Apple Spice Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, tender treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite, this Apple Spice Cake is everything you need. Bursting with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, paired perfectly with juicy grated apples, this cake is moist and flavorful beyond words. Whether you want a comforting dessert for a family gathering or a sweet snack alongside your afternoon tea, this Apple Spice Cake effortlessly combines simple ingredients into a delicious memory-maker.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Apple Spice Cake is surprisingly straightforward, yet each component is crucial in building its delightful texture, warm flavor, and inviting color. From the fragrant combination of spices to the tangy touch of sour cream and the natural sweetness of apples, every ingredient plays a starring role.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides the structure for a tender, soft crumb.
• Baking soda (1 1/2 tsp): Helps the cake rise and keeps it light.
• Salt (1 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): The star warm spice that brings comforting aroma.
• Ground ginger (1/2 tsp): Adds a subtle spicy kick to deepen the flavor.
• Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Offers a sweet, nutty hint that complements apples beautifully.
• Ground allspice (1/2 tsp): A complex spice that blends hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
• Ground cloves (1/8 tsp): A small amount adds bold warmth without overpowering.
• Vegetable oil (2/3 cup): Keeps the cake moist and tender all around.
• Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and add richness.
• Brown sugar, packed (3/4 cup): Offers deep caramel flavor and moisture.
• Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Balances the sweetness with clean, bright notes.
• Sour cream (1/2 cup): Brings tang and extra moisture for a luscious crumb.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp): Adds warmth and rounds out the spice profile.
• Honeycrisp apples, grated (2–3 large, ~1 1/2 cups): The juicy apple pieces give the cake fresh bursts of flavor and delightful texture.
• Salted butter (1/4 cup): For the luscious brown sugar icing that melts on top.
• Dark brown sugar, packed (1/2 cup): Creates a rich, fudgy glaze.
• Heavy cream (2 Tbsp): Adds smoothness and helps the icing set beautifully.
• Pure vanilla extract (1/2 tsp): Enhances the sweetness of the icing.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): The perfect finishing touch for a smooth, creamy glaze.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F. Take a 9×9-inch light-colored nonstick pan and line it with parchment paper—this simple step makes sure your cake slides out perfectly after baking. Setting this up early lets you focus on mixing your fabulous batter next.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and all those wonderful spices: cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. This blend is the heart of your Apple Spice Cake’s cozy flavor profile, so take a moment to savor how fragrant it already smells!

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the vegetable oil with eggs until smooth. Add in both sugars, sour cream, and vanilla extract. This mixture brings creamy richness and moisture that will keep the cake soft and tender.

Step 4: Bring Them Together and Fold in Apples

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and gently fold together just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cake light and fluffy. Then, fold in your grated honeycrisp apples; they’ll bring great texture and juicy bursts in every bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top. Pop it into the oven for about 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. When it’s done, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Brown Sugar Icing

While the cake cools, melt butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and is well combined. Remove from heat, then whisk in vanilla extract and sifted powdered sugar until smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Ice the Cake

Pour the warm icing over the cake. You don’t need to wait until the cake is fully cooled—the icing will melt into the warm cake slightly, creating a divine sticky glaze that seeps into every nook and cranny.

Step 8: Slice and Enjoy

Slice your Apple Spice Cake into generous squares and serve warm—this cake tastes best when it’s still a little cozy, allowing you to fully enjoy those soft apples and spiced goodness.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a small dollop of whipped cream can make your Apple Spice Cake feel extra special. To add a touch of crunch, sprinkle some toasted chopped pecans or walnuts on top—they complement the spice blend wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This cake is fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a decadent dessert. For a lighter pairing, enjoy it alongside a warm cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to echo those warm spice notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving your Apple Spice Cake as mini trifle layers with whipped cream and cinnamon-spiced apple compote, or cut into cubes for fondue-style dipping in caramel or chocolate sauce. It also makes a delightful breakfast treat when topped with a smear of cream cheese glaze.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Spice Cake stays moist and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is warm, keep it in the fridge to maintain freshness, but bring it back to room temperature before eating.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cake either whole or sliced in portions. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying again.

Reheating

To refresh your Apple Spice Cake, reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a warm oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. This will revive the moist texture and warm those comforting spices beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this Apple Spice Cake?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their sweetness and crisp texture, other firm apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala also work well. Just remember that sweeter apples will give a different flavor balance than tart ones.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend designed for cakes. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cake’s texture tender and moist.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil for butter?

You can replace vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer flavor, but it may slightly change the cake’s tenderness. Oil tends to keep cakes moister, so using butter is best if you don’t mind a denser crumb.

How do I know when the Apple Spice Cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging, your cake is done. If the batter sticks to the toothpick, bake a few minutes longer and test again.

Can I make the brown sugar icing ahead of time?

Yes! The icing can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Before using, gently reheat it on the stove or microwave while stirring to reach a pourable consistency.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Apple Spice Cake enough for anyone who loves desserts filled with cozy spices and fresh fruit goodness. It’s the kind of cake that makes your kitchen smell incredible and your taste buds sing with every bite. Next time you want to treat yourself or impress your friends, give this recipe a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s a personal favorite for so many!

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