As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves dance to the ground, there’s an undeniable urge that comes over us—the urge to bake. The warm, comforting scent of spices fills the kitchen, and with it, a heartwarming sense of nostalgia. I find solace in creating treats that not only satisfy a sweet tooth but also evoke cherished memories of time spent with family. One such recipe that never fails to deliver joy is my delightful Apple Spice Cake. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s a celebration of all things cozy and wonderful about the fall season.
Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 20 minutes
- Active Cooking: 35 minutes
- Total Duration: 55 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 12
- Complexity: Simple
Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 320
- Protein: 3 grams
- Carbs: 48 grams
- Fats: 14 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugars: 26 grams
- Sodium: 150 mg
Why You’ll Love This Apple Spice Cake
This Apple Spice Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an invitation to experience the season in one bite. The harmonious blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves dances with the tender, juicy chunks of apple, creating a symphony of fall flavors. With its moist texture and buttery flavor, this cake stands proud as the centerpiece of any gathering, be it a festive family dinner or a cozy tea party with friends. Moreover, it’s incredibly simple to whip up, making it the perfect companion for both seasoned bakers and curious novices.
The Complete Cooking Journey
Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the sweet scent of cake baking in the oven. The golden hue of the cake, speckled with bits of fresh apple and nuts, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. As you take that first bite, the warm spices weave together into a comforting embrace. Each slice tells a story of laughter, gatherings, and love shared over homemade treats. Whether you’re making this cake for a special occasion or simply as a weeknight treat, its warmth and flavor will surely leave a mark on your heart.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped apples (peeled and cored)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Method:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan to ensure your cake slides out smoothly once baked.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt. This step brings together the flavors that will make your cake irresistible.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating the perfect base for a rich, tender cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a lovely aromatic note to your batter.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—gentleness is key in ensuring a soft cake.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Fold in the chopped apples and any nuts you wish to include. This will add texture and bursts of flavor throughout the cake.
Step 7: Pour and Spread
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. This is where the magic begins; soon, your kitchen will be filled with mouthwatering aromas.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The anticipation is nearly unbearable, but the result will be worth the wait!
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Let the cake cool in the pan before serving. This allows the cake to set perfectly, ensuring each piece holds its shape and texture beautifully.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Slice this delectable cake and serve it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat. Pair it with a cup of hot spiced cider or your favorite chai tea for a truly cozy experience. For a late-night indulgence, enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Storage & Leftovers Guide
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to a week, or freeze it for up to three months. Just thaw before enjoying again!
Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use a variety of apples for a complexity of flavor—think tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp.
- If the cake tops browns too quickly, lightly cover it with foil during the last few minutes of baking.
Flavor Variations & Adaptations
- Experiment with spices: try adding a pinch of ginger or cardamom for something a bit different.
- Swap in pears for a lovely variation that still captures that fall flavor.
- Reduce the sugar slightly if using naturally sweet apples to balance the sweetness.
Reader Questions & Solutions
-
Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes! Brown sugar will add a lovely caramel flavor to the cake. -
What if I don’t have a 9×13 pan?
This recipe can also work in two 9-inch round pans; just adjust your baking time accordingly. -
How do I store the cake?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for a week. -
Can I replace the eggs?
Yes! Use flaxseed meal or applesauce as an egg substitute for a vegan version. -
My cake came out dense; what did I do wrong?
Overmixing the batter can lead to density. Mix just until combined, and make sure your leavening agents are fresh.
Wrapping Up
Baking an Apple Spice Cake is more than just making a dessert; it’s about creating memories and indulging in the aroma of spices that fill your home with warmth. It’s perfect for sharing, for welcoming the cool weather, and for making every gathering a bit more special. So grab some apples, embrace the season, and let this recipe guide you to delicious joy. Happy baking!
Print
Apple Spice Cake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Apple Spice Cake that evokes the warm flavors of fall with a blend of spices and tender apples.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped apples (peeled and cored)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples and any nuts you wish to include.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan before serving.
Notes
For best results, ensure butter is at room temperature. Experiment with spices for variations.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
