Apple Spice Cake

There’s something incredibly comforting about an Apple Spice Cake. Whenever the leaves start to change and the air gets a little cooler, I feel this irresistible pull to the kitchen. I remember my first time trying this cake; it was at a fall gathering, where the aroma of spices wafted through the air, drawing everyone in. The moment I took a bite, the combination of soft, tender cake and the creamy frosting sent my taste buds into a delightful whirlwind. What really makes this Apple Spice Cake shine is its perfect blend of flavors – the warmth of cinnamon, the crunch of apples, and that luscious spiced cream cheese frosting. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a slice of autumn on a plate!

What’s In This Apple Spice Cake

The ingredients in this Apple Spice Cake work together to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role, from the apples providing moisture and sweetness to the rich cream cheese frosting that adds a creamy finish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon – This spice brings warmth and depth to the cake.
• 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cloves, ground ginger, and ground allspice – These spices add layers of flavor that make every bite unique.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – A hint of nutmeg complements the other spices beautifully.
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the cake, providing structure.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Helps the cake rise for that light, fluffy texture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Works alongside baking powder to ensure the cake rises perfectly.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors in the cake.
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake, balancing the spices.
• 1/2 cup butter, softened – Adds richness and moisture.
• 3/4 cup pure maple syrup – Infuses a lovely flavor and moisture into the cake.
• 2 tablespoons molasses – Provides a deeper sweetness and color.
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm, sweet note to the cake.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature – Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• 3 large egg yolks, room temperature – Enriches the cake for a tender crumb.
• 1 cup full-fat sour cream – Keeps the cake moist and adds a tangy flavor.
• 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced – Provides freshness and texture.
• 3/4 cup walnuts, chopped – Adds a delightful crunch.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – The star of the frosting, creamy and rich.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature – Adds richness to the frosting.
• 1 tablespoon sour cream – Contributes to the creaminess of the frosting.
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup – Sweetens the frosting naturally.
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the frosting.
• dash of salt – Balances the sweetness of the frosting.
• 1/2 teaspoon reserved spices – Adds a hint of spice to the frosting.
• 2 cups confectioners’ sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.

Recipe Steps for Apple Spice Cake

Making this Apple Spice Cake is a delightful journey. The steps are easy to follow, and before you know it, your kitchen will be filled with the heavenly aroma of spices. Let’s dive into the process!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper that allows some overhang, and don’t forget to spray it with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy removal later.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon each of ground cloves, ground ginger, and ground allspice, along with 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. These spices will be the heart of your cake, so stir them together well. Remove 1/2 teaspoon of the mixture for the frosting later.
3. Add 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to the bowl with the spices. Mix everything together until combined and set it aside.
4. In a separate large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup of softened butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar using a stand or hand mixer on medium-high speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 4 minutes, making sure to scrape down the sides as needed.
5. While the mixer is running, add in 3/4 cup of pure maple syrup, 2 tablespoons of molasses, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
6. Add the 2 large eggs and 3 large egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. You want to beat just until the yellow disappears after each addition.
7. Now, gradually add the flour mixture to the butter-sugar mixture in thirds, alternating with 1 cup of full-fat sour cream in between each third. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing!
8. Gently fold in the 2 diced Granny Smith apples and 3/4 cup of chopped walnuts. This will give your cake a lovely texture and flavor. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
9. Place your cake into the preheated oven and bake for 34 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness by inserting a wooden pick into the center; it should come out clean.
10. Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 2 hours. If you’re feeling impatient, you can serve it warm right out of the oven!
11. While the cake cools, prepare the maple frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon of sour cream, 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a dash of salt. Mix until well combined and fluffy.
12. Gradually add 2 cups of confectioners’ sugar ½ cup at a time, beating until the frosting is very fluffy, about 2 minutes. If the frosting is too thick, you can add a bit more maple syrup; if it’s too thin, add more sugar to reach your desired consistency.
13. Once the cake has cooled, frost it generously with the maple frosting and, if you’d like, sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top for an extra crunch.
14. Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 5 days and remember to bring the cake to room temperature before serving again.

