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Looking for a foolproof apple spice cake recipe that’s both delicious and easy to prepare? This comprehensive guide will show you step-by-step how to make a moist cake with warm spices, perfect for any gathering. Expect tips on ingredients, instructions, and even variations to suit your taste.
Why You'll Love This Apple Spice Cake
Imagine biting into a slice of moist, flavorful apple spice cake, where every mouthful is infused with the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg. This cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that transports you to a cozy autumn day. The rich apple flavor, enhanced by the perfect blend of warm spices, makes it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
A highlight of this apple spice cake is its simple preparation process. With a short prep time and simple steps, even novice bakers can achieve impressive results. It’s an ideal choice for:
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family gatherings
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office parties
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neighborhood potlucks
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as a delightful twist on the classic Jewish apple cake recipe, perfect for Rosh Hashanah dessert.
This apple spice cake, whether served as a centerpiece at a festive event or enjoyed with a cup of tea on a quiet afternoon, is bound to impress. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe that you’ll love to bake and share with loved ones time and time again.
Ingredients You Need
Creating this mouthwatering apple spice cake involves blending dry and wet ingredients to form a perfectly moist cake. For the dry ingredients, gather:
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All-purpose flour
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Spices (ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground allspice, and ground nutmeg)
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Baking powder
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Baking soda
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Coconut sugar
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A pinch of salt
These form the foundation of the cake’s delicious texture and flavor.
Next, you’ll need:
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Orange juice
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Whiskey (optional)
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Coconut oil
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Coffee
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Bee Inspired Honey
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Eggs
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Vanilla extract
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Fresh apples
Choose a few tart apples and chop them into small pieces to add that signature apple goodness to your cake.
Honey is essential for an extra touch of sweetness and moisture. With these ingredients at hand, your baking journey begins, leading to a fresh apple cake that will be adored by all.
How to Make a Delicious Apple Spice Cake
Step 1: Prep Work
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking when you are. Prepare your desired pan by spraying only the bottom with cooking spray or lining it with lightly greased parchment paper. For this recipe, we used an angel food pan, but you can also opt for a tube cake pan or loaf pans.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Begin by making the batter:
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Peel and core your apples, then cut them into 1/2 inch pieces.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices until well combined. This will ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients in the batter.
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In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs and add vanilla, orange juice, and whiskey.
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Combine coconut oil, coffee, and honey in a pyrex measuring cup, ensuring the coconut oil and coffee are warm for easier mixing.
With an electric mixer on slow speed, combine the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients bowl until you achieve a thick, smooth batter. The consistency should be comparable to peanut butter.
Step 3: Assemble
To assemble the cake:
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Spoon the batter into your prepared pan to about the halfway point.
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Add a single layer of the apple mixture.
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Add more batter just shy of the top of the pan.
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Add another layer of apple mixture on top of the batter.
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Tent the top with foil to prevent burning.
Step 4: Bake
Place the cake pan on two baking sheets stacked together to bake. Depending on your pan type, baking times will vary: 60-70 minutes for angel and tube cake pans, 45-55 minutes for loaf cake pans, and 40-45 minutes for sheet cake pans. Once baked, let the cake stand for 15 minutes, then remove it from the pan and place it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Perfect Cinnamon Glaze
A smooth and flavorful cinnamon glaze is the secret to elevating your apple spice cake to the next level. We don't have a recipe for this one, we just measure with our hearts!
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Combine powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, plant milk (try our homemade almond milk), honey, and a pinch of salt to taste.
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Mix until smooth and well combined.
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Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
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Let the glaze set before serving.
The powdered sugar stabilizes and thickens the glaze, ensuring it doesn’t soak into the cake or roll off. To add a richer flavor, you can also consider using brown sugar.
Ground cinnamon adds a sweet hint of spice that perfectly complements the cake’s warm flavors. Vanilla extract balances the sweetness, while a small pinch of salt enhances all the flavors without overpowering the glaze. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl first, then pour the wet ingredients over them and whisk until smooth.
Upon cooling of the layer cake, a drizzle of the galze over it gives it a beautiful finish. This step not only adds visual appeal but also infuses the cake with an extra layer of sweetness and spice, making it a truly delicious dessert.
All of our honey at Bee Inspired is Star K certified kosher, making it suitable for Jewish dietary laws.
Tips for Baking Success
A few expert tips are required to achieve the perfect apple spice cake. First and foremost, proper flour measurement is crucial. The number one reason cakes turn out dry is due to incorrect measurement. This can result in an undesirable texture and affect the overall taste of the cake. Use a measuring cup to ensure you don’t add too much flour, which can throw off the balance of ingredients.
