Apple Spice Cake

This Apple Spice Cake is the perfect dessert for autumn gatherings, family dinners, or cozy nights in. With its moist texture and rich flavors from fresh apples and warm spices, this cake is sure to impress your guests. Topped with a delicious brown sugar icing, it offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice that makes it a standout treat. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature; it’s versatile enough for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of fresh apples and spices creates a delightful flavor profile that keeps each bite moist.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy this cake as an after-dinner treat, a potluck contribution, or even as a snack with coffee.
• Seasonal Ingredients: Utilizing in-season apples makes this cake not only delicious but also aligns perfectly with fall flavors.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Apple Spice Cake, gather the necessary tools for a smooth experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Grater
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• 9×9-inch nonstick pan
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into your batter, making the cake light and fluffy.
• Grater: Perfect for shredding apples to blend seamlessly into the cake batter.

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Ingredients

For this delightful Apple Spice Cake, gather the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups 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

Wet Ingredients

• 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

Apple Filling

• 2-3 large honey crispy apples, grated using the large holes on a box grater (~1 1/2 cups; skin can remain on)

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

How to Make Apple Spice Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch light-colored nonstick pan with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl, whisk together all the wet ingredients until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Fold gently just until combined.

Step 5: Add Apples

Fold in the grated apples carefully to ensure even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake

Turn out the batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cooling in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Make Icing

While the cake cools, prepare the brown sugar icing. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt together butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Whisk until combined and let it come to a gentle boil.

Step 8: Finish Icing

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

Step 9: Ice the Cake

Pour the warm icing over your slightly cooled cake. The warmth helps the icing soak into the cake for added moisture.

Step 10: Serve

Slice into squares and enjoy your deliciously warm Apple Spice Cake!

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake

Apple Spice Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

For Breakfast

• With Coffee: Pair a slice of Apple Spice Cake with your morning coffee for a sweet start to the day.
• Yogurt Topping: Serve with a dollop of yogurt on top for added creaminess and tang.

As a Snack

• With Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on a slice for extra protein and flavor.
• Cheese Pairing: Enjoy with a mild cheese like brie or cream cheese for a balanced snack.

For Dessert

• A La Mode: Top with vanilla ice cream to create a warm and cold contrast.
• With Whipped Cream: Add freshly whipped cream for a light and airy finish.

At Parties

• Mini Slices: Cut into smaller pieces for easy sharing at gatherings or potlucks.
• Decorative Plate: Arrange slices on a decorative platter with fresh apple slices for an appealing presentation.

How to Perfect Apple Spice Cake

To make your Apple Spice Cake even more delicious, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Apples: Choose crisp, seasonal apples like honey crisp for the best flavor and texture.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
• Let It Cool Slightly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack for better texture.
• Serve Warm: Enjoy the cake warm right after icing for the best taste experience.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Spice Cake

Enhance your meal by pairing Apple Spice Cake with these delicious side dishes. They complement its flavors wonderfully!

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that adds creaminess and balances the spices in the cake.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and brightness to your dessert table.
3. Chai Tea: The spiced flavors of chai tea perfectly complement the warm spices in the cake.
4. Roasted Nuts: A handful of roasted almonds or walnuts offers crunch and richness alongside the soft cake.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Toasts: Crunchy toast sprinkled with cinnamon sugar makes a delightful crunchy contrast.
6. Caramel Sauce Drizzle: A light drizzle adds sweetness and richness; serve on the side for guests to add as desired.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an Apple Spice Cake can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid while baking.

• Bold Measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to inconsistent results. Always use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Bold Overmixing: Overmixing the batter can make the cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender cake.
• Bold Wrong Oven Temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect cooking time and texture. Always preheat your oven and check with an oven thermometer if unsure.
• Bold Skipping Ingredients: Forgetting key ingredients, like spices or sugars, will alter the flavor profile. Double-check your ingredient list before starting.
• Bold Ignoring Cooling Time: Cutting into the cake too soon can result in a crumbly texture. Allow it to cool in the pan before transferring to a wire rack.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Make sure it is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Apple Spice Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
• Label and date the bags for easy tracking.

Reheating Apple Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat wrapped slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, covering with a lid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making an Apple Spice Cake.

Can I use other types of apples for my Apple Spice Cake?

Yes, you can use any variety of apples that you enjoy! Tart apples like Granny Smith add great flavor.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk, which will still provide moisture and tanginess.

How should I store leftover Apple Spice Cake?

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate it for longer freshness.

Can I make this Apple Spice Cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts or even swapping out spices based on your preferences. Enjoy this delightful dessert throughout Autumn and share it with friends and family!