Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite Fall cake: the Apple Spice Cake Recipe. This delightful dessert features a perfect blend of warm spices and fresh apple flavor, making it an ideal choice for cozy gatherings or a simple family treat. Drizzled with a homemade cinnamon glaze, this cake stands out for its moist texture and comforting aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this Apple Spice Cake is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Deliciously Spiced: The warm spices combined with fresh apples create a mouthwatering flavor that embodies the essence of fall.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an afternoon snack, a dessert after dinner, or even at brunch with coffee.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe makes 8 slices, making it great for sharing at gatherings or celebrations.
• Freezes Well: Leftovers can be wrapped and frozen for later enjoyment without losing flavor or moisture.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make the preparation smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Loaf pan (9 x 5 inches)
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Toothpick

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Ensures even mixing of ingredients, leading to a fluffy cake texture.
• Loaf pan: Specifically shaped to give the cake its classic look while allowing even baking.
• Parchment paper: Helps with easy removal of the cake from the pan without sticking.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Apple Spice Cake Recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/3 cup apple cider (not apple juice)
• 1/3 cup fresh apple, peeled and grated. Note: Place the grated apples between two layers of paper towels to absorb moisture before adding to the batter.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over the sides for easy removal later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy—about three minutes.
2. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated:
1. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
2. Mix in the vanilla extract until combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl:
1. Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in alternating batches with apple cider:
1. Start and end with dry ingredients to ensure proper mixing.

Step 6: Incorporate Grated Apples

Remove the bowl from the mixer:
1. Gently fold in the grated apples using a large spatula.
2. Be careful not to overmix; just combine until incorporated.

Step 7: Bake Your Cake

Transfer batter into your prepared loaf pan:
1. Bake on center rack for about 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached.
2. If browning too quickly, tent with aluminum foil towards end of baking time.

Step 8: Cool Before Glazing

Remove from oven:
1. Allow cooling in pan for about 15 minutes.
2. Use parchment overhangs to remove from pan and cool completely on wire rack before glazing.

With these steps complete, you’ll have a delicious Apple Spice Cake ready for any occasion! Enjoy every slice!

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Serving your Apple Spice Cake can elevate the experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful ideas to present this cozy cake.

With Whipped Cream

• Freshly Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a creamy texture that complements the spice flavors.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cold, creamy contrast to the warm spices in the cake.

With Fresh Fruit

• Sliced Apples or Pears: Fresh fruit adds a juicy crunch that pairs perfectly with each slice of cake.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and offers a decadent touch.

As a Dessert Platter

• Dessert Board: Serve slices alongside assorted nuts, dried fruits, and cheese for a charming dessert spread.

How to Perfect Apple Spice Cake Recipe

To make your Apple Spice Cake truly outstanding, follow these simple tips for success.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature for better blending and texture.
• Grate Your Apples Finely: This ensures they mix well into the batter without adding too much moisture which could affect the cake’s rise.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold in the dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake; overmixing can lead to toughness.
• Tent with Foil If Needed: If your cake is browning too fast, cover it loosely with aluminum foil towards the end of baking.
• Check Doneness with a Toothpick: Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs when done.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack before adding any glaze for best results.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Apple Spice Cake can create an impressive meal. Here are some excellent choices.

1. Salad with Mixed Greens: A light salad balances the richness of the cake and provides freshness.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized veggies add depth and complement the sweet spices in your cake.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy cheeses pairs beautifully with apple flavors, enhancing each bite.
4. Savory Biscuits: Flaky biscuits offer a delightful contrast to the moist cake while keeping things savory.
5. Sweet Potato Mash: Creamy sweet potatoes bring warmth and sweetness that harmonizes with spiced flavors.
6. Fruit Compote: A warm compote made from berries or peaches adds additional fruity notes that enhance your dessert experience.
7. Cinnamon-Spiced Nuts: Roasted nuts tossed in cinnamon provide crunchiness and a hint of spice as an appetizer or snack.
8. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Flavorful rice pilaf rounds out the meal while providing a neutral base against sweet desserts.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking an apple spice cake can be delightful, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:

• Using unripe apples: Make sure to select ripe and flavorful apples for the best taste. Avoid using apples that are mealy or too tart.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure your dry and wet ingredients are measured accurately.
• Overmixing the batter: Gently fold in the ingredients, especially the grated apple. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
• Skipping the parchment paper: This simple step prevents sticking and makes it easier to remove the cake from the pan. Always line your pan with parchment paper for best results.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An accurate oven temperature is crucial for even baking. Consider using an oven thermometer to check if your oven is calibrated correctly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking slices.

Freezing Apple Spice Cake Recipe

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor and texture.

Reheating Apple Spice Cake Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 15-20 seconds on medium power.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat, covered, for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding the Apple Spice Cake Recipe that might help you:

Can I use other fruits in this Apple Spice Cake Recipe?

Yes! You can incorporate diced pears or peaches alongside apples for added flavor.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Apple Spice Cake?

Adding spices like cloves or cardamom can elevate the flavors. You might also consider incorporating nuts like walnuts or pecans.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How do I know when my Apple Spice Cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few crumbs attached, not wet batter.

What is the best way to serve Apple Spice Cake?

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzled with caramel sauce for a delightful treat!

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake Recipe is perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home. Its warm spices and fresh apple flavor make it versatile for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with nuts, different spices, or frostings of your choice. Enjoy experimenting while creating this delicious dessert!