The batter for this recipe is known for being super-thick, resulting in a moist cake. Here are some tips for making the best apple cake:
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Cooking the diced apples before incorporating them into the batter can result in a subtler apple flavor.
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Grated apples blend well and lend more moisture to the cake.
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Honey adds moisture and tends to brown faster than regular sugar. This recipe is already adjusted for baking with honey, so just keep an eye on it to be sure it doesn't burn while baking.
Following these tips guarantees a perfectly moist and flavorful apple spice cake every time. Remember, attention to detail in the preparation process can make all the difference in your baking success.
Storing Your Apple Spice Cake
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and deliciousness of your apple spice cake. If the temperature is below 70°F, your cake can last at room temperature for up to two days. Store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to one week. Ensure it’s in an airtight container or well-covered with plastic wrap to maintain its moisture. If you prefer to freeze your cake, double wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. An unfrosted apple spice cake can be stored in the freezer for up to four months.
For frosted cakes, ensure they are frozen until firm before tightly wrapping in plastic wrap and a subsequent layer of aluminum foil. This method ensures your cake stays fresh and ready to enjoy whenever you crave a slice of this delicious dessert.
Our Honey Lollipops are OU Kosher Certified. Whether you use our honey as a gift or in Rosh Hashanah food, your guests will love it!
Delicious Variations
For those who love experimenting in the kitchen, these creative variations on the classic apple spice cake recipe will be a delight. Adding chopped walnuts to the batter introduces a delightful crunch to every bite of the delicious apple spice cake. Alternatively, topping the spice cake with sliced almonds adds both crunch and flavor.
Using a mix of apple types can add textural variety to the cake. For instance, combining grated fresh apple and applesauce intensifies the apple taste, while apple butter heightens the overall apple flavor. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, experiment with gluten-free flour to make a version that everyone can enjoy.
For a fun twist, chocolate chips can be used as a substitute for apples in the cake, creating a deliciously unexpected variation. Don’t hesitate to try different types of honey as well, which can subtly change the flavor profile of the cake. These variations ensure you’ll never get bored with this versatile recipe.
Can I Make This Cake Ahead?
Indeed! Preparing the apple spice cake in advance often results in better taste after a few hours, as it allows the flavors to meld together. If you’re planning ahead, the cake layers can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours before frosting.
For longer storage, wrap the cake layers in plastic wrap and keep them at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze them for up to two months. When you’re ready to serve, let the frozen cake thaw overnight in the refrigerator before bringing it to room temperature. This flexibility makes it easy to plan and prepare for any event.
Another great gift for Rosh Hashanah includes our Organic Plastic-Free Honey Lip Balm! When you purchase a set of 12, you automatically save 30%!
Best Apples for Apple Spice Cake
The choice of apples is crucial in making the best apple spice cake. Granny Smith apples and Honeycrisp apples are top choices due to their balance of sweetness and tartness, as well as their ability to maintain texture during baking. These apples ensure that your cake has the right balance of flavors and a lovely texture.
Some excellent options for apples to use in your apple spice cake are:
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Braeburn
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Pink Lady
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Gala
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Fuji
Braeburn and Pink Lady apples are also excellent options because they maintain texture and don’t become mushy when baked. For those who prefer a sweeter cake, Gala and Fuji apples can be used to achieve that desired sweetness. A mix of sweet, tart, crisp, and soft apples is key to achieving a diverse texture and flavor in your apple spice cake.
Selecting the best apples enhances the overall taste and enjoyment of your cake, guaranteeing a burst of apple goodness in every bite.
Apple Spice and Everything Nice
In summary, this apple spice cake recipe is a delightful blend of moist cake, rich apple flavor, and warm spices. It’s easy to prepare, versatile for various occasions, and can be customized with different ingredients and variations. Whether you’re celebrating a special event, preparing for Rosh Hashanah dinner, or enjoying a cozy afternoon treat, this cake is sure to impress.
We hope this guide has inspired you to try your hand at baking the best apple spice cake. With the detailed instructions, tips, and variations provided, you’re well-equipped to create a delicious dessert that will be a hit with family and friends. Happy baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples in the apple spice cake?
Absolutely! Using a mix of apple types can add more texture and flavor to your apple spice cake. Enjoy!
How should I store the apple spice cake to keep it fresh?
To keep your apple spice cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze it for up to four months. Enjoy!
Can I prepare the apple spice cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple spice cake ahead of time by making the cake layers and storing them at room temperature for up to two days, or freezing them for up to two months.
What is the best method to prevent the apples on top from burning?
To prevent the apples on top from burning, tent the top of the cake with foil during baking. This helps to protect the apples from getting too brown.
Can I make a gluten-free version of the apple spice cake?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of the apple spice cake by using gluten-free flour as a substitute.
