Apple Spice Cake

This Apple Spice Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. With its moist texture and warm spices, it’s an ideal dessert for gatherings, family dinners, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea. The unique brown sugar icing elevates this cake, making it a memorable addition to your fall baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This cake comes together quickly with simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Bursting with Flavor: Fresh apples combined with warm spices create a deliciously aromatic experience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy family night or a festive gathering, this cake will impress everyone.
• Moist and Tender: Thanks to the addition of grated apples and sour cream, each slice is incredibly moist and tender.
• Irresistible Icing: The brown sugar icing adds a sweet finish that melts into the warm cake, enhancing every bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Apple Spice Cake, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups
• Parchment paper
• 9×9-inch nonstick pan
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Perfect for ensuring your batter is lump-free, leading to a lighter cake texture.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking, making for easy removal of the cake from the pan.

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Ingredients

This Apple Spice Cake is perfectly moist, made with in-season, fresh apples and has the best brown sugar icing on top. It’s an easy-to-make dessert to enjoy all Autumn long!

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

How to Make Apple Spice Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch light-colored nonstick pan with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients:
1. All-purpose flour
2. Baking soda
3. Salt
4. Ground cinnamon
5. Ground ginger
6. Ground nutmeg
7. Ground allspice
8. Ground cloves

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl, whisk together:
1. Vegetable oil
2. Eggs
3. Brown sugar
4. Granulated sugar
5. Sour cream
6. Vanilla extract

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Apples

Gently fold in the grated apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Turn out the cake batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow cooling in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 7: Make Brown Sugar Icing

In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat:
1. Melt butter with dark brown sugar and heavy cream.
2. Whisk until combined and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 8: Finish Icing

Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 9: Ice Your Cake

Pour the warm icing over your slightly cooled cake so it melts into every slice.

Step 10: Slice & Serve

Slice your Apple Spice Cake while it’s still warm, serve it up, and enjoy!

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake

Apple Spice Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want it warm or cold, there are many serving suggestions to enhance its delicious flavor.

With Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top to balance the spices and add creaminess.

Served with Ice Cream

• Pairing a warm slice with vanilla or cinnamon ice cream creates a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A light drizzle of caramel sauce over the cake adds sweetness and richness, making each bite indulgent.

Topped with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor that complements the spices well.

Enjoyed with Tea or Coffee

• Serve alongside your favorite hot beverage for a cozy snack or dessert option, perfect for autumn afternoons.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Slice and serve cold or toasted for breakfast; it pairs wonderfully with coffee or chai tea.

How to Perfect Apple Spice Cake

Creating the perfect Apple Spice Cake involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out just right.

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, in-season apples provide better flavor and moisture, enhancing the overall taste of the cake.

• Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is accurately preheated; an oven thermometer can help maintain the correct baking temperature.

• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry to avoid developing gluten, which can make the cake tough.

• Let It Cool: Allowing the cake to cool slightly in the pan before transferring helps maintain its moisture and structure.

• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spice amounts according to your taste preference for a more personalized flavor profile.

• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Spice Cake

Apple Spice Cake pairs well with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Cinnamon Sugar Toast: A simple toast topped with butter and cinnamon sugar brings out similar flavors found in the cake.

2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad featuring apples, pears, and berries adds brightness and balances sweetness.

3. Cheese Platter: Include sharp cheddar or creamy brie to contrast the sweet notes of the cake while enhancing its richness.

4. Nut Mix: A mix of roasted almonds, walnuts, and pecans can add texture and nuttiness that pairs beautifully with apple flavors.

5. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits for a healthier option that works as breakfast or a snack alongside cake.

6. Caramelized Bananas: Sauté bananas in butter and brown sugar until golden; their sweetness complements the spice of the cake perfectly.

7. Chai-Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts seasoned with chai spices bring an aromatic crunch that echoes the warmth of apple spice cake.

8. Baked Apples: Warm baked apples drizzled with honey or maple syrup create a harmonious apple theme while adding another layer of flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking an Apple Spice Cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold Measurement Errors: Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin your cake. Always use the spoon-and-level method for flour and pack brown sugar tightly.
• Bold Overmixing Batter: Mixing too long can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
• Bold Ignoring Oven Temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
• Bold Skipping Cooling Time: Not allowing the cake to cool slightly before icing can make the icing run off. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before icing.
• Bold Using Old Spices: Outdated spices can diminish flavor. Check expiry dates and use fresh spices for the best taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Apple Spice Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing Apple Spice Cake

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Apple Spice Cake

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 20–30 seconds until warm.
• Bold Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the Apple Spice Cake recipe.

How do I make Apple Spice Cake gluten-free?

You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use other fruits in this Apple Spice Cake?

Absolutely! Pears or even shredded zucchini can be great additions or substitutes, adding moisture and flavor.

What type of apples work best in Apple Spice Cake?

Honeycrisp apples are excellent due to their sweetness and crispness, but feel free to mix varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji for added flavor complexity.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the Apple Spice Cake?

Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can enhance the texture and flavor of your cake. Just fold them into the batter along with the apples.

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

The baking time is typically between 35-40 minutes, depending on your oven’s calibration. Always check with a toothpick!

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake is a delightful treat perfect for any autumn gathering. Its moist texture combined with a rich brown sugar icing makes it irresistible. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts, using different apple varieties, or even adjusting spices according to your preferences!