Apple Spice Cake Recipe

If you’re searching for the perfect cozy dessert to welcome the flavors of fall, look no further than this irresistibly moist and fragrant Apple Spice Cake Recipe. Bursting with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg alongside tender apple pieces and a touch of apple cider, this cake offers a comforting balance of sweet and spice. It’s a lovely way to fill your kitchen with the aroma of autumn and to share a heartfelt slice of homemade goodness with friends and family. Trust me, once you try this Apple Spice Cake Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind any unforgettable cake lies in its ingredients, and this Apple Spice Cake Recipe is no exception. Each component has been carefully chosen to contribute flavor, texture, and that signature moist crumb. From the rich butter that brings tenderness, to the fragrant spices that awaken your senses, these simple ingredients create something truly special.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup): Using room temperature butter ensures a smooth, aerated batter for a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with structure and browning.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings a subtle molasses flavor and extra moisture.
• Large eggs (3): Act as the binder and contribute richness; room temperature eggs mix better.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering the spices.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups, spooned and leveled): The base for structure; spooning avoids overpacking and keeps the cake light.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Provides the lift needed for a perfect rise.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Ground cinnamon (1 1/4 teaspoons): The star spice giving deep warmth and that classic apple spice essence.
• Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a delicate spicy zing.
• Ground nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon): Offers a subtle nuttiness that rounds out the spice blend.
• Apple cider (1/3 cup): Not just flavor, but moisture and acidity that brighten the cake.
• Fresh apple, peeled and grated (1/3 cup): The secret ingredient—makes every bite juicy and tender; pressing the grated apple between paper towels removes excess moisture so the cake doesn’t get soggy.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Begin by heating your oven to 325°F and lining a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper. Leaving an overhang on the sides makes lifting out the cake a breeze after baking. This careful prep ensures your cake maintains its beautiful shape and comes out cleanly every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat your softened butter with the granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture turns light and fluffy, about three minutes. This step is crucial for air incorporation, which leads to a light texture. Don’t forget to scrape the bowl down so all ingredients blend evenly.

Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time

Incorporate eggs gradually to your butter-sugar mix, ensuring each egg is fully combined before adding the next. This prevents the batter from curdling and helps maintain a smooth mixture. Scraping the bowl again ensures even mixing throughout.

Step 4: Mix in the Vanilla

Add the vanilla extract for that subtle sweet aroma that complements the spices perfectly. Mixing it in at this stage allows the warm fragrance to infuse evenly through the batter.

Step 5: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This dry blend ensures even distribution of all the leavening and spices, resulting in consistent flavor and rise throughout the cake.

Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Apple Cider

Add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture in batches, alternating with the apple cider, beginning and ending with the dry. This disciplined method keeps the batter smooth and prevents overmixing, producing a tender, moist crumb.

Step 7: Fold in Grated Apple

Remove the bowl from the mixer and gently fold the grated apple into the batter with a spatula. This careful folding keeps the delicate apple pieces intact and ensures even moisture without making the batter dense.

Step 8: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into the parchment-lined loaf pan and bake on the center rack for 55 to 60 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If the top begins to brown too quickly toward the end, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

Step 9: Cool Before Glazing

Allow your Apple Spice Cake to rest in the pan for 15 minutes before lifting it out with the parchment overhang. Cooling on a wire rack ensures the cake sets perfectly and prevents sogginess, making it ready for that luscious glaze.

Step 10: Prepare the Cinnamon Glaze

For a final touch, sift powdered sugar into a medium bowl and whisk in cream or milk along with cinnamon until smooth and lump-free. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or cream for a thinner glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake for a sweet, spicy finish that elevates every bite.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of cinnamon or finely chopped toasted walnuts bring extra texture and eye-catching contrast to the cake. A few thin apple slices on the side add a fresh note that ties beautifully to the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

This cake is a delightful snack on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream turns it into a dessert worth celebrating. For a breakfast treat, serve alongside a cup of spiced chai or rich coffee to complement the warming spices.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, consider slicing the cake into cubes and serving them as cake pops with a cinnamon glaze drizzle. Alternatively, layer slices with cream cheese frosting and fresh apple slices for a rustic yet elegant trifle that surprises and delights guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your Apple Spice Cake, store any leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps the cake moist and flavorful without drying out.

Freezing

This Apple Spice Cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep for up to 3 months, perfect for baking ahead during the busy season or saving a slice for a special occasion.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. This revives the cake’s moist texture and intensifies the spice aromas, making it taste freshly baked all over again.

FAQs

Can I use different apples in this Apple Spice Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! Crisp and tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully, but sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Honeycrisp can be used depending on your taste preference. Just peel and grate them as described.

Is it necessary to use apple cider instead of apple juice?

Apple cider has a deeper, spiced flavor and a bit more acidity than apple juice, which enhances the cake’s complexity. Using apple juice will work but might result in a slightly less pronounced flavor.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, but make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder for texture. Baking powder and spices remain the same. Baking times might need a slight adjustment.

How can I make this cake more suitable for Thanksgiving?

Consider adding chopped toasted pecans or walnuts into the batter for a festive crunch. Serving it with a spiced cream cheese frosting also makes it extra special for the holiday season.

What’s the best way to prevent the cake from drying out?

Don’t overbake the cake; start checking for doneness at 55 minutes with a toothpick. Also, wrapping the cooled cake tightly during storage keeps the moisture locked in.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you give this Apple Spice Cake Recipe a try soon. It’s such a heartfelt, comforting treat that brightens any kitchen with its sweet and spicy notes. Whether for a quiet afternoon snack or a festive gathering, this cake promises smiles with every bite. Happy baking, friend!

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