Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite Fall cake. The Apple Spice Cake Recipe is a perfect blend of warm spices and fresh apple flavor, making it an ideal treat for family gatherings, cozy evenings, or any occasion that calls for delicious comfort food. This cake stands out with its moist texture and delightful aroma, ensuring it will become a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh apples and cozy spices creates a mouthwatering taste that captures the essence of Fall.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, with a cinnamon glaze, or paired with ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a festive gathering or a simple family dinner, this cake is sure to impress everyone.
• Moist & Tender: The addition of apple cider and grated apples ensures every slice is moist and flavorful.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking process. Having everything ready will make following the steps easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• 9 x 5 loaf pan
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: It efficiently creams butter and sugars together, saving time and effort compared to mixing by hand.
• Parchment paper: Using parchment makes removing the baked cake easy without sticking to the pan.
• Mixing bowls: They help organize your ingredients for easy access during the preparation process.

Ingredients

For this delicious Apple Spice Cake Recipe, you will need:

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100 g) 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 teaspoons 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 them 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. Set aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
* Cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until light and fluffy (about three minutes).
* Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add three large eggs one at a time:
* Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
* Scrape down the sides after each addition.

Step 4: Mix in Vanilla

Add one teaspoon of vanilla extract:
* Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl:
* Whisk together two cups of all-purpose flour, one teaspoon of baking powder, spices (one and a quarter teaspoons ground cinnamon, one-fourth teaspoon ground ginger, one-eighth teaspoon ground nutmeg), and half a teaspoon of salt.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture

Gradually add dry ingredients into the butter mixture:
* Alternate adding in one-third cup of apple cider.
* Start and end with dry ingredients; mix until just combined.

Step 7: Fold in Grated Apples

Remove the bowl from the mixer:
* Using a large spatula, gently fold in one-third cup of grated apple.
* Be careful not to overmix.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Transfer batter into your prepared loaf pan:
* Bake in the center rack for about 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean or with few crumbs.
* If browning too quickly, tent with aluminum foil towards the end.

Step 9: Cool Before Glazing

Once baked:
* Let cool in pan for about fifteen minutes.
* Use parchment overhang to carefully remove from pan and cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.

This Apple Spice Cake Recipe serves eight slices—perfectly delightful for sharing!

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Apple spice cake is a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.

With a Cinnamon Glaze

• A simple cinnamon glaze can add sweetness and enhance the spice flavors. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for a beautiful finish.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Serve slices of the cake with a dollop of whipped cream. The lightness of the cream balances the rich spices in the cake perfectly.

Accompany with Ice Cream

• Enjoy your apple spice cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream contrasts nicely with the warm cake, creating a comforting dessert.

Top with Fresh Apples

• Add thinly sliced fresh apples on top for an added crunch. This also enhances the apple flavor and adds visual appeal to your dish.

Serve with Coffee or Tea

• Pair your cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea. The warm beverage complements the spices and makes for a cozy snack.

How to Perfect Apple Spice Cake Recipe

To ensure your apple spice cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and other ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Grate Apples Properly: Grate apples and place them between paper towels to remove excess moisture. This prevents the batter from becoming too wet.
• Measure Flour Correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups and level off to avoid adding too much flour, which can make the cake dense.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures; this helps achieve even baking.
• Tent if Necessary: If your cake is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil towards the end of baking to prevent over-browning.
• Cool Completely Before Glazing: Allow your cake to cool completely before applying any glaze for better adherence and presentation.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your apple spice cake can create a delightful meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
   Rich and buttery mashed potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the sweet flavors of the cake.

2. Roasted Vegetables
   A medley of roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition while complementing the warm spices in the cake.

3. Cranberry Sauce
   Tart cranberry sauce offers a refreshing balance against the sweetness of the apple spice cake.

4. Spinach Salad
   A fresh spinach salad topped with nuts and vinaigrette adds crunch and freshness that pairs well with dessert.

5. Cheese Platter
   A selection of mild cheeses can enhance flavors while providing savory notes alongside sweet treats like apple spice cake.

6. Granola Parfait
   Layered yogurt, granola, and fruit create a light dish that contrasts well with richer desserts like this spiced loaf.

7. Chai-Spiced Nuts
   These crunchy snacks echo the spice theme while adding texture when enjoyed alongside slices of apple spice cake.

8. Baked Apples
   Warm baked apples topped with cinnamon serve as an excellent complement to highlight the flavors found within your apple spice cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when making an Apple Spice Cake Recipe. Here are some common mistakes to avoid to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined after adding the dry ingredients.
• Skipping the grated apple preparation – Not squeezing the moisture from grated apples can make your cake soggy. Always press them between paper towels to absorb excess liquid.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Using too much flour or sugar can affect the texture. Use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups for accuracy.
• Ignoring the oven temperature – Baking at the wrong temperature can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed.
• Using cold eggs and butter – Cold ingredients can hinder proper mixing and rising. Allow eggs and butter to come to room temperature before starting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Apple Spice Cake Recipe

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Apple Spice Cake Recipe

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop – Place a slice in a skillet on low heat, covered, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about this delicious recipe.

What makes this Apple Spice Cake Recipe so special?

This cake is special because it combines fresh apple flavors with cozy spices, making it perfect for Fall gatherings or cozy nights at home.

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

Yes! You can experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches. Adjust the spices accordingly to match the fruit’s flavor.

How do I prevent my Apple Spice Cake from sinking?

Ensure that you properly measure your ingredients and don’t overmix, as this could cause the cake to sink.

Is this Apple Spice Cake Recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe contains no meat or animal-derived gelatin, making it suitable for vegetarians.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake stays moist and flavorful and can be baked a day ahead of serving.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake Recipe is not just a treat; it’s a celebration of Fall flavors that everyone will love. With its warm spices and fresh apples, it’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or using different spices based on your taste preferences!