Traditional Apple Spice Cake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 45 min
🍽 Serves: 10
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

If you’re craving a cozy, fall-inspired treat, this Traditional Apple Spice Cake is your go-to. Packed with warm spices and tender chunks of apple, it’s a delightful way to embrace the season.

Ingredients for Traditional Apple Spice Cake

All-purpose flour forms the structure of the cake, giving it the right amount of density. Baking powder and baking soda are both used to help the cake rise and achieve that perfect light texture. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, while cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves combine to create a warm, aromatic spice blend. Butter adds richness and moisture, and both granulated sugar and light brown sugar sweeten the cake and add depth. The eggs bind everything together, and a splash of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors. Buttermilk contributes to the cake's tenderness, and the star of the show, apples, bring in texture and natural sweetness. Finally, walnuts add a delightful crunch.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use room temperature eggs and butter for a more homogenous batter.
  • For the best apple flavor, choose a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
  • Toast the walnuts beforehand to heighten their flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This cake pairs beautifully with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an added touch, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top to complement the apple and spice flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of nut?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds would also work well in this recipe.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No worries, you can make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How should I store the cake?
Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Traditional Apple Spice Cake Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and make sure to grease a 9-inch round cake pan thoroughly. A good tip here is to use a piece of parchment paper at the bottom for an easy release later.

In a medium bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This ensures they’re well combined and ready to incorporate smoothly into your batter.

In a large bowl, cream the butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Once it’s creamy, beat in the eggs one by one, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to complete this wet mixture.

Now, gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients to ensure everything blends well, but take care not to overmix. Just combine until the batter is smooth.

Fold in the diced apples and chopped walnuts gently. Overmixing here can make your cake dense, so a gentle hand is key. Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Bake the cake in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly spiced for a warm, autumnal flavor.
  • Moist and tender texture thanks to fresh apples and buttermilk.
  • Simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
  • Easy-to-follow steps make it a great bake for any skill level.

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
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 cups peeled and diced 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, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in the diced apples and walnuts.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!