Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite Fall cake. The Apple Spice Cake Recipe is a delightful treat bursting with the flavors of fresh apples and warm spices. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet afternoon snack, this cake stands out with its moist texture and simple cinnamon glaze, making it a memorable addition to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm Spices: The blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg creates a comforting aroma that fills your kitchen.
• Fresh Apple Flavor: Grated apples add moisture and natural sweetness, enhancing the cake’s flavor profile.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and accessible ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday celebration, this cake fits right in.
• Delicious Glaze: A quick cinnamon glaze elevates the cake’s taste and appearance.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious apple spice cake, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need to prepare.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugar effortless for a fluffy texture.
• Loaf pan: Ensures even baking and easy removal of the cake.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and simplifies cleanup.

Ingredients

Say hello to your new favorite Fall cake. A delicious apple spice cake with the perfect blend of warm, cozy spices. Full of fresh apple flavor and drizzled with a simple cinnamon glaze.

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 the moisture out before adding to the batter.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F. 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:
* Cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
* Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add the eggs, one at a time:
* Beat until fully incorporated after each addition.
* Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 4: Mix in Vanilla

Add in the vanilla extract:
* Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
* Whisk together the flour, baking powder, spices (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg) and salt.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Cider

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture:
* Alternate adding them with the apple cider.
* Begin and end with dry ingredients for best results.

Step 7: Fold in Grated Apples

Remove the bowl from the mixer:
* Use a large spatula to gently fold in the grated apples.
* Be careful not to overmix; you want it just combined.

Step 8: Bake Your Cake

Transfer batter into prepared loaf pan:
* Bake on center rack for about 55 to 60 minutes.
* Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or have a few crumbs. If browning too quickly, tent with aluminum foil towards end.

Step 9: Cool Before Serving

Once baked:
* Allow cooling in pan for about 15 minutes.
* Use parchment overhang to remove from pan; let cool completely on wire rack before glazing.

Enjoy every slice of your delicious Apple Spice Cake Recipe, perfect for sharing or savoring on your own!

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Serving your homemade apple spice cake is a delightful experience. This cake pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance its warm flavors and spices.

With Whipped Cream

• Light and airy: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a creamy texture that complements the spiced cake beautifully.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• Creamy contrast: Serve a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cake for a delightful temperature contrast and sweet creaminess.

Drizzled with Cinnamon Glaze

• Extra sweetness: A simple cinnamon glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can be drizzled over the top for added flavor and sweetness.

With Fresh Fruit

• Colorful addition: Slices of fresh apples or pears on the side can enhance the fruity notes of the cake while adding a refreshing crunch.

As a Breakfast Treat

• Morning delight: Enjoy slices of apple spice cake with your morning coffee or tea for a cozy start to your day.

How to Perfect Apple Spice Cake Recipe

To ensure your apple spice cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and better texture.

• Grate apples correctly: After grating the apples, place them between paper towels to absorb excess moisture. This prevents the cake from becoming too wet.

• Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

• Check doneness with care: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs, but not wet batter.

• Cool properly: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps maintain its structure.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Pairing your apple spice cake with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea pair perfectly with apple spice cake, enhancing its flavors beautifully.

2. Cranberry Sauce: A tangy cranberry sauce adds brightness and tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake.

3. Pumpkin Soup: A light pumpkin soup offers warmth and depth, making it an excellent savory counterpart.

4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a creamy counterpart that contrasts well with the spices.

5. Nuts and Dried Fruits: A mix of walnuts or pecans with dried fruits like raisins or apricots adds texture and additional sweetness.

6. Spinach Salad: A fresh spinach salad tossed with nuts and a light vinaigrette adds freshness alongside the rich flavors of the cake.

7. Herbed Breadsticks: Serve warm herbed breadsticks for a crunchy side that balances out the moistness of the apple spice cake.

8. Chocolate Fondue: For those who enjoy chocolate, dipping pieces of apple spice cake in chocolate fondue creates an indulgent treat!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making an Apple Spice Cake Recipe, it’s easy to make small errors that can affect the final product. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups to ensure your ingredients are precise. This can greatly affect the texture and taste of your cake.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allow your cake to cool completely before glazing. Skipping this step can lead to a soggy glaze and an uneven finish.
• Overmixing the batter: Be gentle when folding in the grated apples. Overmixing can cause the cake to become dense instead of fluffy.
• Neglecting parchment paper: Always line your pan with parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the cake without breaking it.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Keep an eye on your oven’s temperature accuracy. An oven that runs hot or cold can affect baking times and results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Apple Spice Cake in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Spice Cake Recipe

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Spice Cake Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 15-20 seconds, checking for doneness.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat and warm slices for a few minutes on each side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Apple Spice Cake Recipe:

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can use any variety of apples you prefer! Tart apples like Granny Smith work well, but feel free to mix different kinds for added flavor.

How do I make my cake more moist?

To enhance moisture, consider adding more grated apple or using unsweetened applesauce as part of your wet ingredients.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can add texture and flavor. Just fold them into the batter along with the grated apple.

How long does this cake last at room temperature?

If stored properly in an airtight container, your Apple Spice Cake will last about 2 days at room temperature.

What if I don’t have apple cider?

You can substitute apple cider with equal parts of apple juice or even broth for different flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake Recipe is perfect for fall gatherings and cozy evenings at home. Its delightful blend of spices and fresh apple flavor makes it a versatile dessert that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or swapping out spices according to your taste!