This Easy Apple Spice Cake is perfect for fall! It’s moist, fluffy, and packed with sweet apples and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. A cozy treat to enjoy anytime!
Baking this cake fills my kitchen with such a lovely scent. Seriously, once you smell it, you can’t wait to have a slice! I love having it warm with a scoop of ice cream.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the cake. Fuji apples are also great if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Don’t have fresh apples? You can use canned pie filling instead.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are crucial for that warm fall flavor. Substitute pumpkin pie spice for a quicker option. If you like it spicy, add the optional ground cloves.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and tang. If you don’t have any, mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. This creates a similar effect!
Oils: I use vegetable oil for its mild flavor and moisture, but canola or melted coconut oil work too. If you prefer, you can substitute melted butter for a richer taste.
How Can I Ensure My Cake Comes Out Moist?
To keep your cake moist and fluffy, don’t overmix your batter once you add the dry ingredients. Mixing it just until everything is combined is key! Also, measuring your flour correctly is important—too much can make the cake dry.
- Use the spoon and level method: spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it with a knife.
- Check your oven temperature with an oven thermometer to ensure you’re baking at the right heat.
Lastly, keep an eye on the baking time. Overbaking can lead to dryness, so remove the cake as soon as a toothpick comes out clean.
Easy Apple Spice Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
Adding Apples:
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Apple Spice Cake will take about 15 minutes to prep and 40-45 minutes to bake. Allow for cooling time, about 15 minutes in the pan and then completely on a wire rack. In total, you’ll be looking at roughly 1 to 1.5 hours, plus any chilling time if you decide to frost it.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal later.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and salt. This will ensure the spices are evenly distributed in your cake.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined—don’t overmix!
5. Add the Apples:
Carefully fold in the diced apples. This adds a wonderful texture and flavor to your cake.
6. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
7. Cooling Time:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. After that, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Serving Suggestions:
Feel free to dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or generously frost it with cream cheese frosting for a sweet treat!
Enjoy your delicious, cozy apple spice cake perfect for the fall season!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Substitute the Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Fuji are great choices, you can also use other varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala. If you have leftover apple pie filling, that works too—just reduce the sugar in your batter slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like it to last longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Make sure to let it cool completely before wrapping or storing.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it at room temperature. You can frost it right before serving to keep it fresh.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness of the Cake?
If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the granulated sugar by 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the texture. Remember, the sweetness can also depend on the type of apples you use, so choose those according to your taste preference!