Cinnamon Apple Spice Cake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Cinnamon Apple Spice Cake is the perfect way to celebrate fall flavors with a warm, cozy dessert. Packed with fresh apples, aromatic spices, and a hint of nutty crunch, this cake is an irresistible treat that's sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Apple Spice Cake

All-purpose flour provides the necessary structure for the cake, creating a tender crumb. Baking powder and baking soda work together to ensure a nice rise, while a bit of salt balances the sweetness. The ground cinnamon and nutmeg are the stars of the show, infusing the cake with warm, autumnal spice.

Unsalted butter adds richness and moisture, helping to carry the flavors. Granulated sugar and brown sugar not only sweeten the cake but also contribute to its moist texture. Eggs bind everything together and add a bit of lift. Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile.

Buttermilk keeps the cake tender and provides a subtle tang that complements the spices. The apples bring natural sweetness and moisture, while walnuts offer a pleasant crunch and a hint of earthiness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
  • If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to half a cup of milk.
  • For an extra layer of flavor, try toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a simple glaze, mix powdered sugar with a bit of apple cider and drizzle it over the cooled cake.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?
Yes, pecans or almonds would work well as substitutes.
How should I store the cake?
Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer storage.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can try using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might differ slightly.

Cinnamon Apple Spice Cake Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9-inch round cake pan. This ensures your cake will bake evenly and release easily from the pan once it's done.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the cake.

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which will contribute to a tender cake texture.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

Now, alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the flour. This method helps maintain a smooth batter without overmixing it.

Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts, ensuring they're evenly distributed. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top.

Place the cake in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg with fresh apples.
  • Easy to make with straightforward steps and common ingredients.
  • Perfect balance of sweetness and spice, with a delightful texture from walnuts.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cups peeled and chopped apples
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, cream the butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
6. Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

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