Apple Spice Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that captures the essence of fall, then this Apple Spice Cake is just what you need! This delightful cake is bursting with the flavors of fresh apples and warm spices, making it a perfect treat for any autumn gathering. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or simply wanting to indulge yourself after a long day, this recipe will surely become a favorite.

What makes this Apple Spice Cake truly special is its moist texture and the rich brown sugar icing that melts into every slice. It’s easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy with loved ones, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or festive occasions. Trust me, once you bake this cake, you’ll want to share it with everyone!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple preparation: This recipe comes together quickly, allowing you more time to enjoy with friends and family.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet apple flavor combined with aromatic spices.
• Perfect for leftovers: Enjoy it as a snack or breakfast treat; it tastes amazing the next day too!
• Seasonal goodness: Made with fresh apples, this cake is an excellent way to celebrate autumn flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to create this delightful Apple Spice Cake. You’ll find that most of them are likely already in your pantry!

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 can be kept on)

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

This Apple Spice Cake is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to make it your own:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Mix in raisins: A handful of raisins can add sweetness and chewiness to each bite.
• Switch up the spices: Experiment with pumpkin pie spice or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
• Top with cream cheese frosting: For an extra layer of deliciousness, swap out the brown sugar icing for cream cheese frosting.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cake bakes evenly from start to finish.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Line a 9×9-inch light-colored nonstick pan with parchment paper and set it aside. This allows for easy removal of the cake once it’s baked!

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. This step helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the batter.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients—vegetable oil, eggs, both sugars, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mixing these separately ensures everything is well blended before combining with dry ingredients.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cake light and fluffy!

Step 6: Add Grated Apples

Now it’s time to fold in those beautiful grated apples! They add moisture and flavor while also giving our cake those lovely autumn vibes.

Step 7: Bake Your Cake

Turn out the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Cool Your Cake

Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling time helps set its structure so it doesn’t crumble when you cut into it.

Step 9: Make Brown Sugar Icing

While your cake cools slightly, melt together butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until everything is combined and let it come to a gentle boil.

Step 10: Finish Icing

Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract along with powdered sugar until smooth. Pour this decadent icing over your warm cake—it will soak in beautifully!

Step 11: Slice & Enjoy!

Once iced, slice up your Apple Spice Cake while still warm. Each bite will be full of deliciousness that’s perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Spice Cake

Making an Apple Spice Cake is a delightful experience, and with these handy tips, you’ll ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh apples: Fresh, in-season apples not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to the moisture of the cake. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples are great choices for their sweetness and texture.

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.

• Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, fold them together gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of the light, fluffy texture we want.

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake around the 30-minute mark. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

• Serve warm: This cake is best enjoyed warm right after icing it. The flavors meld beautifully when it’s still a bit warm, making each bite melt in your mouth.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake

Presenting your Apple Spice Cake can be as enjoyable as baking it! Here are some ideas to make your dessert stand out at any gathering.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkling some chopped walnuts or pecans on top adds a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the cake’s spices beautifully.
• Whipped coconut cream: For a dairy-free option, serve with whipped coconut cream. It adds a lightness and sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the spiced apple flavor.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar over the top gives an extra pop of flavor and makes for a beautiful presentation.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm cake. The cold ice cream melts slightly on contact, creating an indulgent treat.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over each slice adds a rich sweetness that enhances the apple spice without overpowering it.
• Apple slices: Fresh apple slices on the side offer a refreshing crunch that complements the cake’s flavors while keeping things light.
• Coffee or chai tea: Serving this cake alongside a warm cup of coffee or chai tea elevates its cozy charm, making it perfect for autumn afternoons or gatherings with friends.

Enjoy baking and sharing this scrumptious Apple Spice Cake! Your family and friends will surely love every slice.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Spice Cake is not only delicious but also fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, store leftovers, or even freeze slices to enjoy later.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place any leftover slices in an airtight container.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Label the bag with the date and type of cake.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating

• For a warm slice, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the slice on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 20-30 seconds until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers often have about this delightful recipe.

Can I make Apple Spice Cake with other types of apples?

Absolutely! While honey crisp apples add great flavor and moisture, you can use any variety of apples you have on hand. Just ensure they are fresh and flavorful!

How can I make my Apple Spice Cake more spiced?

If you love spice, feel free to increase the amounts of cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg in the batter. This will enhance the flavor profile of your Apple Spice Cake beautifully.

Can I use gluten-free flour for this Apple Spice Cake?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

What is the best way to serve Apple Spice Cake?

Serve it warm with a scoop of your favorite dairy-free ice cream or a dollop of whipped coconut cream. It’s perfect as a cozy dessert!

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake is truly a gem of an autumn dessert—moist, flavorful, and topped with that irresistible brown sugar icing! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends during those chilly evenings. Happy baking, and don’t forget to savor every bite!