Apples are like the reliable friend who’s always there for you, no matter the season. They stick around, making their way from orchards to our plates all year long. Americans adore their apples, but so does much of the world. The story of apple spice cake is a bit fuzzy, but the tradition of spiced cake traces back to ancient Egypt. This delightful dessert has traveled across regions like England, Ireland, Poland, and Scandinavia, each adding its own twist to the recipe. Cakes typically include flour, sugar, butter or oil, eggs, apples, spices, and more, depending on the recipe. Ours boasts cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg to wrap you in warm, cozy flavors.
For the cake’s texture, we use cake flour to keep it tender, not tough. Applesauce and apple cider add depth; for a vegan option, swap the egg with more applesauce. Apple cider brings sweetness without extra sugar. Sprinkle powdered sugar and add whipped cream for the ultimate treat.
When it comes to apples, not all are created equal for baking. Some shine in pies while others are better as sauce. For tarts, pies, and cakes, go for robust types like Pink Lady, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp. They’re sweet, tangy, and firm—perfect for baked goods. Pink Lady apples, especially, deliver everything you want in a baked treat: subtly sweet, tart, crunchy, and reliable.
To keep your cake fresh, slice it up, wrap each piece, and store in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for a month.
Apple Spice Cake
Ingredients
- Butter for greasing
- 2 1/2 cups 300 g cake flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup 200 g granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup neutral oil
- 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3/4 cup fresh apple cider
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 Pink Lady apples peeled, cored, finely chopped
- Whipped cream and powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9″x9″ nonstick baking pan with butter.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cake flour, cinnamon, baking powder, allspice, nutmeg, and salt.
- Using an electric mixer, beat egg, sugar, oil, and applesauce until thick and combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, beating until smooth.
- Mix in apple cider and vanilla until just combined.
- Fold in chopped apples, then pour batter into prepared pan.
- Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes.
- Let cool for 30 minutes, then cut into squares. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with whipped cream. Enjoy your delicious apple spice cake!