Apple Cinnamon Spice Cake

There’s something magical about the aroma of baking that fills the house, and when it comes to my Apple Cinnamon Spice Cake, it’s nothing short of heavenly. I can vividly recall the first time I attempted to make this delightful treat. It was a crisp fall afternoon, and the leaves outside were just starting to turn those beautiful shades of orange and gold. I was hosting a small gathering, and I wanted to impress my friends with a dessert that not only looked stunning but also tasted like a warm hug. As I mixed the ingredients, I could already envision how the flavors of sweet apples and warm spices would come together, creating a cake that felt like autumn on a plate.

As the cake baked, the sweet scent of cinnamon wafted through the air, drawing everyone into the kitchen. Once it was ready, I topped it with a luscious cream cheese frosting, adding a touch of decadence that made it irresistible. Each bite delivered a symphony of flavors—from the tartness of the apples to the warmth of the spices. My friends couldn’t get enough of it, and I knew I had a winner on my hands. Now, every time fall rolls around, I make sure to whip up this Apple Cinnamon Spice Cake to share with loved ones, creating new memories around the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Apple Cinnamon Spice Cake

The ingredients for this Apple Cinnamon Spice Cake are what truly set it apart. Each one plays a vital role in creating a cake that is not only delicious but also perfectly balanced. The key players include fresh apples, aromatic spices, and a creamy frosting that ties everything together. Get ready to bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen with these simple yet effective ingredients.

• 3 large eggs: Provides structure and richness to the cake.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a moist texture.
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds depth of flavor and moisture.
• ¾ cup vegetable or canola oil: Ensures the cake remains tender and moist.
• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt: Contributes to the cake’s moistness and adds a subtle tang.
• 2 to 3 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warm, comforting notes typical of fall dishes.
• ¼ teaspoon allspice: Adds a hint of warmth and complexity.
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves: Provides a distinctive and aromatic flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Complements the other spices with its warm, nutty profile.
• ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste: Balances the sweetness of the cake.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cake structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavening agent that helps the cake rise.
• 4 ½ cups small-diced apples: The star of the show—adds moisture and flavor.
• 4 ounces brick-style cream cheese, softened: Key ingredient for the luscious frosting.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened: Adds creaminess to the frosting.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of flavor in the frosting.
• 1 ½ to 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted if desired: Sweetens the frosting and gives it a smooth consistency.
• Ground cinnamon, for dusting: A finishing touch that enhances the visual appeal and flavor.

Cooking Instructions for Apple Cinnamon Spice Cake

Making the Apple Cinnamon Spice Cake is a delightful process. Each step brings you closer to experiencing that wonderful flavor combination. Follow these detailed instructions to create your cake with confidence.

1. Preheat your oven to 350F. It’s essential to start with a hot oven to ensure even baking. Take a 12-cup Bundt pan and spray it very well with floured cooking spray or grease and flour the pan thoroughly. Set it aside while you prepare the batter.
2. In a large bowl, crack open 3 large eggs and add 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, ½ cup light brown sugar, ¾ cup vegetable or canola oil, ¼ cup sour cream, 2 to 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon allspice, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk everything together until well combined. Look for a smooth mixture with a slightly frothy texture.
3. Next, add 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking soda to the mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter will be thick, and that’s exactly what you want!
4. Now for the star of the show: fold in the 4 ½ cups small-diced apples. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter, as they will add moisture and flavor to every bite.
5. Pour the thick batter into your prepared Bundt pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake the cake for approximately 55 minutes. Start checking for doneness at around 40 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, carefully invert it onto a cake stand or serving platter. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting it.
7. While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, add 4 ounces brick-style cream cheese and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Beat with a handheld electric mixer on high power for about 1 minute until smooth and fluffy. You’ll want a light and creamy texture.
8. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 ½ to 2 cups confectioners’ sugar to the mixture. Beat on high power until everything is well combined and fluffy. If needed, adjust the sugar to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
9. Gently spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cooled cake using a spatula or knife. Dust the top with ground cinnamon for a lovely finishing touch.
10. Your Apple Cinnamon Spice Cake is now ready to serve! This cake will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week. Enjoy!

