There’s something incredibly comforting about a homemade cake that’s packed with the warm scent of spices and the fresh sweetness of apples. This Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe strikes that perfect balance, making it a go-to dessert that feels like a cozy hug from the inside out.
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’ve made this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe so many times that the smell of it baking in my kitchen instantly takes me back to crisp fall afternoons and friendly gatherings. It’s more than just a cake — it’s a memory in the making, and I think you’ll love it just as much as I do.
- Perfect Texture: The combination of grated fresh apples and applesauce keeps the cake wonderfully moist, so it never feels dry or heavy.
- Warm, Cozy Spices: A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves fills your kitchen and your palate with that classic autumn vibe.
- Simple Ingredients: No complicated gadgets or weird ingredients—just everyday pantry staples and fresh apples.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether you top it with whipped cream, buttermilk syrup, or vanilla ice cream, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe plays its part to create that tender crumb and deep flavor. I always like to think of the apples as the star, with the spices playing their supporting roles perfectly.
- Butter: Softened butter creamed with sugar gives the cake a tender crumb and rich flavor.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar balances the tartness of the fresh apples beautifully.
- Eggs: These bind everything together and add structure to the cake.
- Applesauce: I prefer unsweetened applesauce to keep the sweetness in check while adding moisture.
- Fresh Apples: Peeled and grated apples add texture and fresh flavor; Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work best for that perfect balance of sweet and tart.
- Flour: All-purpose flour works great here, but you can also use gluten-free flour to make it allergy-friendly.
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Cloves: These warm spices give the cake its signature comforting aroma.
- Baking Soda & Powder: Both help the cake rise nicely while keeping a soft texture.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
Make It Your Way
I love to tweak this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe depending on the season or my mood. Baking is as much about personal touch as it is about following a recipe.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap out the fresh apples for a mix of pears and apples—it adds a subtle sweetness and texture that’s lovely.
- Dietary tweaks: Using gluten-free flour makes this cake accessible for gluten-sensitive friends without compromising flavor.
- Spice Level: Feel free to play with spices—adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger can jazz it up in a unique way.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prep the Pan
Start by setting your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9x13" metal pan with butter or using parchment paper. I find metal pans give the best even browning for this cake—trust me, it matters for that beautiful crust.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients Together
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed. This step helps spread the spices through the cake, so no bite misses out on that cozy flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar Until Fluffy
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, cream softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes. This aerates the batter, giving your cake a light texture. Don’t rush this step!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Applesauce
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then mix in the applesauce, which adds moisture and a gentle sweetness making the cake tender.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fresh Apples
Gently fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined—overmixing can make the cake tough. Then fold in those freshly grated apples, distributing them evenly for little bursts of fresh apple in each bite.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. If you notice the edges browning too quickly, loosely tent foil over the pan to prevent burning. Let the cake cool on a wire rack—it’s tempting, but waiting helps it set perfectly.
Top Tip
After baking this Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe countless times, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make sure you get the best results without any hassle.
- Use Fresh, Crisp Apples: I’ve found that Honeycrisp or Granny Smith hold up well in the batter and give you that lovely tartness contrasting the sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the dry ingredients in just until no flour streaks remain—overmixing squeezes out air and makes the cake dense.
- Watch Your Oven: Ovens vary, so check the cake 5 minutes before the timer goes off to prevent overbaking and drying out.
- Tent with Foil If Needed: If the top gets too dark before it’s cooked through, a simple foil tent will protect it while the center finishes baking.
How to Serve Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of topping this cake with a drizzle of buttermilk syrup or a dollop of freshly whipped cream—both add a little tang that balances the sweetness. For a more indulgent treat, vanilla ice cream or cream cheese frosting make it feel decadent without overshadowing the spices and apples.
Side Dishes
With a slice of this cake, I often serve warm spiced apple cider or chai tea—it enhances the spice notes beautifully. A cup of sharp cheddar cheese on the side might sound unusual, but it pairs surprisingly well with the apple flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to cut the cake into smaller squares and top each with a thin apple slice fan and a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. It turns simple cake into a charming, rustic centerpiece that always gets compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover cake covered in the fridge in an airtight container, and it stays moist and flavorful for 2-3 days. If you want to enjoy it longer, it’s best to refrigerate it rather than leave it out at room temperature.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and you’ll barely notice the difference—it keeps its texture and flavor well.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, pop a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm it in an oven at 300°F for 5–7 minutes. You’ll get that fresh-baked feel all over again, especially if you add a little butter or syrup on top.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While I recommend Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for their balance of tartness and sweetness, you can use Fuji, Gala, or any apple you like. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples might make the cake taste sweeter, and softer apples could affect texture.
Yes, the combination helps the cake rise properly while keeping a tender crumb. Baking soda reacts with the acidic applesauce to give a nice lift, while baking powder adds extra leavening for a light texture.
You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use a non-dairy buttermilk alternative like almond milk mixed with lemon juice. The texture and flavor will still be lovely, though slightly different.
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. The top should be golden brown but not burnt. If it gets too dark too quickly, tent with foil and continue baking.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe is one of those timeless treats that reminds me why I love baking so much—its blend of simple ingredients, inviting aromas, and comforting flavors is just unbeatable. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes a beloved part of your own kitchen story.
Print
Apple Spice Cake with Fresh Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist and flavorful Apple Spice Cake featuring warm spices and a double dose of apple goodness, perfect for an autumn dessert or cozy treat. This cake combines grated apples and applesauce for a tender texture and is topped optionally 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 recommended)
- 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 Fahrenheit. Grease a 9x13 inch metal pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well mixed. Set this aside.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and sugar with a hand mixer or paddle attachment for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture is light, fluffy, and thoroughly combined.
- Finish Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the applesauce until fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients, Then The Apples: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Fold in the grated or diced apples evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth 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 browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil during the last few minutes of baking. Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack.
- Serve & Store: Slice and serve the cake topped with buttermilk syrup, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or your favorite cream cheese frosting. Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days, or keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Notes
- This recipe uses both grated apples and applesauce to create a moist and flavorful cake with lovely texture.
- Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples work best to provide a tart contrast to the sweetness.
- To keep the cake from getting too dark, tent with foil if needed during the last minutes of baking.
- You can substitute gluten-free flour to make this cake gluten-free.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
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: 3.0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 1.4 g
- Protein: 2.9 g
- Cholesterol: 41.1 mg
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