Apple Spice Cake

If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dessert that fills your kitchen with the smell of autumn, then this Apple Spice Cake is exactly what you need! Made with fresh, juicy apples and warm spices, this cake is like a hug in dessert form. It’s one of those recipes that quickly becomes a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this cake is sure to bring smiles all around.

What makes this Apple Spice Cake truly special is its incredible moistness and the luscious brown sugar icing that melts into it while still warm. Each slice is packed with flavor and has just the right amount of sweetness. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll want to make it every fall!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, you can whip this up in no time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love the sweet apple flavor, making it a great dessert for all ages.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake it early in the day and enjoy it warm or at room temperature later.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of spices and fresh apples creates a comforting taste that screams autumn.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields enough servings to share with friends and family!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe features simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You probably have most of them on hand already! Here’s what you’ll need:

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 is fine)

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 Apple Spice Cake is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to make it your own with these fun variations:

• Add Nuts: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• Substitute Apples: Try using different varieties of apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for unique flavors.
• Spice It Up: Mix in some pumpkin spice blend for an even more autumnal twist.
• Fruit Additions: Toss in some raisins or dried cranberries for added sweetness and texture.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch light-colored nonstick pan with parchment paper—this will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. This step ensures that everything is evenly distributed throughout your batter, leading to consistent flavor in every bite!

Step 3: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients: vegetable oil, eggs, both sugars, sour cream, and vanilla extract. Mixing these well helps create a smooth batter that will stay moist.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix! A few lumps are okay; this will keep your cake tender.

Step 5: Fold in Grated Apples

Now it’s time to fold in those grated apples! They add moisture and flavor to the cake while keeping it deliciously fruity.

Step 6: Bake Your Cake

Turn out the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Letting it cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack helps maintain its structure.

Step 7: Make the Brown Sugar Icing

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt together butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream until combined and bubbly. Whisk continuously; this step infuses flavor into your icing.

Step 8: Finish Off with Icing

Once removed from heat, stir in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth. Pour this luscious icing over your warm cake—it seeps in wonderfully!

Step 9: Slice & Enjoy!

Let everyone enjoy their slices warm! This Apple Spice Cake will be gone before you know it—everyone will be asking for seconds!

I hope you love making (and eating!) this delightful Apple Spice Cake as much as I do!

Pro Tips for Making Apple Spice Cake

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these pro tips, you’ll ensure your Apple Spice Cake turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh apples: Selecting in-season honey crisp apples not only enhances the flavor but also adds the right amount of moisture to your cake. Their natural sweetness complements the spices beautifully.

• Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a better emulsion, resulting in a lighter and fluffier cake.

• Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, fold gently just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture rather than the desired moist crumb.

• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check if the cake is done. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready! Keep an eye on it toward the end of baking time to prevent over-baking.

• Icing while warm: Pouring the brown sugar icing over the cake while it’s still slightly warm allows it to seep into the cake, adding extra flavor and moisture.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake

This Apple Spice Cake isn’t just delicious; it’s also beautiful enough to serve at any gathering or cozy evening at home. Here are some fun ideas on how to present this delightful dessert!

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream on top adds a light and airy touch that complements the spiced flavors perfectly.
• Chopped nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the apples.
• Cinnamon dusting: A light dusting of cinnamon on top just before serving elevates its autumnal appeal and invites everyone to dig in!

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a delightful contrast to the warm cake, making each bite even more indulgent.
• Caramel sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over your slice adds an extra layer of sweetness that enhances those warm spice notes.
• Fruit salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits can balance out the richness of the cake, offering a vibrant contrast in flavors.
• Hot tea or coffee: Pairing your cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee makes for a comforting experience, perfect for enjoying those cozy fall evenings.

Now you’re all set to bake up this delicious Apple Spice Cake! Enjoy sharing (or keeping) every last slice!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Spice Cake is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its delightful flavors throughout the week. You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment.

Storing Leftovers

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate it in the same airtight container for up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap slices of the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm slices, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices on a baking tray and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making this delicious Apple Spice Cake!

Can I use different types of apples in my Apple Spice Cake?

Absolutely! While honey crisp apples add a great flavor, feel free to use any variety you love or have on hand. Granny Smith or Fuji apples also work wonderfully.

How do I ensure my Apple Spice Cake stays moist?

To keep your Apple Spice Cake moist, be sure not to overmix the batter after adding the wet ingredients. Additionally, incorporating freshly grated apples contributes to its moisture content.

Can I make this Apple Spice Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just be sure to check that your other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?

You can substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and replace sour cream with a plant-based yogurt or buttermilk alternative.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Apple Spice Cake! Its warm spices and sweet apple goodness capture the essence of fall perfectly. This cake is not only easy to prepare but also makes for a delightful dessert that everyone will love. Enjoy every slice, and don’t forget to share your baking adventures with family and friends!