There's something truly comforting about a slice of homemade cake filled with the fresh, natural sweetness of apples and a touch of warming spices. This Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe is one of those recipes that makes your kitchen smell like fall all year round—moist, fragrant, and downright cozy.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can’t overstate how this cake quickly became a favorite in my house—there’s an unbeatable comfort in the blend of spice and fresh apples that makes it feel both indulgent and wholesome. Plus, it's forgiving enough that even if you’re not a pro baker, you’ll nail it.
- Double Apple Delight: It uses both applesauce and fresh apples to keep every bite moist and bursting with apple flavor.
- Spice Harmony: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves blend perfectly to create that classic warm spice cake aroma and taste.
- Easy Prep: Simple mixing steps make it a great weekend baking project without stressing you out.
- Versatile Serving: Delicious on its own or with buttermilk syrup, vanilla ice cream, or a whipped cream dollop—making everyone happy at the table.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays an important role here, balancing moisture, sweetness, and flavor for that perfect apple spice experience. I recommend using fresh apples with a bit of tartness, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, to keep the cake bright and not overly sweet.
- Butter: Softened butter creates a tender crumb and adds richness.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning to get that beautiful crust.
- Eggs: Add structure and help bind everything together smoothly.
- Applesauce: I prefer unsweetened to control sweetness and add moisture naturally.
- Fresh Apples: Peeled and grated or finely diced apples give texture and fresh apple bursts.
- Flour: All-purpose works fine, but gluten-free flour is a great substitute for those who need it.
- Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and depth.
- Nutmeg: Adds a subtle earthy sweetness that complements cinnamon perfectly.
- Cloves: Just a pinch enhances the spice profile without overpowering.
- Baking Soda & Baking Powder: Balance leavening to give the cake a nice rise and light texture.
- Salt: Essential for balancing all the sweet and spice notes.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love about this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or your preference. I often swap out the spices depending on my mood or add nuts for texture variation—feel free to get creative!
- Variation: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans is a fantastic way to sneak in some crunch—I do this when I want a little nutty contrast that pairs beautifully with the soft apples.
- Dietary Swap: I’ve made this cake completely gluten-free with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and it turned out just as moist and flavorful.
- Sweetness Level: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar by about ¼ cup; the apples still keep it deliciously moist.
- Spice Punch: For a bolder spice flavor, bump up the cinnamon by ½ teaspoon or add a dash of ground ginger for a zingy surprise.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep with Care
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. I like to use a 9x13” metal pan for even baking and either grease it well with butter or line it with parchment paper to avoid sticking. Pro tip: Parchment paper makes cleanup super easy and helps your cake slide right out when cool.
Step 2: Whisk Your Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients upfront ensures the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake, so you don’t end up with any spice pockets.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar Till Fluffy
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the softened butter with sugar for 2-3 minutes until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This step traps air, which helps give the cake a lovely, tender crumb. I always make sure my butter is just soft and not melted—it makes a big difference in texture.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Applesauce
Beat in the eggs one at a time to keep the mixture smooth and emulsified. Then stir in the applesauce—I prefer unsweetened so I can control the overall sweetness in the cake. The applesauce adds moisture without needing extra oil or butter.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Apples
Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet batter, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing—which can toughen the cake. Finally, fold in the grated or finely diced fresh apples evenly. Those fresh apple bits add wonderful bursts of flavor and texture.
Step 6: Bake and Check
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, testing with a toothpick near the center—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. If your cake starts to brown too deeply before it’s fully cooked, tent it lightly with aluminum foil for protection.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack. This keeps it moist and lets the flavors settle. Slice and top each piece with buttermilk syrup, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible finish. (And if you’re a frosting fan, cream cheese frosting is dreamy here!)
Top Tip
From my years of baking this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe, getting the moisture right is everything. I’ve learned some tricks to keep this cake tender and flavorful every time.
- Don’t Skip the Applesauce: It’s the secret ingredient that keeps this cake moist, especially if you accidentally overmix the batter a bit.
