Introduction
Apple Cake is a classic dessert, perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or cozy occasions. This moist, spiced cake, studded with tender apple pieces and warm cinnamon flavors, delivers a comforting balance of sweetness and spice in every bite. Presented on a white ceramic cake stand or platter, optionally garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar or fresh apple slices, this Apple Cake recipe offers a warm, appetizing aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a traditional version, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a hearty, crowd-pleasing dessert that brings homestyle, autumnal charm to any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Apple Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground allspice
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups peeled, diced apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, about 2 medium apples)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For Serving:
- Optional: Powdered sugar, fresh apple slices
- Suggested Accompaniments: Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream
- Suggested Pairings: Hot coffee, spiced chai
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic cake stand or platter
- Suggested Equipment: 9-inch round cake pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer, spatula, peeler, knife, cutting board, measuring cups/spoons
Step-by-Step Process
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment paper.
- Prepare Apples: Toss diced apples with lemon juice in a small bowl to prevent browning; set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- Make Batter: In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla and sour cream. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in diced apples. Taste a small bit of batter (safe, as it contains raw eggs; use caution) and adjust with a pinch of cinnamon or sugar for balanced flavor.
- Bake Cake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Place Apple Cake on a white ceramic cake stand or platter. Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh apple slices. Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, hot coffee, or spiced chai.
Tips for Better Apple Cake
- Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Taste the batter before baking to balance sweet, spiced flavors; adjust cautiously.
- Dice apples uniformly (about 1/4-inch pieces) for even distribution in the cake.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- Present on a white ceramic cake stand or platter to highlight the golden cake and garnishes.
- Make ahead: Bake the cake up to 1 day in advance; store at room temperature, wrapped tightly, and garnish before serving.
- For a shiny finish, brush the cooled cake with warm apricot jam before dusting with powdered sugar.
- Enhance aesthetic: Garnish with powdered sugar or fresh apple slices on a white ceramic stand for a warm, autumnal look.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Apple Cake: Replace flour with a gluten-free flour blend; ensure baking powder is gluten-free.
- Vegan Apple Cake: Use 1/2 cup coconut oil instead of butter, replace eggs with 1/2 cup applesauce, and use plant-based sour cream.
- Low-Sugar Apple Cake: Reduce granulated sugar to 3/4 cup and brown sugar to 1/4 cup; use unsweetened applesauce for moisture.
- Spiced Rum Apple Cake: Add 2 tbsp dark rum to the batter and 1/4 tsp ground cloves for a deeper flavor.
- Apple Walnut Cake: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts with the apples for added crunch.
- Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle with 1/4 cup caramel sauce before serving for extra sweetness.
- Mini Apple Cakes: Bake in a muffin tin for individual servings; reduce baking time to 20–25 minutes.
- Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cake: Top with a streusel made of 1/4 cup flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp butter, and 1 tsp cinnamon before baking.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Freeze the cake (ungarnished) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature and garnish before serving.
- Serve at room temperature or slightly warm for the best flavor and moist texture.
- Use as a dessert for festive or casual occasions.
- Pair with hot coffee or spiced chai to complement the warm, spiced flavors.
- Present on a white ceramic cake stand or platter with garnishes for an appetizing, homestyle charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 12 servings:
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 4g
- Vitamin A: 8% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 6% Daily Value
- Calcium: 6% Daily Value
- Iron: 8% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (low-sugar options reduce sugars to ~15g). Moderate in sugars; enjoy with fruit or cream for balance.
Conclusion
This Apple Cake recipe delivers a moist, spiced dessert perfect for any occasion. It transforms simple ingredients into a comforting classic. Its straightforward preparation and warm presentation make it a favorite. The tender apples and cinnamon-spiced cake delight with every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing appeal.
Apple Cake Recipe: Moist and Spiced
Classic Apple Cake with moist, spiced flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups peeled diced apples
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Optional: Powdered sugar fresh apple slices
- Suggested Pairings: Hot coffee whipped cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F; grease a 9-inch round pan.
- Toss apples with lemon juice.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, soda, spices, and salt.
- Beat butter, sugars; add eggs, vanilla, sour cream; mix in dry ingredients, apples; taste and adjust.
- Bake 40–45 min; cool 10 min, transfer to rack.
- Serve on a white ceramic stand with powdered sugar, apple slices, coffee, and cream.
Notes
- Use tart apples for balance.
- Store at room temp for 2 days, fridge for 5 days, or freeze for 2 months.
- Try gluten-free or caramel variation.
- Pair with chai.
