Apple Spice Cake Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that wraps you in cozy autumn flavors without any fuss, this Apple Spice Cake is an absolute delight. Bursting with the warm scents of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, combined with tender grated apples that keep every bite moist and fresh, this cake feels like a heartfelt hug on a plate. The luscious brown sugar buttercream glaze elevates the experience to pure comfort food bliss. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat or a special occasion, the Apple Spice Cake is guaranteed to become a favorite in your repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the perfect Apple Spice Cake starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work in harmony to create that signature balance of spice, sweetness, and moistness. Each component plays a role, whether it’s the warm spices building that seasonal aroma, or the sour cream ensuring a tender crumb.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure while letting the spices shine through.
• Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and stay light.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves: These spices bring depth and warmth to every bite.
• Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add richness.
• Brown sugar and granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds caramel notes while granulated sugar provides sweetness and structure.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a smooth, fragrant finish.
• Grated apples: Fresh apples add natural sweetness, freshness, and moisture.
• Butter, heavy cream, and powdered sugar (for icing): The classic trio for a rich, silky glaze that complements the spice.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake

Step 1: Prepare and Preheat

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring a 9-inch round cake pan. This simple step ensures the cake releases easily after baking, keeping every piece intact and looking beautiful.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and all the warming spices—cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Mixing these first makes sure the spices are evenly distributed, so every forkful hits that perfect flavor note.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate large bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, eggs, both brown and granulated sugars, sour cream, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step ensures your cake will have a tender, moist texture and a sweet, balanced flavor.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry, Add Apples

Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light. Fold in the grated apples—the star of this Apple Spice Cake—adding natural sweetness and the juicy texture that makes this cake stand out.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. It’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will be filled with the irresistible aroma of spice and apple as the cake bakes.

Step 6: Cool Before Icing

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial for the icing to set perfectly without melting away.

Step 7: Prepare the Icing

In a small saucepan, melt butter and dark brown sugar over medium heat, stirring often until fully combined. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla, then simmer briefly before removing from heat. Whisk in sifted powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth and luscious—the perfect topping for your Apple Spice Cake.

Step 8: Ice and Serve

Pour the warm icing over the cooled cake, spreading it evenly. Let it set before slicing so every bite has that glossy, sweet finish that complements the spicy, moist cake beneath.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake

Garnishes

To enhance the Apple Spice Cake’s cozy vibe, try sprinkling some finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the icing. A light dusting of cinnamon powder or a few thin apple slices also adds a lovely visual and flavor touch, making your presentation warm and inviting.

Side Dishes

Pairing this cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream elevates it to dessert star status. A cup of hot tea with a cinnamon stick or a robust coffee brings out the spices beautifully, making this cake perfect for sharing during cozy gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special touch, serve slices warm with a drizzle of caramel sauce or alongside a spiced apple compote. You can also transform the Apple Spice Cake into mini trifle desserts by layering cake cubes with whipped cream and stewed apples in pretty glasses for an elegant twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Spice Cake stays moist and flavorful when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresher for longer, pop it in the fridge, where it will hold up well for about a week.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to enjoy the same lovely moist texture and spiced aroma.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven for about 10 minutes to revive that fresh-from-the-oven feeling. Avoid overheating to keep the cake tender and prevent the icing from melting too much.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for the cake?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples give a nice tart contrast, while sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp add more natural sweetness. Just make sure to grate them fresh for the best texture.

Is there a way to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be mindful to check that your baking soda and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

Can I make the Apple Spice Cake dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, replace the sour cream with a plant-based yogurt or coconut cream and use oil instead of butter for the icing. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Why do I need to let the cake cool before icing?

Icing a warm cake can cause the glaze to melt and slide off, resulting in a thin, uneven coating. Cooling the cake lets the icing set perfectly, giving you that beautiful glazed finish.

How long will the Apple Spice Cake last once iced?

Once iced, it’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. Beyond that, the texture and flavor may begin to decline.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake is one of those recipes that feels like home in every bite. With its blend of fragrant spices, juicy apples, and a luscious glaze, it’s the kind of cake you want to bake again and again. So go ahead, give it a try and let yourself fall in love with its warm, comforting charm—you’ll be grateful you did!

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