Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite Fall cake. The Apple Spice Cake Recipe is a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of fresh apples and warm spices. Perfect for gatherings, cozy evenings, or simply as a sweet indulgence, this cake stands out with its comforting aroma and delicious cinnamon glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: This cake combines the sweetness of apples with cozy spices, making it perfect for any occasion.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear steps, even novice bakers can create this delightful dessert.
• Versatile Treat: Ideal as a dessert, snack, or breakfast option, it fits seamlessly into any meal plan.
• Moist and Tender: The combination of butter and apple cider ensures a moist texture that everyone will enjoy.
• Perfect for Sharing: With eight slices per recipe, it’s great for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with family.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment
• 9 x 5 loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Medium mixing bowl
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer with paddle attachment: This tool makes creaming butter and sugars easier, ensuring a light and fluffy batter.
• 9 x 5 loaf pan: The right size helps achieve an even bake for your Apple Spice Cake.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, making it easy to remove the cake from the pan after baking.

Ingredients

Say hello to your new favorite Fall cake. A delicious apple spice cake with the perfect blend of warm, cozy spices. Full of fresh apple flavor and drizzled with a simple cinnamon glaze.

Ingredients:
– 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
– 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. Note: Place the grated apples between two layers of paper towels to absorb the moisture out before adding to the batter.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper. Allow the parchment to hang over the sides of the cake by an inch or two for easy removal once baked. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Add Vanilla

Mix in the vanilla until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
* Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, spices (ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg), and salt.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the apple cider:
* Start and end with dry ingredients.

Step 7: Fold in Grated Apple

Remove the bowl from the mixer:
* Gently fold in grated apple using a large spatula. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 8: Bake

Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan:
* Bake in center rack for about 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with few crumbs.
* If browning too quickly, tent top with aluminum foil.

Step 9: Cool

Once baked, remove from oven:
1. Cool in pan for about 15 minutes.
2. Use parchment paper overhang to remove from pan.
3. Cool completely on wire rack before glazing.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Serving apple spice cake is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some suggestions to elevate your enjoyment of this cozy dessert.

With a Cinnamon Glaze

• Drizzle a simple cinnamon glaze over the cooled cake for an added touch of sweetness and spice. The glaze complements the flavors beautifully.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Serve slices of apple spice cake with a dollop of whipped cream. This adds a light and fluffy texture that balances the cake’s density.

Add Fresh Fruit

• Top the cake with fresh fruit like sliced apples or pears. This not only enhances presentation but also adds freshness to each bite.

Accompany with Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream alongside warm slices creates a delicious contrast in temperature and flavor, making it an indulgent treat.

Serve with Tea or Coffee

• Pairing your apple spice cake with a warm cup of tea or coffee makes for a comforting afternoon snack. The spices in the cake harmonize well with these beverages.

How to Perfect Apple Spice Cake Recipe

To ensure your apple spice cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Allow your eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing, which helps create a better batter texture.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon and level your flour when measuring to avoid using too much, which can lead to a dense cake.
• Don’t skip the grated apples: Grating apples adds moisture and flavor; just remember to remove excess moisture before adding them to the batter.
• Monitor baking time: Ovens vary, so check for doneness at 55 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean or with few crumbs.
• Cool completely before glazing: Letting the cake cool ensures that the glaze sets properly and does not slide off.
• Store properly: Keep any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Enjoying apple spice cake can be even more delightful when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are some excellent options:

1. Chopped Nuts
   Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.
2. Homemade Caramel Sauce
   Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice for a rich, sweet addition that pairs wonderfully with the spices.
3. Cream Cheese Frosting
   Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting between slices or on top for an extra creamy element that balances sweetness.
4. Yogurt Parfait
   Layer yogurt with granola and fruits for a refreshing side dish that brings acidity to balance the sweetness of the cake.
5. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits provides freshness and acidity that complements the dense spices in the cake.
6. Chai Tea
   Serve slices alongside warm chai tea, whose spiced notes enhance the flavors in the apple spice cake beautifully.
7. Cheese Platter
   Include cheeses like brie or goat cheese on your serving platter for a savory contrast that pairs surprisingly well with sweet desserts.
8. Chocolate Drizzle
   For chocolate lovers, adding a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can create an enticing combination of flavors with the spiced apples in the cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When baking your Apple Spice Cake, avoiding common pitfalls can ensure a perfect result every time.

• Incorrect apple preparation: Using unpeeled apples or not grating them can lead to a dense cake. Always peel and grate your apples before adding them to the batter.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much after adding the dry ingredients may result in a tough texture. Gently fold in the grated apple to keep the cake light and fluffy.
• Not measuring ingredients correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial for baking success. Use proper measuring cups and spoons, especially for flour and sugar.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Not lining your loaf pan with parchment can make it difficult to remove the cake without breaking it. Always use parchment paper for easy removal.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect the cake’s rise and texture. Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the cake inside.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container. The cake keeps well for up to 5 days in the fridge.
• If you prefer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before placing it in a container.

Freezing Apple Spice Cake Recipe

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil for best results. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Make sure to label and date your packages so you know what’s inside.

Reheating Apple Spice Cake Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for approximately 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Apple Spice Cake Recipe that might help you along your baking journey.

Can I use other fruits in the Apple Spice Cake Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute grated apples with other fruits like pears or even mashed bananas for different flavors.

How do I store leftovers from the Apple Spice Cake Recipe?

Store leftover cake slices in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that works well for baking.

What should I serve with my Apple Spice Cake?

This delicious cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even a dollop of yogurt.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake Recipe is perfect for Fall gatherings or cozy afternoons at home. Its warm spices and fresh apple flavor create a delightful treat that everyone will love. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding nuts or raisins for extra texture!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Apple Spice Cake

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves about eight slices 1x

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Description

Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this Apple Spice Cake Recipe, a perfect fall treat that combines the sweetness of fresh apples with aromatic spices. This cake is easy to prepare, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers. With its moist texture and delicious cinnamon glaze, it’s perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying on a cozy evening at home. Each bite offers a delightful harmony of spices and apple goodness, sure to become a seasonal favorite.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/3 cup apple cider
• 1/3 cup fresh apple, peeled and grated

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over the edges.
2. In a stand mixer, cream together the butter and sugars until fluffy. Add eggs one by one, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
4. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients alternating with apple cider.
5. Gently fold in grated apples until combined. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
6. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 70mg