If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, let me introduce you to this Spiced Moist Apple Cake Recipe. It’s a rich celebration of apples, cozy spices, and tender crumb that stays perfectly moist every time. Whether you’re baking for the holidays, a weekend treat, or just because, this cake blends comforting flavors with a texture that practically melts in your mouth. The subtle sweetness from applesauce and fresh apples makes it stand out without being overwhelming, making it a versatile favorite for all ages.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the first step to nailing this Spiced Moist Apple Cake Recipe. Each one is simple yet essential, working together to build layers of flavor, moisture, and that irresistible apple-spiced aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake providing structure and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise nicely for a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and classic apple pie spice notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg: Adds a slightly sweet and nutty depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice: Gives a mild peppery hint that blends beautifully with other spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: A little goes a long way toward spiced richness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds moisture and a velvety crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness that lifts the apple flavor.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Infuses a subtle molasses depth and helps keep the cake moist.
- 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the cake’s overall aroma and sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and keeps the cake tender.
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples: Gives fresh apple bursts and texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds crunch and an earthy contrast to softness.
- Powdered sugar or a simple glaze for topping (optional): For that final pretty and sweet touch.
How to Make Spiced Moist Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). While it warms up, grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans. This little preparation ensures your cake will come out clean and hold its shape beautifully.
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients — flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. Doing this ahead of time guarantees that your spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter, giving every bite that perfect spiced note.
Step 3: Creaming Butter and Sugars
Next, in a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial; it aerates the batter and helps your cake reach that tender, moist texture we love.
Step 4: Adding Eggs and Vanilla
Add in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, which rounds out all the flavors with its sweet, fragrant touch. You’ll notice the batter becoming smoother and silkier.
Step 5: Combining Dry Ingredients and Applesauce
Now, gradually add the dry flour mixture alternately with the applesauce, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently, just until everything is incorporated. This careful blending keeps the cake light while infusing it with delightful moisture thanks to the applesauce.
Step 6: Folding in Fresh Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in the finely chopped apples and the nuts if you’re using them. This step introduces texture and bursts of fresh apple flavor that make this Spiced Moist Apple Cake Recipe stand out.
Step 7: Baking Your Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Place it in the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—your kitchen will be filled with an incredible aroma.
Step 8: Cooling and Topping
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze to add that touch of sweetness and make it visually irresistible.
How to Serve Spiced Moist Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze adds extra charm to your already luscious cake. You can also top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it a perfect afternoon treat. If you want to serve it as part of a dessert spread, fresh fruit or a simple fruit compote complements the spice and apple flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into small squares and serving them on a rustic wooden board for a charming, shareable dessert. You can also layer slices with mascarpone or cream cheese frosting for an elegant apple cake trifle that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the cake’s moistness and keeps it freshly spiced.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Wrap the cake or individual slices well in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture retention.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, heat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. This refreshes the cake’s softness and brings back the delicious aroma.
FAQs
Can I substitute the applesauce with something else?
Yes, you can replace applesauce with mashed bananas or pumpkin puree if you want a different flavor or texture, but keep in mind it will subtly change the cake’s taste and moisture balance.
Do I have to use nuts in this cake?
No, the nuts are optional and purely for texture and a nutty flavor. If you or your guests have allergies or prefer no nuts, simply leave them out and the cake will still be fantastic.
What kind of apples work best?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape and provide a balance to the cake’s sweetness, giving delightful little bursts of fresh apple with every bite.
Is this cake suitable for a crowd?
Absolutely! The recipe’s size and style make it perfect for sharing at family gatherings, potlucks, or celebrations. Its blend of spices and apples appeals to a wide range of tastes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, but make sure it includes xanthan gum or another binder. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will remain delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Moist Apple Cake Recipe truly feels like a slice of cozy comfort wrapped up in a cake. It’s approachable, packed with warm spice, and bursting with fresh apple goodness. I can’t recommend it enough—baking this cake is like inviting a little joy into your kitchen, with a delicious reward waiting at the end. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your dessert rotation!
Print
Spiced Moist Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 55m
- Total Time: 1h 15m
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Spiced Moist Apple Cake is a delightful and fragrant dessert perfect for any occasion. Loaded with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it features tender chopped apples and moist applesauce for a lovely texture. A combination of both granulated and brown sugar, along with chopped nuts, adds depth and crunch. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar or a simple glaze, this cake offers a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and moisture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Powdered sugar or a simple glaze for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, ground allspice, and ground cloves until evenly combined for balanced spicing.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor enhancement.
- Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet: Alternately add the flour mixture and applesauce to the creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped apples and, if using, the chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
- Pour Batter and Smooth: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s) and smooth the top evenly using a spatula for uniform baking.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Decorate and Serve: Once fully cooled, dust the cake with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze if desired to add a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.
- Chopped nuts are optional but provide a pleasant crunch; walnuts or pecans work best.
- Ensure applesauce is unsweetened to control the overall sweetness of the cake.
- Measure flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off for best results.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- This cake freezes well; wrap tightly and thaw before serving.
