Apple Spice Cake

If you’re looking for a comforting dessert that captures the essence of autumn, look no further than this delightful Apple Spice Cake. It’s a recipe that brings back memories of cozy family gatherings and crisp fall afternoons. The combination of fresh apples and warm spices creates a flavor that feels like a warm hug, making it perfect for everything from busy weeknights to festive celebrations.

What makes this Apple Spice Cake truly special is its moist texture and the decadent brown sugar icing that melts into the cake when it’s slightly warm. You’ll find yourself slicing off piece after piece, and before you know it, your friends and family will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple to Make: With just a few straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the sweet, spiced flavors of this cake—it’s sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
• Seasonal Ingredients: Utilizing fresh apples means you get the best taste while celebrating the harvest season.
• Deliciously Versatile: Enjoy it as is or dress it up with your favorite toppings for special occasions.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it in advance and store it to enjoy throughout the week, making dessert planning a breeze!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Apple Spice Cake is a breeze! These are simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create this delicious dessert.

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 get creative with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Mix in Dried Fruits: Adding raisins or cranberries enhances the sweetness and gives extra texture.
• Switch Up Your Spices: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or pumpkin pie spice for a unique twist.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute with a gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.

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. This step helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup super easy.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Mixing these dry elements first allows their flavors to blend beautifully.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: vegetable oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. This creates a rich base for your cake.

Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures

Gently pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cake to stay light and fluffy!

Step 6: Add Grated Apples

Now it’s time to fold in those freshly grated apples! Their natural sweetness adds moisture and flavor that elevates this cake.

Step 7: Bake Your Cake

Turn out your batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool in the pan for ten minutes before transferring it to a wire rack—this helps maintain its moisture.

Step 8: Prepare Brown Sugar Icing

For the icing, melt butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until combined and bring it to a gentle boil—this step creates that gooey texture we love!

Step 9: Finish Your Icing

Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract along with sifted powdered sugar until smooth. Drizzle this luscious icing over your warm cake so it seeps into every bite.

Step 10: Slice & Serve

Finally, slice up your Apple Spice Cake while it’s still warm! Each piece will be moist and bursting with flavor—a true treat any time of year! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Spice Cake

Baking can be a joyful experience, and with a few handy tips, you can ensure your Apple Spice Cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh apples: Fresh, seasonal apples not only enhance flavor but also provide moisture and texture to your cake, making it more delicious.

• Room temperature ingredients: Bringing your eggs and sour cream to room temperature allows for better mixing and a fluffier cake, resulting in that lovely moist texture we all adore.

• Don’t overmix the batter: Mixing just until combined helps retain the cake’s lightness. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture, which we want to avoid.

• Check for doneness: Ovens can vary in temperature; always do the toothpick test! Insert it into the center of the cake—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready to enjoy.

• Pour icing when warm: Applying the brown sugar icing while the cake is still warm ensures it seeps into every delicious crumb, enhancing both flavor and moisture.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake

Presenting your Apple Spice Cake beautifully can make it even more enjoyable! Whether it’s for a cozy family meal or a festive gathering, here are some delightful serving suggestions.

Garnishes

• Whipped cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top adds a creamy contrast to the spiced cake.
• Cinnamon sprinkle: Dusting a little ground cinnamon on top gives an appealing look and enhances that warm spice aroma.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the apples beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream served alongside warm slices of cake creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over each slice brings extra sweetness and richness—perfect for those with a sweet tooth!
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad balances the sweetness of the cake with its bright flavors—a light option that’s particularly nice after a hearty meal.
• Tea or coffee: Pairing this spiced delight with your favorite tea or coffee makes for an inviting afternoon treat or dessert option.

With these tips and serving ideas in mind, your Apple Spice Cake will not only taste heavenly but will also look stunning on any table. Enjoy every slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Spice Cake is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it in advance and store it for later, making it an ideal treat for busy days or when entertaining guests.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh.
• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• To enjoy later, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

• For a warm slice, microwave individual pieces for 10-15 seconds until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can reheat slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delightful recipe!

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

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

How should I store leftover Apple Spice Cake?

To keep your Apple Spice Cake fresh, cover it tightly and store at room temperature for a few days. For longer storage, consider freezing it as detailed above.

What makes this Apple Spice Cake so moist?

The combination of grated apples and sour cream contributes to the cake’s moist texture, ensuring every bite is soft and flavorful.

How long does it take to bake the Apple Spice Cake?

The baking time is approximately 35-40 minutes. Just be sure to check with a toothpick; it should come out clean from the center when it’s ready!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Apple Spice Cake as comforting and delightful as I do! With its warm spices and luscious brown sugar icing, it’s a truly special dessert that captures the essence of fall. Enjoy making this delicious cake, sharing it with loved ones, and creating wonderful memories around the table. Happy baking!