Apple Spice Cake

This Apple Spice Cake is a delightful treat for any autumn occasion. With its moist texture, fresh apple flavor, and luscious brown sugar icing, it’s the perfect dessert to share with family and friends or to enjoy during cozy evenings at home. Easy to make and bursting with seasonal spices, this cake will quickly become a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of fresh apples and spices creates a cake that is both moist and bursting with flavor.
• Simple Preparation: With just a few steps, you can whip up this delicious dessert in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, with icing, or paired with a scoop of ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Perfect for Fall Gatherings: This Apple Spice Cake is ideal for potlucks, parties, or as a comforting dessert at home.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your Apple Spice Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Parchment paper
• 9×9-inch nonstick pan
• Box grater
• Saucepan

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients thoroughly.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the batter, leading to a lighter texture.
• Parchment paper: Prevents the cake from sticking to the pan for easy removal.
• 9×9-inch nonstick pan: Provides even baking and simplifies cleanup.

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Ingredients

This Apple Spice Cake is perfectly moist, made with in-season fresh apples and has the best brown sugar icing on top. It’s an easy-to-make dessert to enjoy all autumn long!

For the Cake

• 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
• 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 (~1 1/2 cups; can keep the skin on)

For the 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 your 9×9-inch nonstick pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
* Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves until well combined.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another mixing bowl:
* Whisk together the vegetable oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients:
* Fold gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Add Apples

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

Step 6: Bake

Turn out the cake batter into the 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 to a wire rack.

Step 7: Make Brown Sugar Icing

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

Step 8: Finish Icing

Remove from heat:
* Whisk in vanilla extract and powdered sugar until smooth.

Step 9: Ice Your Cake

Pour the warm icing over your slightly warm cake:
* The icing will melt into the cake for added moisture and flavor.

Step 10: Serve

Slice your Apple Spice Cake:
* Enjoy it warm for best results!

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake

Apple Spice Cake is a delightful dessert that pairs well with various accompaniments. It can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it a versatile treat for any occasion.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top for a light and airy contrast to the dense cake.

Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream

• A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the spices in the cake, creating a comforting dessert experience.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A warm drizzle of caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds an extra layer of flavor.

Accompany with Fresh Fruits

• Sliced apples or pears can provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the cake.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• A hot cup of coffee or tea brings out the flavors of the spices and makes for a cozy pairing.

Top with Chopped Nuts

• Sprinkling chopped walnuts or pecans adds a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the moist cake.

How to Perfect Apple Spice Cake

To achieve the ultimate Apple Spice Cake, consider these helpful tips that ensure moistness and rich flavor.

• Use Fresh Apples: Choose crisp, in-season apples for the best flavor and moisture content in your cake.
• Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon and level your flour to prevent dense cake; too much flour can lead to dryness.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Use eggs and sour cream at room temperature for better incorporation and rise.
• Don’t Overmix: Gently fold wet ingredients into dry ones; overmixing can result in tough cake texture.
• Check Doneness Early: Start checking for doneness at 35 minutes to avoid overbaking; a toothpick should come out clean.
• Let Cool Slightly Before Icing: Pour icing on while the cake is still warm to allow it to soak in for extra flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Spice Cake

If you’re looking to enhance your dessert experience, consider these delicious side dishes that pair perfectly with Apple Spice Cake.

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery richness complements the spiced sweetness of the cake.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies add a savory contrast, balancing out the dessert’s sweetness.
3. Simple Green Salad: A light salad dressed with vinaigrette offers freshness between bites.
4. Cheese Platter: Pairing with mild cheeses like brie or gouda creates an interesting taste combination.
5. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits can refresh your palate after indulging in cake.
6. Pumpkin Soup: This warm soup echoes autumn flavors, creating a comforting meal before dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking an Apple Spice Cake can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here’s how to ensure your cake turns out perfectly.

• Using too much flour: Measuring flour incorrectly can lead to a dense cake. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
• Skipping the spices: Neglecting to add the spices can make your cake bland. Don’t skip the cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg; they bring warmth and flavor.
• Not using room temperature ingredients: Cold eggs and sour cream can affect the batter’s consistency. Let these ingredients sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can create a tough texture. Fold the wet and dry ingredients together just until combined for a tender cake.
• Ignoring cooling time: Removing the cake too soon from the pan can cause it to break. Allow it to cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Keep slices separated with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing Apple Spice Cake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 3 months.
• Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Apple Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about making Apple Spice Cake:

How can I make my Apple Spice Cake more flavorful?

You can enhance flavor by adding citrus zest or nuts like walnuts or pecans.

Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! While honey crispy apples work well, you can also try Granny Smith or Fuji apples for a tart flavor.

What if I want a gluten-free version of Apple Spice Cake?

Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup.

How do I know when my cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake is not just delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can customize it with various fruits or nuts based on your preferences. Enjoy this delightful dessert throughout the autumn season!