Apple Spice Cake Recipe

If you are looking for a cake that’s bursting with warming flavors and cozy fall vibes, you’ve found it. This Apple Spice Cake Recipe delivers tender, moist cake layered with fragrant cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, all perfectly balanced by fresh grated apple and a splash of tangy apple cider. It’s a showstopper at any gathering, yet surprisingly simple to make. Once you try it, it will quickly become your go-to dessert when those crisp autumn days arrive or anytime you crave a little comforting sweetness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Apple Spice Cake Recipe are straightforward staples, yet each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s building the cake’s texture, enriching its flavor, or adding that unmistakable warmth you love about spice cakes.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup): Adds richness and keeps the cake incredibly moist with a tender crumb.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Provides sweet balance and helps with browning.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings a deep caramel note and moisture thanks to its molasses content.
• Eggs (3 large): Bind ingredients together and give a lovely structure to the cake.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Accentuates all the warm spice flavors and adds subtle sweetness.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): The base that forms the cake’s delicate crumb.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Leavens the cake for a light and airy texture.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances and balances the sweetness and spices.
• Ground cinnamon (1 1/4 teaspoons): The star spice that offers cozy warmth and aroma.
• Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle, zesty kick beneath the cinnamon.
• Ground nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon): Deepens the complexity of the spice blend with earthy notes.
• Apple cider (1/3 cup): Infuses bright, fresh apple flavor and aids in moistening the batter.
• Fresh apple, peeled and grated (1/3 cup): Gives natural sweetness, texture, and moisture that make this cake truly special.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F and lining a 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper. Leaving an overhang on the sides will make it super easy to lift out your perfectly baked cake later without any fuss. This prep ensures a smooth baking process and beautiful results.

Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars

Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together your softened butter with both granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture turns light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This step is vital as it incorporates air to give your cake a lovely rise and tender crumb. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides for an even blend!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing fully between additions, then mix in the vanilla. This gradual process helps maintain a smooth batter and keeps the cake light and airy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together all your dry ingredients — the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg — in a separate bowl. This ensures your spices sprinkle evenly throughout the cake, gifting every bite a perfect hint of warmth.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Apple Cider

Add the dry mixture to your butter and egg batter alternately with the apple cider, beginning and ending with the dry. This technique keeps the batter moist and balanced while blending the bold spice flavors with fresh apple tang.

Step 6: Fold in Grated Apple

Using a spatula, gently fold the grated apple into the batter. Remember not to overmix here — a light hand keeps your cake tender and creates delightful little pockets of apple throughout.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake on the center rack for 55 to 60 minutes. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the cake center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the cake top starts to brown too early, tent it gently with foil to prevent over-browning.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully lifting it out using the parchment paper overhang. Cool completely on a wire rack before drizzling with your smooth cinnamon glaze made from powdered sugar, cream, and cinnamon for that irresistible finishing touch.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of cinnamon glaze decorative and delicious. For festive occasions, add chopped toasted walnuts or pecans on top to add crunch and depth.

Side Dishes

Serve slices of this Apple Spice Cake Recipe alongside a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. A cup of hot chai tea or rich coffee beautifully complements the cake’s spice profile, turning snack time into a full sensory experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try transforming this loaf cake into mini bundt cakes or cupcakes for easy sharing during parties. You can also slice it thinly and serve as a layered trifle with spiced apples and custard for a show-stopping dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store the Apple Spice Cake Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for sweetening your mornings or afternoon coffee breaks.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before popping it into the freezer. It will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

For that just-baked feeling, warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. Warm cake paired with a little butter or glaze is an unbeatable treat.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider in this Apple Spice Cake Recipe?

While apple juice might seem like a convenient substitute, apple cider has a more robust, tangy flavor that really enhances the cake’s depth. If you only have apple juice, it will still work but the flavor won’t be quite as pronounced.

Do I need to peel the apples before grating?

Yes, peeling the apples ensures a smoother texture in the cake. The skin can be a bit tougher and might create unwanted texture contrasts in this delicate cake.

Why do I need to place grated apples between paper towels?

This step helps absorb excess moisture from the apples so your batter doesn’t become too wet, which could affect the cake’s structure. It’s a simple trick to keep everything perfectly balanced.

Can I make this Apple Spice Cake Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free as well for best results.

How long will this cake keep once glazed?

The glaze adds moisture and flavor but also means the cake should be eaten within 2 to 3 days if kept at room temperature. After that, refrigeration is advisable to maintain freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake Recipe is a warm hug on a plate, bringing together the best flavors of fall in one unbeatable treat. It’s easy enough to make on a weekday, yet special enough to wow friends and family. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite cake to bake over and over again!

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