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Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Apple Spice Cake Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 23 reviews

This Apple Spice Cake is a moist, flavorful loaf cake infused with warm spices and fresh grated apples. The addition of apple cider adds a subtle tang and moisture, while a delicate cinnamon glaze on top completes this comforting dessert, perfect for fall or anytime you crave a cozy treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

  • 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/3 cup apple cider (not apple juice)
  • 1/3 cup fresh apple, peeled and grated (moisture absorbed by paper towels)

Cinnamon Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang on the sides for easy cake removal.
  2. Cream butter and sugars: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter together with granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
  3. Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing fully after each addition and scraping the bowl as needed to ensure everything is well combined.
  4. Add vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated into the batter.
  5. Mix dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
  6. Combine wet and dry: Alternately add the dry mixture and apple cider to the butter and egg mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
  7. Fold in grated apple: Remove the mixing bowl and gently fold in the grated apple using a spatula, taking care not to overmix to maintain cake texture.
  8. Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake in the center rack of the oven for 55 to 60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the cake browns too quickly towards the end, tent it loosely with aluminum foil.
  9. Cool the cake: Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Use the parchment paper overhang to lift the cake out of the pan, then cool completely on a wire rack.
  10. Prepare cinnamon glaze: In a medium bowl, sift the powdered sugar. Add the heavy cream or milk and ground cinnamon, whisking until the glaze is smooth and lump-free. Adjust thickness by adding more powdered sugar if too thin or more milk/cream if too thick.
  11. Glaze the cake: Drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the cooled cake. Allow the glaze to set slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Be sure to absorb excess moisture from grated apples by wrapping them in paper towels and gently pressing before folding into the batter. This prevents the cake from becoming too wet.
  • If you do not have apple cider, do not substitute with apple juice as it is much sweeter and will alter the flavor and moisture balance of the cake.
  • The cinnamon glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweet and spiced finish to the cake.
  • Store the cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated up to a week.
  • To avoid overbaking, start checking the cake with a toothpick at 50 minutes, especially if using a dark or glass loaf pan, as baking times may vary.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple spice cake, apple cake, spiced cake, cinnamon glaze, fall dessert, moist apple cake

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/apple-spice-cake-recipe/