This Apple Spice Cake is tender, moist, and filled with the warm, comforting flavors of fall. Finely grated apples are folded into a rich, spiced batter with cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, creating a soft and flavorful cake. The cake is topped with a creamy, smooth whipped cream cheese frosting and a dusting of cinnamon for the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. Finished with a layer of caramelized sugar on top for added texture, this cake is a delightful dessert for autumn gatherings or a cozy afternoon treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it combines the familiar comfort of spiced cake with the freshness of apples. The finely grated apples add moisture and flavor, while the mix of spices gives the cake a warm, nostalgic feel. The whipped cream cheese frosting adds a layer of tangy sweetness, making it the perfect complement to the spiced cake. This cake is simple to make but feels special enough for celebrations. The caramelized sugar topping gives each bite a satisfying crunch, balancing the soft texture of the cake and the creamy frosting. It’s an ideal dessert for fall, whether you’re sharing it with family or treating yourself.
Perfect Occasion
This apple spice cake is perfect for fall and winter occasions, such as Thanksgiving, Halloween parties, or family get-togethers. It’s an excellent choice for a dessert table or as a comforting treat to enjoy with a warm drink on a chilly day. Its combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it’s easy to prepare in advance, making it great for holiday baking or weekend brunch. The cake’s rustic charm also makes it a thoughtful homemade gift, wrapped up with a festive bow for the season.
Decoration Tips
For an extra festive touch, after frosting the cake, you can sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar over the top to enhance the cake’s appearance. Swirling the frosting with an offset spatula adds a beautiful, textured finish, while a few apple slices or edible flowers can elevate the presentation even further. You could also drizzle some caramel sauce over the top for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal. If you’re serving this cake for a special occasion, adding chopped toasted nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, can provide both crunch and a decorative finish.
For the Cake:
- 2 cups finely grated apples (with the peel)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar (plus an additional ¼ cup for topping)
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ cup applesauce
- ⅔ cup vegetable oil
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
For the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz (227g) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup heavy cream, cold
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- ⅓ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Grate the Apples: Wash and dry the apples, then grate them using the smaller holes of a box grater, keeping the peel on. Set aside.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated apples, sour cream, vegetable oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, applesauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, eggs, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and baking soda. Gradually sift the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until fully incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared 9x9 inch pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Evenly sprinkle the reserved ¼ cup of granulated sugar over the top of the batter to create a crunchy sugar layer. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour.
- Make the Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, whip the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract using an electric hand mixer until stiff peaks form. Add the softened cream cheese and mix until smooth and creamy.
- Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, spread the whipped cream cheese frosting over the top. Use an offset spatula to create decorative swirls on the surface. Lightly sprinkle some cinnamon over the frosting for an extra touch of spice.
Storage:
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in parchment paper and foil for up to a month. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Enjoy this delicious apple spice cake with its tender crumb, rich cream cheese frosting, and perfect fall flavors!