Apple Spice Cake

This Apple Spice Cake is a delightful dessert that highlights the flavors of autumn. With its moist texture and sweet, spiced aroma, it’s perfect for any gathering or cozy evening at home. The addition of fresh apples and a decadent brown sugar icing makes this cake stand out as a seasonal favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist and Flavorful: This cake remains incredibly moist due to the combination of fresh apples and sour cream, delivering a burst of flavor in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros looking for an effortless treat.
• Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream or serve it at gatherings, potlucks, or even as a sweet breakfast option.
• Seasonal Appeal: Made with in-season apples, this cake captures the essence of fall, making it ideal for autumn celebrations.
• Irresistible Icing: The rich brown sugar icing adds a touch of sweetness that melts into the cake beautifully, enhancing the overall experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into baking your Apple Spice Cake, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating this delicious dessert!

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spilling.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth batter by thoroughly mixing wet and dry ingredients together.
• Box grater: Makes grating apples quick and easy, ensuring they blend well into the cake batter.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, allowing for easier removal of the cake from the pan.

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 Brown Sugar 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 (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch light-colored nonstick pan with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

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

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients:
* Fold gently just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 5: Add Apples

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

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Turn out the cake batter into your prepared pan:
* Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
* Allow to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 7: Prepare Brown Sugar Icing

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

Step 8: Finish Icing

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

Step 9: Ice Your Cake

Pour icing over your warm cake:
The warmth will allow some icing to melt into the cake for added flavor.

Step 10: Slice & Serve

Slice your Apple Spice Cake while warm and enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake

Apple Spice Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it warm from the oven or chilled, there are many delightful serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

Pair with Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy finish that complements the spices.

Add Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream pairs perfectly with the rich cake.

Drizzle with Caramel Sauce

• A drizzle of caramel sauce on top adds a sweet, gooey element that elevates the flavors of the cake.

Garnish with Nuts

• Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans over the icing for added crunch and flavor contrast.

Serve with Fresh Fruit

• Accompany your cake with slices of fresh apples or pears to brighten up the plate and add freshness.

How to Perfect Apple Spice Cake

Getting the perfect Apple Spice Cake requires attention to detail and a few simple tips. Follow these suggestions for a flawless dessert every time.

• Use Fresh Apples: Opt for in-season honey crisp apples for the best flavor and moisture in your cake.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and sour cream are at room temperature; this helps create an evenly mixed batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Fold the wet ingredients into the dry just until combined to keep your cake tender and fluffy.
• Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness; it should come out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
• Cool Before Icing: Allow the cake to cool slightly before adding icing so it will soak in without melting away completely.

Best Side Dishes for Apple Spice Cake

Apple Spice Cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options:

1. Vanilla Yogurt: A scoop of vanilla yogurt adds creaminess and a tangy taste that balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Spiced Tea: A warm cup of spiced tea enhances the autumnal flavors, making it an ideal pairing for this dessert.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad made from seasonal fruits can lighten up your meal while providing contrasting textures.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses, such as brie or gouda, can provide savory notes against the sweet cake.
5. Roasted Nuts: Roasted almonds or pecans make for crunchy snacks that go well with each bite of moist cake.
6. Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips: These crispy chips introduce a delightful crunch and cinnamon flavor, perfect for dipping into yogurt or enjoying on their own.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking an Apple Spice Cake can be straightforward, but avoiding common mistakes will ensure your cake turns out perfect every time.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure precise amounts.
• Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can make the cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Lining your pan with parchment paper prevents sticking. Always use it for easy removal after baking.
• Not checking for doneness: Relying solely on bake time can lead to undercooked or overcooked cake. Use a toothpick to test for doneness.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures: Ingredients like eggs and sour cream should be at room temperature. This helps the batter mix evenly and rise properly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Apple Spice Cake

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

Reheating Apple Spice Cake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and heat slices for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices for 15-20 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making an Apple Spice Cake.

Can I use different types of apples in my Apple Spice Cake?

Yes, feel free to experiment with various apple varieties! Tart apples add a nice balance against the sweetness of the cake.

How can I make my Apple Spice Cake healthier?

You can substitute some of the sugar with applesauce or use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added nutrition.

What can I serve with Apple Spice Cake?

Apple Spice Cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!

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

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, indicating it’s ready!

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect as a dessert or even as a sweet breakfast treat. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or dried fruits to suit your taste. Enjoy every bite!