- Fresh Apples Matter: I always select crisp, tart apples to balance the sweetness. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith are my go-tos.
- Watch the Bake Time: Ovens vary; checking your cake a few minutes before the timer ends helps avoid drying out the edges.
- Cooling Is Key: Let the cake cool completely before slicing to avoid crumbling and to help the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe
Garnishes
I generally keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a generous spoonful of whipped cream. But on special occasions, a drizzle of warm buttermilk syrup or caramel sauce takes it to another level. Sometimes I even add a sprinkle of toasted pecans for a little crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or coffee, making it perfect for brunch or an afternoon treat. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a warm bowl of spiced apples or roasted nuts to stay in the autumnal mood.
Creative Ways to Present
I’ve tried layering slices with homemade whipped cream and spiced apples between for a quick trifle-style dessert that's always a hit at potlucks. Another favorite is cutting the cake into small squares, topping with a dollop of cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for elegant mini bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. I find it stays moist and fresh for 2-3 days this way. At room temperature, it’s best enjoyed within a day or two before it starts to dry out.
Freezing
I often wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When wrapped well, it freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and you’ll hardly tell it was frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them gently in a low oven. Adding a little whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top after reheating really revives that fresh-baked feeling.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can, but I recommend tart or firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their texture and balance the cake's sweetness nicely. Softer apples might turn mushy and affect the cake texture.
Absolutely. Using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well in this recipe. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the texture of wheat flour. The cake remains moist and delightful.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days to keep the cake moist. Wrapping well if freezing is recommended to preserve freshness and flavor.
Yes! You can use square pans or even muffin tins. Just adjust baking time accordingly—smaller pans bake faster, so start checking at around 20 minutes. For thicker cakes, baking a bit longer might be necessary. Use a toothpick test to confirm doneness.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe always brings back memories of cozy afternoons and family gatherings for me. It’s a humble cake that feels special because of its warming spices and fresh apple goodness. If you try it just once, I bet it’ll become one of your go-to recipes, especially when you want comfort food that’s a little bit fancy in the best way possible.
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Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 cake
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in this moist and flavorful Apple Spice Cake, bursting with warm spices and a double dose of apples. Perfectly tender with a rich blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this cake serves wonderfully as a comforting dessert topped with buttermilk syrup, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- ½ cup butter, softened (113 grams/8 Tablespoons)
- 1 ¾ cups sugar (350 grams)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup applesauce (preferably unsweetened)
- 2 cups peeled & grated or finely diced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith preferred)
- 2 ¼ cups all purpose flour or gluten-free flour (270 grams)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- Buttermilk syrup
- Whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch metal pan with butter, spray it, or line it with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all purpose flour or gluten-free flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar using a hand mixer or paddle attachment for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Finish Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time until each is fully incorporated. Then stir in the applesauce thoroughly.
- Add Dry Ingredients, Then The Apples: Gently stir or mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients just until blended. Next, fold in the grated or diced apples until evenly distributed in the batter.
- Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth it into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the cake starts to brown too much, tent it loosely with foil during the last few minutes. Once baked, cool the cake on a wire rack.
- Serve & Store: Slice the cake and top each piece with buttermilk syrup, caramel sauce, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Optionally, frost with your favorite cream cheese frosting. Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days or at room temperature for 1 to 2 days for best quality.
Notes
- This apple spice cake features a perfect blend of warm spices combined with both applesauce and fresh apples for a moist and flavorful texture.
- You can substitute all purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend if preferred.
- If the cake browns too quickly during baking, use foil to tent the pan to prevent over-browning.
- Serving the cake warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream enhances its comforting flavor.
- For added richness, consider frosting with cream cheese frosting as an alternative topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Slice (1/15th Recipe - Cake Only)
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 26.7 g
- Sodium: 292.7 mg
- Fat: 7.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1.4 g
- Protein: 2.9 g
- Cholesterol: 41.1 mg
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