Gingerbread Spiced Apple Cake

Name: Gingerbread Spiced Apple Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp ground cloves; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped; 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 1/2 cup molasses; 1/2 cup buttermilk; For the frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 3 cups powdered sugar; 1 tsp vanilla extract

🕒 Prep: 20 min

🔥 Cook: 40 min

🍽 Serves: 12

★★★★★

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This Gingerbread Spiced Apple Cake brings together the warm, cozy spices of gingerbread with the comforting sweetness of apples. It's a perfect treat for chilly days and makes your kitchen smell like a holiday wonderland!

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Ingredients for Gingerbread Spiced Apple Cake

The base of this cake is rich with unsalted butter, which adds both flavor and moisture. Using granulated sugar helps balance the spices and adds sweetness. Eggs provide structure, while vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. The all-purpose flour is the backbone, with baking powder and baking soda ensuring the cake rises perfectly. A mix of spices — cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg — creates that beloved gingerbread warmth. Fresh apples add a touch of natural sweetness and juiciness, while walnuts offer a delightful crunch. Finally, molasses contributes a deep, rich flavor, and buttermilk keeps the cake tender and soft.

Tips & Tricks

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter and better texture.
If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar to 1 1/4 cups.
Make sure the cake is completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting.
Chop the apples into small, even pieces for better distribution in the cake.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of cider or chai tea. For a more decadent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It's also great for brunch spreads, alongside fresh fruit and coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?: Yes, this cake stays moist for several days. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze this cake?: Absolutely! Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
What can I use instead of walnuts?: Pecans or almonds work well, or you can omit the nuts entirely if you prefer.

Gingerbread Spiced Apple Cake Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out in one beautiful piece. In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until they’re light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Add the eggs, one by one, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. Gradually add this dry mixture to your creamed butter mixture, alternating with the molasses and buttermilk. Be gentle and mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.

Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts carefully. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. For the frosting, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, mixing until creamy. Once your cake is fully cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Combines classic holiday spices with fresh apples for a unique flavor.
Moist and tender crumb that stays delicious for days.
Easy to prepare with simple steps and minimal fuss.
Ideal for sharing during family gatherings or festive occasions.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking powder

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp ground cloves

1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

2 medium apples, peeled and chopped

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

1/2 cup molasses

1/2 cup buttermilk

For the frosting: 8 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

2. In a bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with molasses and buttermilk. Mix until just combined.

5. Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.

7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until creamy.

10. Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top.

11. Slice and serve with a hot cup of cider.

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