Description
Warm, cozy, and full of fall flavors, this Apple Spice Cake is infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and tender apples. A perfect treat for a chilly day!
Ingredients: For the Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 ½ cups brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup applesauce
2 cups peeled, diced apples
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 cup cream cheese (softened)
½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Prepare the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. In another bowl, cream the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and applesauce. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients, then stir in the diced apples.
Bake the Cake: Divide the batter between the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
Frost the Cake: Beat the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. Spread the frosting between the layers, and over the top and sides of the cake.
Serve: Slice and serve your warm, spiced Apple Spice Cake! Perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results. First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper for guaranteed release. In a medium bowl, whisk the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices) for at least 30 seconds to ensure even distribution. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar for a full 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla and applesauce. With the mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Finally, use a spatula to gently fold in the diced apples.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is versatile. For a simple presentation, dust the top with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Serve slices with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. For a decadent brunch, drizzle with warm caramel sauce and sprinkle with toasted pecans. It pairs perfectly with hot coffee, black tea, or even a glass of cold milk.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Prepare your pans and preheat the oven. Whisk dry ingredients. Cream butter and sugar, then add wet ingredients. Combine wet and dry mixes, fold in apples. Divide batter and bake for 30-35 minutes. Cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best as they hold their shape and provide a nice flavor contrast.
Can I make this cake into cupcakes?
Absolutely. Fill lined cupcake tins 2/3 full and bake for 18-22 minutes. This recipe yields about 24 cupcakes.
How should I store this cake?
Due to the frosting, store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Let slices come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Can I omit the frosting?
Yes. The cake is moist and flavorful on its own. Consider a simple cinnamon-sugar sprinkle on top before baking instead.
My cake is dense. What went wrong?
This is often caused by overmixing the batter after adding the flour, which develops gluten. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter and eggs won’t emulsify properly, leading to a dense cake.
- Overmixing the batter: Once flour is added, mix only until just combined to avoid toughness.
- Frosting a warm cake: The frosting will melt and slide off. Ensure cakes are completely cool.
- Not properly preparing pans: Greasing, flouring, and using parchment paper prevents sticking and breakage.
- Overbaking: Check a few minutes before the timer. A toothpick should have moist crumbs, not be bone dry.
Conclusion
This Apple Spice Cake is the ultimate celebration of autumn, blending warm spices with tender fruit in a perfectly moist crumb. By following this enhanced guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll create a stunning, flavorful dessert that fills your home with a welcoming aroma and delights every palate. It’s a timeless recipe sure to become a seasonal favorite.