Apple Spice Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy dessert that fills your home with the warm scents of autumn, then this Apple Spice Cake is just what you need! This delightful cake is not only moist and tender thanks to fresh, in-season apples, but it’s also topped with a luscious brown sugar icing that makes every bite feel like a sweet hug. Whether you’re hosting friends for a casual gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this cake is perfect for any occasion!

What I love most about this Apple Spice Cake is how easy it is to whip up. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this delicious dessert ready in no time. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those extra apples from your last trip to the orchard!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious cake that impresses everyone.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this cake fits right in.
• Comforting flavors: The blend of spices and fresh apples brings that classic autumn taste to life.
• Make-ahead friendly: This cake stays moist for days, making it great for meal prep or parties.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Apple Spice Cake is half the fun! These are all simple, wholesome items you likely already have in your pantry. Let’s check them out:

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

One of the best things about this Apple Spice Cake is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up and make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans give an extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Try different fruits: Swap some apples for pears or even shredded carrots for a unique twist.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for an equally delicious result.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly from the moment it goes in.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Line a 9×9-inch light colored nonstick pan with parchment paper and set aside. This will help prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Mixing these thoroughly allows the flavors to blend beautifully into your cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: vegetable oil, eggs, sugars, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Mix It Up!

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! Then fold in those lovely grated apples; they’ll add moisture and flavor!

Step 6: Bake It!

Turn out the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Trust me; your kitchen will smell heavenly during this time!

Step 7: Cool and Ice

Allow your cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, melt together butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream over medium heat until combined—this will be your delicious icing!

Step 8: Drizzle That Icing

Once removed from heat, whisk in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth. Pour this warm icing over your slightly warm cake so it melts into every nook and cranny—yum!

Step 9: Slice & Enjoy!

Now comes my favorite part—slicing into this gorgeous Apple Spice Cake! Enjoy it warm as is or pair with some whipped cream for an extra treat.

Enjoy baking this delightful Apple Spice Cake! It’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to desserts during those beautiful autumn days ahead!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Spice Cake

Baking this Apple Spice Cake is a delightful experience, and a few tips can take it from great to extraordinary!

• Use fresh, seasonal apples – Fresh apples not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to the cake’s moist texture. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are excellent choices for their balance of sweetness and tartness.

• Don’t overmix the batter – Gently folding the wet and dry ingredients together helps maintain a light, fluffy texture. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake, so stop as soon as you see no dry flour.

• Allow for cooling time – Letting the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack prevents it from breaking apart. This small step ensures your cake has a beautiful presentation.

• Experiment with spices – While the recipe calls for specific spices, feel free to play around with them! Adding a pinch of cardamom or swapping in pumpkin pie spice can give your cake a unique twist.

• Store properly for freshness – To keep your Apple Spice Cake moist, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It stays delicious for several days at room temperature!

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake

This Apple Spice Cake is not only tasty but also versatile in how you can present and serve it. Here are some delightful ideas to enhance your dessert experience!

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts – Toasted walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and depth of flavor that complements the soft cake beautifully.

• Whipped coconut cream – A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped coconut cream provides a creamy contrast while keeping everything dairy-free.

• Cinnamon sugar sprinkle – A light dusting of cinnamon sugar on top adds an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream – A scoop of plant-based vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with warm apple spice cake, offering a creamy contrast that balances the spices.

• Caramel sauce drizzles – A drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce can elevate each slice, adding sweetness that perfectly complements the spiced apples.

• Fresh fruit salad – A refreshing fruit salad made with seasonal fruits like pears or berries provides brightness and balances the richness of the cake.

• Hot chai tea – A cup of warming chai tea enhances the cozy flavors found in apple spice cake and makes for a comforting pairing on chilly days.

Enjoy creating this warm and inviting dessert that brings family and friends together during autumn gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Spice Cake is a fantastic option for meal prep! It keeps well, making it perfect for enjoying throughout the week or sharing with friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• If you want to keep it fresh longer, store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Allow the cake to cool completely before wrapping it.
• Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat individual slices, microwave for 10-15 seconds or until warm.
• For the whole cake, preheat your oven to 350°F, remove the wrapping, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Apple Spice Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Apple Spice Cake stores well and can be made a day or two in advance. Just follow the storage tips above for the best results.

What type of apples are best for Apple Spice Cake?

Honey crisp apples work wonderfully due to their sweetness and crispness. Feel free to experiment with other varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji for different flavor profiles!

How do I ensure my Apple Spice Cake stays moist?

Using fresh apples and not overbaking are key steps in keeping your cake moist. Also, adding sour cream gives it that perfect texture!

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

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend. Just ensure that your mix contains xanthan gum for better structure.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this warm and spiced Apple Spice Cake as much as I do! It’s perfect for cozy autumn evenings or any time you’re craving something sweet and comforting. Whether you share it with loved ones or savor it solo, I’m sure it’ll bring a smile to your face. Happy baking!