Rustic Spiced Apple Cake

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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This Rustic Spiced Apple Cake is your perfect go-to for fall gatherings or a cozy night in. With a blend of warm spices and tender apples, this cake is both comforting and irresistibly aromatic. It's simple enough for everyday baking yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

Ingredients for Rustic Spiced Apple Cake

The backbone of this cake is all-purpose flour, providing structure and texture. The combination of baking powder and baking soda ensures a light, airy cake with the perfect rise. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice create that classic spiced warmth.

Butter adds richness and flavor, creamed together with granulated sugar for a fluffy base. Eggs give the cake structure and moisture. Vanilla extract subtly enhances the other flavors. Buttermilk provides a slight tang and tender crumb. Fresh apples are the star ingredient, offering moisture and natural sweetness, while walnuts add a pleasant crunch. A topping of brown sugar and melted butter creates a caramel-like finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use room temperature ingredients for easier mixing and better texture.
  • Choose a tart apple variety like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
  • If you don't have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Toast the walnuts beforehand for an extra boost of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy afternoon treat, serve it with a warm mug of spiced cider or a chai latte. If you're feeling indulgent, a drizzle of caramel sauce over the top will take it to the next level.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best, but you can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix if needed.
How do I store leftovers?
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
Pecans or almonds are great alternatives, or you can omit nuts altogether if preferred.

Rustic Spiced Apple Cake Recipe Walkthrough

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly. While that's warming up, grease a 9-inch round cake pan. This little step makes sure your cake comes out smoothly without sticking.

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Mixing these together now ensures even distribution of leavening agents and spices.

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until it's light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 minutes and is key for a nice, tender cake. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra depth of flavor.

Now it's time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the flour mixture to your creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. This helps maintain the batter's smooth texture. Mix until just combined – overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts. You want to distribute them evenly without crushing the apples. Pour your batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.

In a small bowl, blend the brown sugar and melted butter, then drizzle this over your cake batter. This topping will bake into a lovely, slightly crunchy layer.

Bake for 45-50 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, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Combines warm spices with fresh apples for a cozy flavor.
  • Simple preparation with no need for fancy equipment.
  • The perfect balance of sweetness and spice.
  • Moist, tender crumb that stays fresh for days.
  • Versatile enough for breakfast, dessert, or a snack.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the 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, nutmeg, and allspice.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
8. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar and melted butter, then drizzle over the cake batter.
9. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

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