This spiced apple cake is a family favorite cake recipe, perfect for any occasion. You’ll love its warm flavors and moist texture, making it a comforting treat. It’s surprisingly simple to bake, even if you’re new to baking cakes.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor. You can use softer apples but they might break down more.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for that classic taste. You can experiment with a pinch of allspice or ground cloves.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Sugar: A mix of granulated and brown sugar adds depth. You can adjust the amount slightly to your sweetness preference.
Ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk (any type)
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (depending on ingredients)
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking pan, large mixing bowls, whisk, electric mixer (optional), spatula.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This ensures your delicious spiced apple cake won’t stick.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this aside. This step helps distribute the leavening and spices evenly throughout your cake.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. This creates the rich base for your family favorite cake recipe.
4. Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.
5. Fold in Apples
Gently fold the diced apples into the cake batter. Ensure the apples are well distributed throughout. This is how you get those delightful pockets of apple in every bite of your spiced apple cake.
6. Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter with the apples.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with a simple caramel sauce once the cake has cooled.
- Apple Cider Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar and a tablespoon or two of apple cider for a thin, tangy glaze.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover spiced apple cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-30 seconds until just warm, or enjoy at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, this spiced apple cake is perfect for making a day in advance. The flavors often deepen overnight.
Q: What kind of apples are best for this family favorite cake recipe?
A: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully. They hold their shape and provide good flavor.
Q: Can you freeze this apple cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze individual slices or the whole cake (well-wrapped) for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Q: How do you prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?
A: Tossing the diced apples in a tablespoon of the dry flour mixture before adding them to the batter can help them stay suspended.
Q: Can you reduce the sugar in this cake?
A: You can slightly reduce the sugar by ¼ cup without significantly impacting the texture, but it might alter the sweetness.
Q: What if you don’t have buttermilk?
A: If the recipe calls for buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then filling the rest with regular milk to equal ½ cup. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.