Apple Pie Cake: A Perfect Blend of Spice, Sweetness, and Comfort

This Apple Pie Cake is a delightful fusion of a classic apple pie and a moist, spiced cake. The two layers of spice-infused sponge cake are filled with a rich apple pie filling and topped with a velvety cinnamon buttercream frosting. Each bite offers the warmth of cinnamon, the sweetness of caramelized apples, and the perfect balance of buttercream richness. It’s an ideal cake for anyone who loves the flavors of fall, but it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe: You’ll fall in love with this Apple Pie Cake for its irresistible combination of flavors and textures. The spice sponge cake is light and moist, providing the perfect base for the tender, cinnamon-spiced apple filling. The buttercream frosting, whipped to a fluffy and creamy perfection, adds a smooth sweetness that complements the tartness of the apples. Whether you’re an apple lover or simply a fan of cozy, comforting desserts, this cake will bring you back for seconds. It’s a showstopper at any gathering, sure to impress with its stunning layers and homely, comforting flavors.

Perfect Occasion: This cake is perfect for any festive occasion, from holiday dinners to family birthdays. Its warm, spiced flavors make it a fantastic choice for fall and winter celebrations, especially Thanksgiving or Christmas. However, it’s just as delicious as a centerpiece for an afternoon tea, a weekend baking project, or a dessert for a special dinner party. With its stunning layers and caramel apple decorations, this Apple Pie Cake is sure to wow your guests and make any occasion feel special.

Decoration Tips: To make your Apple Pie Cake even more eye-catching, consider adding some beautifully caramelized apple slices on top. You can also sprinkle a baked crumble over the frosting for a bit of extra texture and crunch. A generous drizzle of caramel sauce cascading down the sides of the cake will give it a gourmet finish. For an added touch of elegance, serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Garnishing with a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar adds a final hint of warmth and sweetness.

Apple Pie Filling:

• 2-3 medium-sized apples, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 50g (1/4 cup) light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Instructions for the Apple Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts to bubble.
2. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch to the pan, stirring to coat the apples evenly. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, or until the apples are halfway tender.
3. Once the mixture starts to bubble, remove from heat. Stir in the maple syrup, and transfer the filling to a container. Allow it to cool completely before using in the cake.

Spice Sponge Cake:

• 300ml (1 1/4 cups) milk (any milk of choice)
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 70g (1/3 cup) light brown sugar
• 165g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar (cane or caster)
• 90ml (1/3 cup) vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
• 15g (2 tablespoons) cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 225g (1 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions for the Sponge Cake:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine the milk and vinegar, allowing it to sit for a few minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.
3. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, and vanilla extract to the milk mixture, whisking until the sugar dissolves.
4. Sift the flour, cinnamon, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into the wet mixture. Stir until smooth and combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cakes are firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Once baked, allow the cakes to cool on a wire rack. Trim the tops if needed to ensure an even layer when assembling.

Cinnamon Buttercream Frosting:

• 227g (1 cup) butter (any butter of choice)
• 2-3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 90g (3/4 cup) powdered sugar, sifted
• 55ml (1/4 cup) whipping cream (any cream of choice)

Instructions for the Frosting:

1. In a mixing bowl, whip the butter and powdered sugar with an electric mixer for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.
2. Add the cream, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Whip the mixture again until smooth and creamy.

Assembling the Cake:

1. Place the first layer of the cooled cake on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of buttercream frosting over the surface.
2. Spoon a thick layer of the apple pie filling on top of the frosting, making sure to spread it evenly across the cake.
3. Place the second cake layer on top and apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the entire cake. Let it chill for 10-15 minutes to set.
4. Once set, frost the entire cake with a thicker layer of buttercream. Smooth the top and sides with a spatula.
5. Decorate the cake with caramelized apples, a sprinkle of baked crumble, and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Enjoy!