Apple Spice Cake

If you’re looking for a warm, cozy dessert that truly captures the essence of autumn, this Apple Spice Cake is just what you need. Imagine biting into a moist cake, bursting with the flavors of fresh apples and warm spices. It’s a recipe that I hold close to my heart because it reminds me of family gatherings and chilly evenings spent with loved ones. This cake is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of the season!

Perfect for busy weeknights or festive occasions, this Apple Spice Cake is as easy to whip up as it is to enjoy. You can serve it at family dinners or bring it to a potluck—everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for those last-minute dessert needs.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: With its sweet apple flavor and comforting spices, everyone will love this cake—kids and adults alike!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it in advance, then warm it up before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
• Deliciously Moist: The combination of grated apples and sour cream creates a super moist cake that melts in your mouth.
• Irresistible Brown Sugar Icing: The rich icing adds an extra layer of sweetness that takes this cake over the top!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delightful Apple Spice Cake, you’ll need some simple and wholesome ingredients. Gather these items from your pantry or local grocery store, and you’re ready to bake!

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 works great)

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 recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures to make it your own.

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and complement the apple flavor beautifully.
• Use different spices: Try adding cardamom or swapping out some cinnamon for pumpkin spice for a new twist.
• Incorporate dried fruit: Raisins or cranberries can enhance the texture and sweetness in each bite.
• Top with cream cheese frosting: For an extra indulgent touch, spread some cream cheese frosting instead of icing.

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 put it in.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pan

Line a 9×9-inch light-colored nonstick pan with parchment paper and set it aside. The parchment helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Mixing these first allows the leavening agents to evenly distribute throughout the flour.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: vegetable oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined. The wet mixture will keep your cake moist and flavorful.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently fold them together until just combined; it’s okay if there are still some lumps—overmixing can lead to a tough cake.

Step 6: Add Apples

Now it’s time to fold in those grated apples! They add moisture and natural sweetness to the batter while infusing that lovely apple flavor throughout.

Step 7: Bake Your Cake

Pour your batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Letting it cool in the pan for just 10 minutes makes transferring easier.

Step 8: Make 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 let it come to a gentle boil—the slight bubbling indicates it’s ready!

Step 9: Finish Your Icing

Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract followed by sifted powdered sugar until smooth. Pour this delectable icing over your slightly warm cake so it absorbs all that goodness!

Step 10: Slice & Serve

Once iced, slice up generous pieces of cake while it’s still warm—trust me; you won’t want to wait long! Enjoy every bite with family or friends; they’ll love you for sharing such an amazing treat!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Spice Cake

Making this Apple Spice Cake is an enjoyable process, and a few simple tips can elevate your baking experience!

• Use fresh apples: Fresh, crisp apples not only enhance the flavor but also add moisture and texture to the cake. Honeycrisp apples are a great choice for their sweet-tart balance.

• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth batter, resulting in a tender cake with even texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake instead of a light and airy one.

• Check for doneness early: 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 attached.

• Serve warm: This cake is best enjoyed warm from the oven with its delectable icing melting into each slice. It makes for a cozy dessert on chilly autumn evenings!

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake

Serving this delightful Apple Spice Cake can be as creative as you want! Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, here are some ideas to make it extra special.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the icing for added crunch and flavor.
• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream provides a creamy contrast that complements the spiced cake beautifully.
• Cinnamon sugar dusting: A light sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top adds visual appeal and enhances the warm spice notes of the cake.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream melts perfectly over warm apple spice cake, creating an indulgent treat that balances sweetness with creamy richness.
• Spiced apple cider: Serve with a warm mug of spiced apple cider for a comforting drink that echoes the flavors in your cake.
• Mixed green salad: A light salad with arugula, pears, and walnuts drizzled with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich dessert.
• Cheese platter: Pairing slices of apple spice cake with sharp cheddar or creamy brie can provide an interesting savory-sweet combination that delights the palate.

By following these tips and serving suggestions, your Apple Spice Cake will surely impress everyone around your table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Spice Cake is an excellent choice for meal prep, perfect for those busy autumn days when you want a delicious dessert ready to enjoy. With just a little planning, you can savor this delightful treat throughout the week or even share it with friends and family!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

• Cut the cake into individual slices for easy thawing.
• Wrap each slice in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to label with the date!

Reheating

• To reheat, remove a slice from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Warm it gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or until heated through.
• Enjoy with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of your favorite non-dairy ice cream!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this scrumptious Apple Spice Cake:

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

Absolutely! While honey crisp apples add a delightful sweetness, feel free to experiment with other varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji apples. Each type will bring its unique flavor to your cake.

How do I make Apple Spice Cake gluten-free?

To make this Apple Spice Cake gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. This will help maintain the cake’s moisture while allowing everyone to enjoy this tasty treat!

What can I use instead of sour cream in Apple Spice Cake?

If you don’t have sour cream on hand, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a great substitute. It adds creaminess and tang without changing the flavor profile too much.

Can I skip the icing on my Apple Spice Cake?

While the brown sugar icing adds an irresistible touch, you can certainly enjoy the cake without it! Dusting with powdered sugar or serving with fresh fruit also makes for a lovely presentation.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Apple Spice Cake as much as I do! Its cozy flavors are perfect for celebrating the season and sharing special moments with loved ones. Whether you’re enjoying it warm out of the oven or savoring leftovers throughout the week, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around. Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear how your version turns out!