Apple Spice Cake Recipe

If you adore the cozy warmth of fall spices and the natural sweetness of fresh fruit, you are going to fall head over heels for this Apple Spice Cake Recipe. It combines tender, moist cake with the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, all enhanced by real grated apple and apple cider. The result is a delightfully fragrant and comforting cake that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Finished with a luscious cinnamon glaze, this cake is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you want to treat yourself and loved ones to something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Spice Cake Recipe uses a handful of simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary flavor experience. Each component adds something essential, from the rich butter for tenderness to the mix of warming spices for that unmistakable autumnal touch.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup): Brings richness and moisture, helping the cake stay tender and soft.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds balanced sweetness and contributes to the light texture.
• Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Offers a subtle caramel note that deepens the flavor complexity.
• Large eggs (3): Provide structure and help bind the cake together perfectly.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor, adding warmth and depth.
• All-purpose flour (2 cups): Gives the cake its body and soft crumb.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cake rises beautifully for a light bite.
• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances the spices.
• Ground cinnamon (1 1/4 teaspoons): The star spice that infuses the cake with classic apple pie vibes.
• Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and a hint of spice complexity.
• Ground nutmeg (1/8 teaspoon): Provides a fragrant, nutty undertone that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
• Apple cider (1/3 cup): Adds moisture and a gentle fruity tang, boosting the apple flavor.
• Fresh apple, peeled and grated (1/3 cup): Gives texture and fresh apple sweetness; draining moisture helps maintain the cake’s soft crumb.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup, sifted): For the irresistible cinnamon glaze that crowns the cake.
• Heavy cream or whole milk (4 to 5 tablespoons): Creates the perfect glaze texture—smooth and creamy.
• Cinnamon for glaze (1/8 teaspoon): Adds a final hint of spice to the sweetness on top.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper, letting the paper hang over the sides so you can lift the cake out easily once baked. This simple prep makes cleanup easier and helps keep your cake intact.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the softened butter with granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly paler in color—about three minutes. This step is crucial for a tender cake crumb and perfect rise.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure even distribution without deflating the batter. Then mix in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma that hints at the cake’s flavors.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This uniform blend ensures your spices are evenly spread throughout the cake.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Apple Cider

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in batches, alternating with the apple cider, starting and ending with the flour mixture. This technique keeps the batter tender and moist while evenly incorporating the cider.

Step 6: Fold in Grated Apple

Remove the bowl from the mixer and gently fold in the grated apple using a spatula. This gentle folding prevents overmixing and maintains the cake’s delicate crumb, while distributing the bursts of fresh apple flavor throughout.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake on the center rack for about 55 to 60 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake’s color; if it darkens too quickly, loosely cover it with foil to prevent burning. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then lift it out using the parchment overhang and cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, and cinnamon to make the glaze, adjusting consistency to your liking, then drizzle generously over the top.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon powder over the glaze or add thin slices of fresh apple along the top. Toasted pecans or walnuts also add an irresistible crunch and nutty contrast to the soft cake.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for dessert. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea to enhance the cozy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn this loaf into miniature bundt cakes for an elegant touch or cut into thick slices and serve as layered cake sandwiches with cream cheese frosting between slices. Wrapping individual slices with a cinnamon stick and twine makes a charming gift for friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Apple Spice Cake Recipe fresh by storing it in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps the cake soft and moist for up to three days, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake before or after glazing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil to protect from freezer burn. Frozen cake stays delicious for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked warmth, reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil for about 10 minutes. The glaze will soften slightly, making every bite irresistibly gooey.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider in this Apple Spice Cake Recipe?

While apple cider adds a slightly tangy and robust flavor, you can use apple juice as a substitute if needed, but the taste may be less complex and sweeter. The cider enhances the spice notes beautifully, so it is preferred.

What type of apples work best for this cake?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold texture well and provide a nice balance to the sweetness of the cake. Be sure to peel and grate them, draining excess moisture for the best texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The cake will still be moist and flavorful, though texture may vary slightly.

How long does the cinnamon glaze keep once applied?

The glaze is best eaten the day the cake is glazed since it may soften or slightly dissolve over time. If you prefer, you can store the cake and glaze separately and add the glaze right before serving for a fresh finish.

Could I add nuts or raisins to this recipe?

Absolutely. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins complement the apple and spice flavors beautifully. Fold in 1/2 cup of your chosen add-ins in step 6 after mixing in the grated apple for extra texture and bursts of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake Recipe is a true celebration of comfort and flavor, bringing the perfect balance of sweet apples and warming spices into a tender and moist cake. Whether you’re seeking a cozy treat for yourself or a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, this recipe is easy to love and makes every bite feel like a special moment. Don’t wait to bake this beauty and share the deliciousness with those you care about!

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