Making Adjustments

Every baker has their own preferences and ideas for making a recipe unique. Here are some thoughtful tips for adjusting your Apple Spice Cake to suit your taste:

• Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need it to last longer, keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cake without frosting for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.
• Pairing: Serve your Apple Spice Cake with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.
• Variations: Feel free to mix in raisins or dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
• Serving Suggestions: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of warm cider or a cozy cup of tea.

What Goes Well With This Apple Spice Cake

Serving an Apple Spice Cake can be just as delightful as baking it. Here are some wonderful ideas for how to serve this cake:

• With Coffee: This cake is the perfect pairing for a warm cup of coffee, making it ideal for afternoon tea or brunch.
• As a Dessert: Serve it as a dessert after a hearty fall meal, such as a roasted vegetable dish or a comforting soup.
• For Celebrations: This cake is perfect for Thanksgiving, fall birthdays, or any gathering where autumn flavors are appreciated.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them covered at room temperature for short-term storage or refrigerate for longer freshness.
• Seasonal Pairings: Complement the cake with seasonal fruits like pears or figs to enhance the autumn theme.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Apple Spice Cake is a delightful treat that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of fall. It’s moist, loaded with spices, and topped with creamy frosting, making it an irresistible dessert. I encourage you to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

Apple Spice Cake

The ultimate comfort food, this Apple Spice Cake is moist, filled with warm spices, and topped with a luscious cream cheese frosting. Perfect for fall gatherings or a cozy night in!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 16 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
• 2 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1/2 cup Butter, softened (1 stick)
• 3/4 cup Pure Maple Syrup
• 2 tablespoons Molasses
• 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 large Eggs, room temperature
• 3 large Egg Yolks, room temperature
• 1 cup Full Fat Sour Cream
• 2 Granny Smith Apples, peeled and diced into 1/4" – 1/2" pieces
• 3/4 cup Walnuts, chopped
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened
• 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon Sour Cream
• 2 tablespoons Pure Maple Syrup
• 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
• dash Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Reserved Spices (in directions)
• 2 cups Confectioners’ Sugar

Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Frying pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl
• Peeler
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9×13 pan with parchment paper that extends beyond the pan and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Mix cinnamon, ginger, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg together in a large bowl. Remove 1/2 teaspoon for the frosting. To the large bowl, mix in flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. With a stand or hand mixer, beat butter and sugar over medium high speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes, scraping down sides as needed. With mixer running on medium speed, beat in maple syrup, molasses and vanilla until well combined followed by eggs, then egg yolks, one at a time, beating just until the yellow disappears after each egg.
4. Gradually add flour mixture to butter/sugar mixture in thirds, alternately with sour cream in between each third, beating until just combined after each addition. Stir in apples and walnuts. Spoon batter into prepared pan.
5. Bake at 350 degrees F until a wood pick inserted near the center of cake comes out clean, 34 – 40 minutes. Let cake cool in pan on wire rack, about 2 hours before frosting OR serve warm directly right out of the oven without frosting.
6. Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the cream cheese, butter, sour cream, maple syrup, vanilla, salt and reserved 1/2 teaspoon spices at medium high speed until well combined. Add confectioners’ sugar ½ cup at a time then beat until very fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add either more maple syrup if frosting is too thick or more sugar if too thin to reach desired consistency.
7. Evenly spread frosting over cake and sprinkle with chopped walnuts (optional).
8. Refrigerate cake for up to 5 days and bring to room temperature before serving.

Notes

Refrigerate any leftovers for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

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Meet Hailey Anderson

My passion is creating food that nourishes your body without sacrificing flavor. I’m our main recipe developer for vibrant salads, smoothies, and feel-good breakfasts. When I’m not blending or chopping, I’m right alongside Brooke and Jenna, helping to cook and test our new dinner and dessert recipes. I’m a firm believer in balance!