Apple Spice Cake Recipe
Say hello to your new favorite Fall cake, the Apple Spice Cake Recipe. This delightful cake is perfect for cozy gatherings and festive occasions, showcasing a wonderful blend of fresh apples and warm spices. Its moist texture and simple cinnamon glaze make it a standout dessert that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh apples with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg creates a warm, inviting flavor profile.
- Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can create this delightful cake without hassle.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast! It pairs well with coffee or tea.
- Perfect for Fall: This recipe captures the essence of fall with its seasonal ingredients and comforting aromas.
- Customizable: Feel free to add nuts or raisins for an extra touch and texture.
Tools and Preparation
Gathering the right tools will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create your Apple Spice Cake.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Loaf pan (9 x 5)
- Parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy batter.
- Loaf pan: Essential for shaping the cake into a classic loaf form that’s easy to slice and serve.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, allowing for easy removal of the cake from the pan once baked.

Ingredients
For this amazing Apple Spice Cake Recipe, gather the following ingredients:
- 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 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 moisture before adding to the batter.
How to Make Apple Spice Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Prepare a 9 x 5 loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper. Let the parchment hang over the sides so you can easily remove the cake later.
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.
* Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add in your eggs one at a time:
* Mix until fully incorporated after each addition.
* Add the vanilla extract and blend until combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl:
* Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, spices (ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg) and salt.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients with Wet Ingredients
Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into your butter mixture:
* Alternate adding dry ingredients with the apple cider. Start and end with dry ingredients for best results.
Step 6: Fold in Grated Apples
Remove the bowl from your mixer:
* Gently fold in the grated apple using a large spatula. Avoid overmixing to maintain fluffiness.
Step 7: Bake Your Cake
Transfer batter into your prepared loaf pan:
* Bake in the center rack of your oven for about 55 to 60 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean or with a few crumbs when inserted into the center.
* If it browns too quickly, tent with aluminum foil during baking.
Step 8: Cool Before Glazing
Once baked:
* Allow cooling in the pan for about fifteen minutes.
* Use parchment overhang to lift out of pan. Cool completely on a wire rack before applying any glaze or serving.
With this Apple Spice Cake Recipe, enjoy every bite filled with warmth and flavor this season!
How to Serve Apple Spice Cake Recipe
Serving your delicious apple spice cake can elevate the experience for everyone. Here are some delightful ways to present and enjoy this warm, spiced treat.
With a Cinnamon Glaze
- Drizzle a homemade cinnamon glaze over the top of the cooled cake for an extra layer of flavor. The sweetness complements the spices beautifully.
Accompanied by Whipped Cream
- Serve slices of the apple spice cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. This adds a light, airy texture that contrasts well with the dense cake.
Paired with Hot Beverages
- Enjoy your cake alongside a cup of hot coffee or spiced tea. The warmth of the drinks enhances the cozy flavors of the cake, making for a perfect afternoon treat.
Topped with Ice Cream
- Add a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream on top for a delightful dessert. The cold ice cream melts slightly over the warm cake, creating a comforting dessert experience.
Served with Fresh Fruit
- Garnish with fresh apple slices or berries to add freshness and color to your plate. This makes for an appealing presentation and adds an extra fruity note.
How to Perfect Apple Spice Cake Recipe
To ensure your apple spice cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow butter and eggs to reach room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend better, resulting in a fluffy texture.
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Don’t Skip Grating Apples: Grate your apples finely for even distribution throughout the batter. This ensures every bite is full of apple goodness.
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Measure Flour Accurately: Spoon flour into your measuring cup rather than scooping it directly. This prevents too much flour from being added, which can make the cake dense.
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Check for Doneness Early: Start checking your cake around 50 minutes to prevent overbaking. A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
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Cool Properly: Let the cake cool in its pan for 15 minutes before removing it. This helps maintain its shape and prevent crumbling.
Best Side Dishes for Apple Spice Cake Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your apple spice cake can enhance the meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options.
- Chai Tea: A warm chai tea brings out the spices in the cake and creates a comforting atmosphere.
- Pumpkin Soup: A creamy pumpkin soup serves as a savory contrast to sweet desserts and complements fall flavors perfectly.
- Roasted Vegetables: Lightly seasoned roasted carrots and squash offer a healthy side that balances sweetness with earthiness.
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with crunchy nuts and tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the cake.
- Apple Compote: Serve warm apple compote on the side for an additional layer of apple flavor; it’s especially nice when drizzled over each slice.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses pairs well, offering savory notes that balance out sweetness in desserts.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Apple Spice Cake Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final product. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:
- Using too much moisture: Adding too much apple cider or grated apple can make the cake dense. Measure carefully and absorb excess moisture from the grated apples with paper towels.
- Not creaming properly: Failing to cream the butter and sugars until fluffy can lead to a dense cake. Make sure you mix for at least three minutes.
- Skipping ingredient temperature: Using cold eggs or butter can impact how well they incorporate. Always ensure your ingredients are at room temperature.
- Overmixing the batter: Stirring too much after adding dry ingredients can toughen the cake. Mix just until combined and then gently fold in the grated apple.
- Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different; relying solely on time may not yield perfect results. Check for doneness with a toothpick towards the end of baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking slices.
Freezing Apple Spice Cake Recipe
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
- Label with the date before placing in the freezer.
Reheating Apple Spice Cake Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm slices for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 15-20 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about this Apple Spice Cake Recipe that may help you:
Can I substitute any spices in this Apple Spice Cake Recipe?
Yes, you can adjust spices according to your taste preferences! Consider adding allspice or cloves for a different flavor profile.
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 crumbs attached, indicating it’s fully baked.
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! Pears or shredded carrots could work well as alternatives or additions to apples.
What is the best way to serve Apple Spice Cake?
Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzle it with cinnamon glaze for an extra touch of sweetness.
How long does this Apple Spice Cake last?
When properly stored, it lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months if frozen.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Spice Cake Recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors that captures the essence of fall. With its moist texture and cozy spices, it’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or using different fruits. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love making it as much as enjoying it!
Apple Spice Cake
Say hello to your new favorite fall dessert, the Apple Spice Cake. This delicious cake is perfect for cozy gatherings, blending fresh apples with warm spices like cinnamon and ginger. Its moist texture, enhanced by a simple glaze, makes it an irresistible treat that everyone will adore. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, snack, or even breakfast, this cake embodies the essence of autumn with its comforting aromas and flavors.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: About 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 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 extract
- 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
- 1/3 cup fresh apple, peeled and grated
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, cream together unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition along with the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with apple cider.
- Gently fold in freshly grated apples.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 55 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
