Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This Apple Spice Cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of Autumn with its rich spices and fresh apples. It’s incredibly moist and topped with a scrumptious brown sugar icing that takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a cozy night in, or just to enjoy after dinner, this cake has a way of making any occasion feel special.

What makes this Apple Spice Cake a favorite among friends and family is how easy it is to whip up. You can have it ready in no time, and the comforting aroma will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather around for a slice (or two!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, this cake is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will adore the sweet and spicy flavors that remind us of fall.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it ahead of time and store it; it tastes even better the next day!
• Deliciously Moist: Thanks to fresh apples and sour cream, each bite is bursting with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You’ll love how everything blends to create a delightful cake that’s perfect for sharing.

For the Cake

• 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 crispy apples, grated using the large holes on a box grater (~1 1/2 cups; skin on is fine)

For the Brown Sugar Icing

• 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

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations.

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or even a hint of cayenne for warmth.
• Fruit Mix-In: Substitute some apples with grated carrots or zucchini for a twist on flavor.
• Frosting Alternatives: Try a cream cheese frosting instead of brown sugar icing if you’re feeling adventurous!

How to Make Apple Spice Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the start. While that’s happening, line your 9×9-inch light-colored nonstick pan with parchment paper; this will help prevent sticking later.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Mixing these first allows their flavors to mingle before they meet the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract. This step incorporates air into your mixture and helps create a light texture in your cake.

Step 4: Bring It Together

Pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined; overmixing can lead to a dense cake. The goal here is to keep everything light and fluffy!

Step 5: Add Apples

Now it’s time to fold in those gorgeous grated apples! They add moisture and sweetness while packing in flavor. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Turn out the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Letting it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack keeps it from breaking apart.

Step 7: Prepare the Brown Sugar Icing

While your cake cools slightly, melt butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until combined and let it come to a gentle boil—this step creates that luscious icing we all love!

Step 8: Ice Your Cake

Once removed from heat, whisk in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth. Pour this warm icing over your still-warm cake so it seeps in delightfully!

Step 9: Slice & Enjoy!

Finally! Slice up that beautiful Apple Spice Cake while it’s warm—it’s truly irresistible at this stage! Gather around with friends or family because this cake is best enjoyed shared.

There you have it—a delicious Apple Spice Cake that’s bound to become one of your favorites! Happy baking!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Spice Cake

Making this delicious Apple Spice Cake is a breeze, and with a few simple tips, you can elevate it even further!

• Use fresh apples: Fresh, seasonal apples not only provide better flavor but also contribute to the cake’s moisture. Honeycrisps are perfect for their sweetness and crunch!
• Room temperature ingredients: Allow your eggs and sour cream to come to room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend more smoothly into the batter, ensuring a tender cake.
• Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, fold gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture rather than the light and fluffy cake we all love.
• Check for doneness: Since oven temperatures can vary, start checking your cake around 30 minutes. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
• Serve warm: For the best experience, serve the cake slightly warm. The icing melts into the cake beautifully, creating an irresistible treat!

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake

Presenting your Apple Spice Cake can be just as delightful as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can impress family and friends.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some finely chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the icing for added crunch and flavor.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of ground cinnamon adds an inviting aroma and enhances the spiced profile of the cake.
• Fresh apple slices: Arrange a few thin apple slices on top for a fresh look that echoes the delicious ingredients inside.

Side Dishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: Light and fluffy coconut cream provides a refreshing contrast to the spiced cake without any animal products. Simply whip chilled coconut cream until fluffy!
• Baked Vanilla Pears: Slice pears in half, sprinkle with cinnamon and bake until tender. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with your spice cake.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances out the sweetness of the cake while adding freshness to your meal.
• Chai Tea: Serve warm chai tea alongside your dessert for an aromatic experience that complements the spices in the cake beautifully.

Enjoy every bite of this delightful Apple Spice Cake! It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or just as a sweet treat to brighten your day.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Spice Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious treat throughout the week. Whether you’re planning a gathering or simply want a sweet snack at home, this cake keeps well and tastes amazing even after a day or two!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate it for up to a week.

Freezing

• Slice the cooled cake into individual portions for easy access.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label the bag with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

• To reheat individual slices, place them on a microwave-safe plate.
• Heat in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or until warm.
• If you prefer, warm slices in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Apple Spice Cake that might help you out!

Can I make Apple Spice Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Apple Spice Cake can be made ahead of time and stored as mentioned above. Enjoy it fresh or let it sit for flavors to develop.

What types of apples are best for this Apple Spice Cake?

For the best flavor and texture, use firm varieties like Honey Crisp or Granny Smith. These apples provide great sweetness and moisture to your cake.

How can I make my Apple Spice Cake more flavorful?

Consider adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch and richness. You could also incorporate raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness!

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends that can be used cup-for-cup. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Can I use different spices in my Apple Spice Cake?

Certainly! You can experiment with spices such as cardamom or pumpkin pie spice if you want to change things up while still keeping that warm autumn flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this delightful Apple Spice Cake! It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of fall flavors that warms the heart and home. Enjoy every slice with family and friends, and don’t hesitate to share your baking experience—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Happy baking!