Apple Spice Cake Recipe

If you’re craving a dessert that tastes like autumn wrapped in a cozy blanket, this Apple Spice Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Filled with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger spices, complemented by fresh grated apples and a splash of apple cider, this cake offers a moist, tender crumb that’s bursting with flavor. It’s that perfect balance of sweet and spiced, making it an all-time favorite for chilly afternoons or holiday gatherings. Trust me, once you make this, it will quickly become your go-to Apple Spice Cake Recipe to share with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Apple Spice Cake Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a critical role in building up the delicious layers of flavor and texture you’ll love in every bite.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup, room temperature): This gives the cake its rich, tender crumb and helps hold moisture.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create a beautiful golden crust.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a mild caramel note that harmonizes with the spices.
• Large eggs (3, room temperature): Provide structure and richness, making the cake tender yet sturdy.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor and complements the warm spices.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups, spooned and leveled): The foundation for the cake, creating just the right texture.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and brightens the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon (1 1/4 teaspoon): The star spice that gives this cake its signature warm aroma.
• Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle spicy kick that wakes up your palate.
• Ground nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon): Complements cinnamon with its sweet and nutty notes.
• Apple cider (1/3 cup, not apple juice): Provides a lightly tangy moisture that intensifies the apple flavor.
• Fresh apple (1/3 cup, peeled and grated): Adds natural sweetness and moisture; be sure to absorb excess moisture with paper towels for the best texture.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, making sure to let the paper hang over the sides for easy cake removal later. This simple step ensures your cake comes out perfectly intact once baked.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter together with the granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—about 3 minutes. This creaming process is crucial to trapping air and achieving a cake that feels tender and airy.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before stirring in the next. Then, pour in the vanilla extract and mix until everything is combined and smooth. This builds the rich, velvety base of your cake batter.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This step evenly distributes the spices and leavening agents, ensuring every bite is full of balanced flavor.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Apple Cider

With the mixer on low speed, alternate adding the dry mixture and apple cider to the butter and egg mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This technique keeps the batter silky smooth and helps create a tender crumb.

Step 6: Fold in Grated Apples

Remove the bowl from the mixer. Gently fold in the grated apples using a spatula. Being gentle here prevents overmixing, which could make the cake dense rather than light and moist.

Step 7: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake on the center rack for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cake’s center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If you notice the cake browning too quickly near the end, tent it with foil to protect the top.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. While it cools, prepare the cinnamon glaze by mixing powdered sugar, cream or milk, and a touch of cinnamon until smooth. Drizzle this lovely glaze over the cooled cake for an irresistible finish.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Top your apple spice cake with a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for added crunch and nutty flavor. A dusting of cinnamon sugar or a few thin apple slices arranged artfully on top can make it look almost too pretty to eat.

Side Dishes

Pair your slice of Apple Spice Cake Recipe with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the spiced cake. A hot cup of chai tea or coffee is the perfect companion to warm up your senses alongside this treat.

Creative Ways to Present

You could slice the cake into small squares and serve as mini treats at a party, or even layer it with cream cheese frosting to create a spiced apple layer cake. For a fun twist, serve it warm with caramel sauce drizzled on top for a decadent dessert experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Apple Spice Cake Recipe stays wonderfully moist when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigeration is a good option, but make sure to let the cake come back to room temperature before serving to enjoy its full flavor and texture.

Freezing

Freezing leftover cake works beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It can keep well for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating

If you prefer a warm slice, gently reheat in the microwave for about 15 seconds or in an oven at a low temperature for a few minutes until just warmed through. This brings back the cake’s inviting softness and brings those warm spice aromas right back to life.

FAQs

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

Apple cider is preferred because it has a richer, spicier flavor without added sugar, which enhances the cake’s spice blend. Apple juice is sweeter and lighter, so it may change the flavor and moisture balance slightly, but it can work in a pinch.

Do I need to peel the apples before grating them?

Yes, peeling the apples before grating helps keep the texture of the cake smooth and consistent, as apple skins can create unwanted bits that might affect the softness of the crumb.

What type of apple is best for this recipe?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best since they hold their shape and provide a nice balance between sweet and tart flavors inside the cake.

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

Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Just make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or another binder for the texture to come through perfectly.

How can I make the cake less sweet?

You can reduce the amount of granulated and brown sugar by about one-quarter without drastically changing the texture. Keep in mind the glaze adds sweetness too, so adjust accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake Recipe is a heartwarming, delicious treat that captures the essence of cozy afternoons and happy gatherings. It’s straightforward to make, rewarding to bake, and simply irresistible to eat. I hope you give it a try and find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again when you want a slice of comfort in cake form.

Print