Apple Spice Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that wraps you in the warm embrace of autumn, this Apple Spice Cake is just the thing! The combination of fresh, crisp apples and fragrant spices creates a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a family gathering, this cake brings joy and comfort to your table. Plus, the drizzle of brown sugar icing makes it feel extra special.

I love how easy this recipe is to whip up, making it accessible even for novice bakers. Trust me; once you taste this moist cake, you’ll be adding it to your list of fall favorites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to prepare: With just a few steps, you can have this delightful cake baking in no time.
• Family-friendly appeal: Everyone loves apples and spices! This dessert is sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s a potluck or family dinner, this cake fits right in and is always a hit.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake it ahead of time, and enjoy it warm or at room temperature—it’s delicious either way!
• Incredible flavor: The combination of spices with fresh apples creates an unforgettable taste that captures the essence of fall.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that the ingredients for this Apple Spice Cake are simple and wholesome. They come together beautifully to create a rich flavor that’s hard to resist. Here’s what you’ll need:

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; can keep the skin 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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
• Incorporate dried fruit: Raisins or cranberries could bring additional sweetness and texture.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding cardamom or replacing some cinnamon with pumpkin pie spice for an exciting twist.
• Use different apples: While honey crisp apples are fantastic, feel free to experiment with Granny Smith or Fuji apples as well!

How to Make Apple Spice Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the moment you pour in that delicious batter.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Line a 9×9-inch light-colored nonstick pan with parchment paper. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

Step 3: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all your dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Whisk them together until they’re well mixed; this distributes the leavening agents evenly throughout the flour.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients: vegetable oil, eggs, sugars, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Combining these separately helps ensure even distribution when mixed with the dry ingredients.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

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

Step 6: Fold in Grated Apples

Now comes the fun part! Gently fold in those freshly grated apples—this adds moisture and natural sweetness to our cake.

Step 7: Bake It Up!

Turn out your batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it; when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, it’s ready! Let it cool in the pan for about ten minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 8: Make 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 everything is combined and bring it to a gentle boil—it should smell heavenly!

Step 9: Finish Your Icing

Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract and sifted powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 10: Pour Over Cake

Pour the icing over your warm cake for an irresistible finish—the warmth allows it to soak in beautifully!

Step 11: Slice and Enjoy!

Once you’ve let it cool slightly more (if you can resist), slice up your Apple Spice Cake and dig into that warm goodness!

This delightful dessert will surely become one of your go-to recipes during apple season! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Spice Cake

Creating the perfect Apple Spice Cake is a delightful journey, and these tips will ensure your cake turns out moist and flavorful every time!

• Use fresh apples: Opt for in-season, freshly picked apples for the best flavor. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith varieties offer a wonderful sweetness and tartness that complements the spices beautifully.

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and results in a more tender cake.

• Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture, while gentle folding keeps the cake light and fluffy.

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cake around the 35-minute mark with a toothpick. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached for the perfect bake.

• Cool before icing: While pouring icing on a warm cake creates a lovely melt-in effect, letting it cool slightly ensures it doesn’t slide right off!

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake

Serving your Apple Spice Cake can be just as fun as baking it! Here are some ideas to elevate your dessert experience.

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, creamy touch that complements the spices perfectly.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor that enhances the overall texture.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon sugar before serving can bring an extra layer of sweetness and spice to each slice.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of dairy-free vanilla ice cream serves as a creamy contrast to the spiced cake, making every bite indulgent.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling warm caramel sauce over slices adds richness and depth, enhancing the apple flavor beautifully.
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers brightness and balances the richness of the cake with its crisp, juicy components.
• Coffee or spiced tea: Pairing this cake with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea makes for a comforting dessert experience that’s perfect for autumn gatherings.

Enjoy crafting your delicious Apple Spice Cake, and make sure to share it with loved ones—there’s nothing quite like enjoying homemade treats together!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Spice Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it for a delightful dessert anytime. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:

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 the cake, where it will last up to a week.

Freezing

• Once cooled, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for reference!

Reheating

• To enjoy your frozen Apple Spice Cake, remove from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• For a quick reheat, place a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious Apple Spice Cake.

Can I substitute other fruits in this Apple Spice Cake?

Absolutely! While apples are wonderful, you can experiment with grated carrots or pears if you’re feeling adventurous. Just remember to adjust any additional spices to suit your taste.

How can I make my Apple Spice Cake more moist?

To enhance moisture, ensure your apples are grated finely and consider adding an extra tablespoon of sour cream. This will make your cake even more tender and flavorful!

Can I use whole wheat flour for this Apple Spice Cake?

Yes, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. This adds a nutty flavor and increases fiber content while keeping the cake moist.

What makes this Apple Spice Cake special?

The combination of spices and fresh apples creates a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for fall. Plus, the brown sugar icing adds a sweet finish that elevates every bite!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Apple Spice Cake as much as I do! Its cozy flavors and moist texture make it an ideal treat for any autumn gathering or just a quiet evening at home. Don’t hesitate to share this recipe with friends and family; cooking is always better when shared! Happy baking!