Apple Spice Cake

This Apple Spice Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the warm flavors of autumn to your kitchen. With its moist texture and delicious brown sugar icing, this cake is perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or as a sweet ending to any meal. Using fresh apples enhances its natural sweetness and adds a touch of seasonal charm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible even for novice bakers.
• Flavorful Delight: The combination of spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice—creates an inviting aroma and rich flavor profile.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion, from holiday feasts to casual get-togethers; it’s a crowd-pleaser!
• Moist Texture: The addition of grated apples keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender, ensuring each bite is satisfying.
• Irresistible Icing: The brown sugar icing melts into the warm cake for a sweet finish that you won’t want to miss.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Apple Spice Cake, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Having the right equipment helps ensure success in your baking adventure.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• 9×9-inch nonstick pan
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing Bowls: A good set of mixing bowls allows you to combine dry and wet ingredients separately before merging them.
• Whisk: Using a whisk ensures that your ingredients are well mixed, especially for incorporating air into your batter.
• Rubber Spatula: This tool is perfect for folding in delicate ingredients like grated apples without overmixing.

Ingredients

For this delicious Apple Spice Cake, gather the following ingredients:

Dry Ingredients

• 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

Wet Ingredients

• 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

Apples

• 2-3 large honey crispy apples, grated using the large holes on a box grater (~1 1/2 cups; can keep the skin on)

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 the dry ingredients until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl, whisk together all wet ingredients until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Fold gently just until combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Add Apples

Fold in the grated apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Turn out the cake batter into the prepared pan evenly.

Step 7: Bake

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 8: Make Brown Sugar Icing

In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt together the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Whisk until combined and bring it to a gentle boil.

Step 9: Finish Icing

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

Step 10: Ice the Cake

Pour the warm icing over your slightly cooled cake. The heat will help it melt into the cake for maximum flavor.

Step 11: Serve Warm

Slice up your delicious Apple Spice Cake and enjoy while still warm!

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake

Apple Spice Cake is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed on various occasions. Its warm spices and moist texture make it a perfect treat for autumn gatherings or cozy family dinners.

With Whipped Cream

• Serve slices of the cake topped with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy complement to the rich flavors.

A La Mode

• Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for a delicious contrast between warm cake and cold ice cream, enhancing the overall experience.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle caramel sauce over each slice. The sweetness pairs beautifully with the spice of the cake.

With Coffee or Tea

• Enjoying a slice alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea enhances the flavors of the spices, making it a comforting afternoon snack.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Slice up some cake and serve it as a sweet breakfast option, either plain or toasted. Pair it with fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

With Nuts on Top

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over each slice for added crunch and flavor. This adds an extra layer of texture that complements the soft cake.

How to Perfect Apple Spice Cake

To achieve the best version of Apple Spice Cake, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, in-season apples enhance flavor and moisture. Honeycrisp apples are particularly great for this recipe due to their sweetness and crunch.
• Don’t Overmix: Fold ingredients gently to keep the cake light and fluffy. Overmixing can lead to a denser texture.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and sour cream are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter, resulting in an even bake.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking the cake around 30 minutes to prevent overbaking. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s ready.
• Cool Before Icing: Allowing the cake to cool slightly before adding icing helps it soak in without becoming too runny.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preference. Adding cardamom or swapping out cinnamon can create unique flavor profiles!

Best Side Dishes for Apple Spice Cake

Pairing your Apple Spice Cake with complementary side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and freshness, balancing the richness of the cake.
2. Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts provide a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft cake while echoing its warm flavors.
3. Creamy Mashed Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes complements apple spice perfectly; add cinnamon for harmony!
4. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, squash, and Brussels sprouts creates depth in your meal while keeping things seasonal.
5. Cheese Platter: Offer mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese as they contrast beautifully with the sweetness of apple spice cake.
6. Savory Muffins: Options like cornbread muffins can provide a delightful savory element alongside your sweet dessert.
7. Chilled Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a refreshing side that balances out dessert richness while offering probiotic benefits.
8. Caramelized Brussels Sprouts: These add complexity through their sweetness and slight bitterness, creating an interesting contrast to apple spice cake’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making an Apple Spice Cake can be simple, but some common mistakes can lead to disappointing results. Avoid these pitfalls for a perfect cake every time.

• Bold ingredient measuring: Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin the texture. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for dry and wet ingredients.
• Bold under-mixing the batter: Failing to mix the batter thoroughly may result in uneven distribution of flavors. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
• Bold skipping the parchment paper: Not lining your baking pan can cause sticking and messy servings. Always line your pans with parchment paper for easy removal.
• Bold not checking the oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature can lead to overbaking or underbaking. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Bold ignoring cooling time: Cutting into the cake too soon can alter its texture. Allow it to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep it on a shelf away from strong odors.

Freezing Apple Spice Cake

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with the date.

Reheating Apple Spice Cake

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Bold Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds on medium power.
• Bold Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making an Apple Spice Cake:

How can I make my Apple Spice Cake more moist?

Adding an extra egg or using applesauce instead of some oil can enhance moisture levels.

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes! Any apple variety works well, but firmer types like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are recommended for best flavor.

What is the best way to store Apple Spice Cake?

Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze it for longer storage.

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

Absolutely! Chopped nuts or raisins can add delightful texture and flavor. Just fold them into the batter before baking.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding nuts, spices, or even a cream cheese frosting if desired. Enjoy this delightful dessert during autumn gatherings or as a cozy treat any time of year!