Ways to Customize

Getting creative with this Apple Cinnamon Spice Cake is part of the fun! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Add nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch to the cake.
• Try different frostings: Consider a caramel frosting for a different flavor twist.
• Mix in other fruits: Pears or cranberries can be delicious alternatives or additions to the apples.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to cater to gluten-sensitive guests.
• Spice it up: Experiment with adding more spices, like ginger or cardamom, for an extra kick.
• Layer it: For special occasions, you can turn this cake into a layered cake with multiple tiers of frosting in between.

Side Dish Ideas for Apple Cinnamon Spice Cake

Serving your Apple Cinnamon Spice Cake opens up a world of possibilities. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Coffee: A slice pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai, creating a comforting afternoon treat.
• Ice cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.
• Seasonal fruits: Fresh berries or poached pears on the side can complement the cake’s spices.
• Cheese platter: A selection of cheeses, especially creamy ones, can create a wonderful contrast.
• Special occasions: Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests.
• Storage: If there’s any leftover cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If refrigerated, consume within a week.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Apple Cinnamon Spice Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of fall flavors and warm gatherings. With its moist texture and rich flavors, it’s bound to become a favorite in your household. I encourage you to give it a try—bake it this weekend and share it with your loved ones. You might just create a new tradition that everyone looks forward to every year.

Apple Cinnamon Spice Cake

Indulge in the warmth of fall with this Apple Cinnamon Spice Cake. Rich, moist, and layered with creamy frosting, it’s the perfect dessert for gatherings. With each slice, you’ll savor the delightful combination of apples and spices that make it a true seasonal favorite. Bake it tonight and create memories that will last!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 large eggs
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 0.5 cups light brown sugar packed
• 0.75 cups vegetable or canola oil oil
• 0.25 cups sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 2 to 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoons allspice
• 0.25 teaspoons ground cloves
• 0.25 teaspoons ground nutmeg
• 0.25 teaspoons salt or to taste
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 4.5 cups small-diced apples from about 4 medium/large apples, peeled
• 4 ounces brick-style cream cheese softened
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1.5 to 2 cups confectioners’ sugar sifted if desired
• ground cinnamon for dusting

Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Frying pan
• Wooden Spoon
• Oven
• Whisk
• Mixing Bowl
• Peeler
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350F. It’s essential to start with a hot oven to ensure even baking. Take a 12-cup Bundt pan and spray it very well with floured cooking spray or grease and flour the pan thoroughly. Set it aside while you prepare the batter.
2. In a large bowl, crack open 3 large eggs and add 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, ½ cup light brown sugar, ¾ cup vegetable or canola oil, ¼ cup sour cream, 2 to 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon allspice, ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Whisk everything together until well combined. Look for a smooth mixture with a slightly frothy texture.
3. Next, add 2 cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon baking soda to the mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter will be thick, and that’s exactly what you want!
4. Now for the star of the show: fold in the 4 ½ cups small-diced apples. Make sure they're evenly distributed throughout the batter, as they will add moisture and flavor to every bite.
5. Pour the thick batter into your prepared Bundt pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake the cake for approximately 55 minutes. Start checking for doneness at around 40 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
6. Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, carefully invert it onto a cake stand or serving platter. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting it.
7. While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, add 4 ounces brick-style cream cheese and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter. Beat with a handheld electric mixer on high power for about 1 minute until smooth and fluffy. You'll want a light and creamy texture.
8. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 ½ to 2 cups confectioners’ sugar to the mixture. Beat on high power until everything is well combined and fluffy. If needed, adjust the sugar to achieve your desired frosting consistency.
9. Gently spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cooled cake using a spatula or knife. Dust the top with ground cinnamon for a lovely finishing touch.
10. Your Apple Cinnamon Spice Cake is now ready to serve! This cake will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week. Enjoy!

Notes

• Baking pans matter: The type of pan you use can affect the baking time. A dark pan may require less time than a light one.
• Apple choices: Different apple varieties lend distinct flavors. Experiment with combinations like Granny Smith for tartness and Honeycrisp for sweetness.
• Cool completely: Always let your cake cool fully before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
• Thick batter: The thick consistency is crucial for holding the apples in place and creating a rich texture.

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Meet Jenna Miller

I’m the one who brought this group together. I’ve always believed that food tastes better when it’s shared, and I wanted to create a space that felt as warm and sunny as our home state. I’m usually the one writing our posts and helping Brooke develop our main course recipes. My favorite days are when we’re all in the kitchen together, music on, cooking up our next idea.