Apple Spice Cake Recipe

🍏 Apple Spice Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground nutmeg

• ½ tsp ground allspice

• ¼ tsp ground cloves

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil

• 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar

• ½ cup (100 g) white sugar

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp vinegar)

• 2 cups (about 2 medium) apples, peeled and finely chopped (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)

• ½ cup (50 g) chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting:

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 3 cups (360 g) powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1–2 tbsp milk (if needed for consistency)

🧑‍🍳 Instructions:

Step 1: Prep

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Grease and line an 8×8-inch square pan or a 9-inch round pan with parchment paper.

Step 2: Dry Ingredients

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Wet Ingredients

4. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, oil, brown sugar, and white sugar until light and fluffy.

5. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.

6. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine

7. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in 2–3 additions, alternating with buttermilk. Mix gently until just combined (do not overmix).

8. Fold in chopped apples and nuts.

Step 5: Bake

9. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

10. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

11. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

Step 6: Frosting

12. Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy.

13. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat until fluffy.

14. If needed, add a splash of milk for a smoother consistency.

15. Spread evenly over the cooled cake.

Step 7: Garnish & Serve

16. Sprinkle extra cinnamon or chopped nuts on top.

17. Slice and enjoy your moist, spiced apple cake!

❓ Q&A Section

Q1: Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?
A: Yes! Replace 1 cup of chopped apples with ¾ cup unsweetened applesauce. It will make the cake softer and slightly more moist.

Q2: What’s the best apple variety for baking?
A: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples are best because they hold shape and balance the sweetness with a bit of tartness.

Q3: Can I make this cake without eggs?
A: Yes! Replace each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water (per egg).

Q4: How to store Apple Spice Cake?
A:

• At room temperature (without frosting): up to 2 days in an airtight container.

• Refrigerated (with frosting): up to 5 days.

• Freeze (unfrosted slices): up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Q5: Can I make it in a Bundt pan?
A: Yes, you can bake it in a greased Bundt pan. Increase bake time to 45–50 minutes.

Q6: How to make the cake more moist?
A:

• Use oil along with butter.

• Don’t overmix the batter.

• Do not overbake.

• Add 2–3 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra moisture.

Q7: Can I skip the frosting?
A: Yes, it’s delicious on its own. You can simply dust it with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel sauce.