Apple Spice Cake

This Apple Spice Cake is a delightful dessert that brings the flavors of autumn right to your table. With its moist texture and the warm spices used, it’s perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or simply enjoying a cozy evening at home. The addition of fresh apples and a rich brown sugar icing makes this cake truly irresistible. You’ll find it easy to prepare and even easier to devour!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
• Flavorful: The blend of spices, combined with fresh apples, creates a warm and inviting flavor profile.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion—be it a holiday gathering or an everyday treat—this cake will impress everyone.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to the apples and sour cream, every bite is tender and full of flavor.
• Delicious Icing: The brown sugar icing adds a sweet finish that complements the spiced cake perfectly.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Apple Spice Cake, gather your tools and equipment for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater
• 9×9-inch baking pan
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure consistent results in baking.
• Grater: Makes quick work of grating apples for even distribution in the cake.

Ingredients

To make this delightful Apple Spice Cake, you will need 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
• 2-3 large honey crispy apples, grated using the large holes on a box grater (about 1 1/2 cups; skin can be left 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. Prepare a 9×9-inch light-colored nonstick pan by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together all dry ingredients until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together all wet ingredients until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with dry ingredients:
– Fold gently until just combined.

Step 5: Add Apples

Fold in the grated apples carefully:
– Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Turn out the batter into your prepared pan:
– 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 7: Prepare Brown Sugar Icing

In a medium saucepan over medium heat:
1. Melt butter together with brown sugar and heavy cream.
2. Whisk continuously until combined and bring to a gentle boil.

Step 8: Finish Icing

Remove from heat:
– Stir in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 9: Ice Your Cake

Pour the icing over the warm cake:
– Let it soak in slightly before slicing.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice your delicious Apple Spice Cake while it’s still warm for an extra treat!

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake

Apple Spice Cake is a delightful dessert that pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will elevate your cake experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy texture that complements the spiced flavors perfectly.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• The cold, creamy vanilla ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm cake, creating a delicious balance.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds an extra layer of richness to each slice.

Topped with Fresh Sliced Apples

• Garnishing your cake with fresh apple slices not only looks beautiful but also reinforces the apple flavor.

Served with a Hot Beverage

• Pairing your cake with a hot cup of tea or coffee creates a warm and inviting dessert experience.

How to Perfect Apple Spice Cake

Making the perfect Apple Spice Cake requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out moist and flavorful every time.

• Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, in-season apples add moisture and flavor that dried or older apples simply can’t match.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together; overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
• Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
• Let It Cool Properly: Allow your cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack for even cooling.
• Serve Warm: The flavors are at their best when served warm, especially with the icing melting into each slice.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Spice Cake

Apple Spice Cake can be complemented by several side dishes that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cinnamon Sugar Pecans: Toasted pecans tossed in cinnamon sugar provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.
2. Spiced Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with honey and spices adds creaminess and balances sweetness.
3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness and earthy flavor pair wonderfully against spiced desserts.
4. Fall Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cranberries, and walnuts offers a refreshing contrast.
5. Chai Tea Latte: The warm spices in chai complement those in the cake while providing a cozy drink option.
6. Baked Apples: Stuffed baked apples filled with oats and spices echo the apple flavor while adding variety.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking an Apple Spice Cake can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using cold ingredients – It’s crucial to use room temperature eggs and sour cream. Cold ingredients can lead to uneven mixing and a dense cake.
• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can result in a tough texture. Combine the wet and dry ingredients just until you see no dry flour.
• Not measuring flour properly – Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag. This prevents adding too much flour, which can make the cake dry.
• Ignoring oven temperature – Every oven is different, so check that yours is calibrated correctly. An incorrect temperature can alter baking times significantly.
• Skipping the parchment paper – Not lining your pan can cause the cake to stick. Always use parchment paper for easy removal.
• Not letting the cake cool properly – Allow your cake to cool in the pan and on a wire rack before icing it. Icing a hot cake can lead to a runny mess.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Apple Spice Cake in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Apple Spice Cake

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• The cake can freeze well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Apple Spice Cake

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds or until warm. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5 minutes, checking frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Apple Spice Cake that may help you along your baking journey.

Can I use other types of apples in my Apple Spice Cake?

Yes! While honey crisp apples are great, you can use any firm variety like Granny Smith or Fuji for added flavor.

How can I make my Apple Spice Cake gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can replace sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk as an alternative in your Apple Spice Cake.

Can I add nuts to my Apple Spice Cake?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a lovely crunch and flavor contrast to the cake.

How should I store my leftover Apple Spice Cake?

Keep leftover cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate it for longer freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake is not only moist, but its rich flavors make it perfect for fall gatherings or cozy evenings at home. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or spices according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!