Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Say hello to your new favorite Fall cake: the Apple Spice Cake Recipe. This delightful treat features a perfect blend of warm, cozy spices and is bursting with fresh apple flavor. It’s ideal for gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or as a sweet surprise for loved ones. With its simple preparation and indulgent taste, this cake will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of apples and spices creates a comforting, sweet taste that captures the essence of Fall.
• Easy to Make: This recipe requires basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels.
• Versatile Enjoyment: Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet afternoon snack with tea or coffee.
• Moist Texture: The addition of apple cider and grated apples ensures a moist and tender crumb in every slice.
• Simple Glaze Option: Drizzle it with a cinnamon glaze for an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal.

Tools and Preparation

To create this scrumptious Apple Spice Cake, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures your baking process goes smoothly and the results are perfect.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars easy and efficient, giving you the light texture needed for the cake.
• Loaf pan: Provides the perfect shape for your Apple Spice Cake, helping it rise beautifully as it bakes.
• Spatula: Essential for folding in ingredients gently without deflating the batter.

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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 (163°C). Prepare a 9 x 5 loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper. Allow the parchment to hang over the sides by an inch or two; this will make removing the cake easier once it’s baked.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In 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. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Step 3: Add Eggs

Add each egg one at a time into the mixing bowl until fully incorporated. Remember to scrape down the sides after each addition to ensure even mixing.

Step 4: Mix in Vanilla

Add one teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture and mix briefly until combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and salt until well mixed.

Step 6: Alternate Dry Ingredients with Apple Cider

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the butter mixture while alternating with apple cider. Start and end with dry ingredients for best results.

Step 7: Fold in Grated Apples

Remove the bowl from your mixer. Gently fold in grated apples using a spatula until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

Step 8: Bake

Transfer your batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake on the center rack of your preheated oven for about 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. If browning occurs too quickly, tent with aluminum foil towards the end of baking.

Step 9: Cool

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool in pan for about fifteen minutes. Use parchment overhangs to carefully lift out from pan onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Serving your Apple Spice Cake is just as important as making it. This delightful cake pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its flavor and texture.

With Whipped Cream

• Light and airy whipped cream adds a fluffy contrast to the dense cake, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Drizzled with Cinnamon Glaze

• A simple cinnamon glaze drizzled on top provides a sweet finish that complements the spices in the cake perfectly.

Served Warm with Ice Cream

• Enjoying a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a comforting dessert experience, especially during colder months.

Paired with Fresh Fruit

• Slices of fresh fruit, like apples or pears, can brighten the dish and add a refreshing element alongside the rich flavors of the cake.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

• A warm cup of coffee or spiced tea pairs wonderfully with this cake, enhancing its cozy charm and making it perfect for afternoon gatherings.

How to Perfect Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Perfecting your Apple Spice Cake can elevate it from good to great. Here are some tips to make your baking experience seamless.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.

• Grate Apples Finely: Finely grated apples incorporate better into the batter, providing moisture without overwhelming the structure.

• Do Not Overmix: Gently fold in the dry ingredients to maintain a light and airy texture in your cake.

• Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with few crumbs, it’s ready to come out of the oven.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Pairing your Apple Spice Cake with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some fantastic options:

1. Spiced Chai Latte: A warm drink that echoes the spices in the cake, offering comfort and coziness.

2. Apple Salad: A crisp salad made with mixed greens, sliced apples, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette adds freshness.

3. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes seasoned with cinnamon can bring out similar flavors found in the cake, creating harmony on your plate.

4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses such as sharp cheddar or creamy brie can provide an interesting contrast to the sweetness of the cake.

5. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of pumpkin soup adds warmth and depth, making for a perfect autumn-inspired meal.

6. Caramelized Pears: Sweet caramelized pears served alongside can enhance the apple flavor while adding richness to every bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking an apple spice cake can be a delightful experience, but some common errors can lead to disappointing results.

• Incorrect Measuring of Ingredients: Always spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag; this ensures the right amount is used.
• Overmixing the Batter: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
• Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan helps it set properly. Skipping this step may cause it to crumble.
• Not Grating Apples Properly: Be sure to squeeze excess moisture from the grated apples using paper towels; too much moisture can affect the cake’s texture.
• Ignoring Oven Temperature Calibration: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure that your oven temperature is accurate for even baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• If unglazed, wrap tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating.

Freezing Apple Spice Cake Recipe

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

Reheating Apple Spice Cake Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for even warming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about making an apple spice cake.

What makes this Apple Spice Cake Recipe special?

This apple spice cake combines fresh apple flavors with warm spices, creating a comforting dessert perfect for any occasion.

Can I use other fruits in this recipe?

Yes! Pears or peaches can be great substitutes for apples, providing a different yet delicious flavor profile.

How do I know when my Apple Spice Cake is done?

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs attached.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking.

What can I serve with my Apple Spice Cake?

It pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding nuts or swapping spices based on your preferences. Try it today and enjoy a warm slice of fall!