Easy Homemade Apple Spice Cake Recipe: Moist and Fluffy
Do you love the smell of cinnamon and sweet apples filling up your kitchen? This apple spice cake is the perfect treat to make with your family! It is soft, fluffy, and filled with juicy pieces of fruit that taste like a warm hug. Even if you have never baked a cake before, these easy steps will help you make a dessert that everyone will want to eat. Grab your apron and get ready to bake something delicious!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional, but it really makes it cozy)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or yogurt
- 1 ½ cups peeled, chopped fresh apples (about 2 medium apples)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, my kids usually skip the nuts)
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set this aside while you work on the wet ingredients.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until it’s light and fluffy. This takes a few minutes, but trust me, it makes the cake so soft. Then add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Add Sour Cream
Stir in the sour cream (or yogurt). It might look a little messy at first but keep mixing until smooth.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t overmix, you just want everything combined. Overmixing can make the cake tough, and no one wants that.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Now add the chopped apples and nuts if you’re using them. Fold gently so the apples don’t break apart too much.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. The kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. If your kids are like mine, they probably will not wait that long. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. A little powdered sugar or whipped cream on top is nice, but totally optional.
3 Potential “Fail Points” to Watch For
1. The “Wet” Apple Problem
- The Risk: If you use very juicy apples (like McIntosh or very ripe Red Delicious), they can release too much water during baking, creating “soggy pockets” or a gummy texture around the fruit.
- The Fix: Use firm, tart baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. They hold their shape and don’t turn into mush.
2. Over-mixing the Flour
- The Risk: In Step 5, if you use an electric mixer on high speed once the flour is added, you will develop gluten. This turns a light, fluffy cake into something rubbery and tough.
- The Fix: Fold the flour in by hand using a spatula, or use the lowest speed on your mixer just until no white streaks remain.
3. The “Center Sink”
- The Risk: A 9×13 pan is quite large. If the oven temperature is slightly off or if the door is opened too early to check, the middle of the cake may collapse because it hasn’t set.
- The Fix: Do not open the oven door until at least 35 minutes have passed. Use the toothpick test specifically in the very center of the pan.
Quick Professional Tip
If you want to ensure the apples stay distributed and don’t sink to the bottom of the pan, toss your chopped apples in 1 tablespoon of the flour (taken from the 2 cups) before folding them into the batter. This “tackiness” helps them grip the batter.
FAQs About Apple Spice Cake
Can I use any type of apple for this cake?
Yes, you can! I usually go with Fuji or Honeycrisp because they stay soft but still have a little bite. But really, any fresh apples you have on hand will work.
Can I make this cake without nuts?
Absolutely. My kids usually skip the nuts, and it’s still super delicious. The nuts are just optional for a little crunch.
How do I store leftover cake?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days. If it lasts that long in your house, which mine never does, it can also go in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake it the night before and serve it the next day. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to settle.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yep, just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp before serving.
Apple Spice Cake Recipe Card
Apple Spice Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
- Stir in sour cream until smooth.
- Gradually fold in dry ingredients until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Add chopped apples and nuts if using. Fold gently.
- Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth the top. Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes, then slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature. Optional: top with powdered sugar or whipped cream.
Notes
Serving Tips:
- Sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top for a cute look.
- Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for maximum cozy vibes.
- Perfect with a hot cup of tea or coffee
Pro Tips:
- Use crisp, sweet-tart apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
- If you like it extra moist, add ¼ cup applesauce to the batter.
- Can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days (if it lasts that long)
This apple spice cake is sure to be a big hit in your home. It is simple to make and tastes even better with a big glass of milk or a scoop of ice cream. Whether you share it with friends or keep it all for your family, every bite is full of cozy autumn flavor. We hope you have a lot of fun baking this yummy treat. Happy eating!
