If you’ve been searching for a lovingly spiced treat that wraps you in warmth with every bite, then this Apple Spice Cake Recipe is exactly what you need in your baking repertoire. Bursting with tender apples and a cozy blend of cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, this cake offers a perfectly moist texture and a rich depth of flavor that feels like fall in dessert form. Each slice is a celebration of comforting spices and the natural sweetness of fresh apples, making it the kind of recipe you’ll reach for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Spice Cake Recipe uses a thoughtfully simple selection of ingredients, each playing a key role in building its delicate texture, enticing aroma, and balanced sweetness. From room-temperature butter that creates tenderness to freshly grated apples that add natural moisture, every component has its moment to shine.

Unsalted butter, 1 cup (226 g), room temperature: Provides richness and moistness while helping to achieve a tender crumb.

Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup (100 g): Adds sweetness and helps create a light texture.
Light brown sugar, 1/2 cup (100 g), packed: Brings a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the spice blend.

Large eggs, 3, room temperature: Bind ingredients together and contribute to structure and fluffiness.
Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Enhances the flavors and adds a subtle aromatic sweetness.

All-purpose flour, 2 cups (250 g), spooned and leveled: Forms the cake’s base, providing structure without heaviness.
Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Leavens the cake for a light and airy finish.
Salt, 1/2 teaspoon: Balances sweetness and intensifies the spice flavors.

Ground cinnamon, 1 1/4 teaspoons: The star spice that brings warmth and richness.
Ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon: Adds a gentle zing beneath the sweetness.
Ground nutmeg, 1/8 teaspoon: Offers a subtle nutty aroma that rounds out the spice blend.

Apple cider, 1/3 cup: Imparts tangy fruitiness and extra moisture that enhances the apple notes.
Fresh apple, peeled and grated, 1/3 cup: The heart of this recipe, providing bursts of apple flavor and natural juice; be sure to dry it between paper towels to avoid excess wetness.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and get your 9 x 5 loaf pan ready by lining it with parchment paper. Make sure the parchment extends beyond the pan edges. This little trick makes removing your flawless cake a breeze once it’s baked and cooled.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Next, in your stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the room temperature butter with the granulated and light brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and smells irresistibly sweet. This usually takes around three minutes—and it’s the key to a tender crumb and melt-in-your-mouth softness!

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

One at a time, add the eggs to your creamy mixture, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract last, mixing just enough to blend it in. The eggs build structure and lift, while the vanilla ties the flavors together beautifully.

Step 4: Whisk Your Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Combining these dry elements evenly prevents clumps and ensures every bite is bursting with well-distributed spice.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients and Apple Cider

Slowly add the dry mixture to the butter and egg mixture, alternating with the apple cider. Start and finish with the dry ingredients for the best consistency. This alternating method helps keep the batter smooth and prevents it from becoming dense.

Step 6: Fold In the Grated Apples

Remove the bowl from your mixer and gently fold in the prepared grated apples using a large spatula. Be gentle here to keep the tender texture intact and to avoid making the batter too wet. Those little apple pieces will shine in every slice!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your lined loaf pan and bake for 55 to 60 minutes on the center rack. Keep an eye out towards the end; if it gets too brown on top, tent the cake loosely with foil. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then gently lift it out by the parchment overhang and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle with a simple cinnamon glaze made by whisking powdered sugar, cinnamon, and cream or milk until smooth. The glaze adds a sweet, creamy finish with a pop of spice.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For extra flair, dust the top with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few thin apple slices that have been lightly caramelized in butter and brown sugar. Chopped walnuts or pecans also add delightful crunch and complement the cake’s spiced sweetness like a dream.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the spice and apple tartness. For a cozy touch, serve alongside a steaming cup of chai tea or cinnamon-spiced coffee to enhance that warm spice profile in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests, slice the cake into petite squares and top each with a spoonful of apple compote or spiced mascarpone cream. Alternatively, layer it as a cake base with thin apple preserves and frosting for a stunning twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover apple spice cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist and flavorful for up to 3 days at room temperature. Storing it properly prevents the spices and apple freshness from fading.

Freezing

You can freeze this cake, either whole or sliced. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. It will maintain its taste and texture beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

For a fresh-from-the-oven taste, warm individual slices gently in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a warm oven wrapped in foil at 300°F for 10 minutes. This will revive the moistness and amplify the enticing aroma again.

FAQs

Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider in this cake?

While apple juice is sweeter and thinner, apple cider adds more depth and a slight tang that’s essential for the balance in this recipe. If you must substitute, reduce added sugar slightly and expect a milder flavor.

Do I need to peel and grate fresh apples for the batter?

Yes! Peeling and grating the apples ensures tender texture and even distribution. Plus, blotting the grated apples with paper towels helps keep the batter from becoming too wet, which is key for the perfect crumb.

Can I make this cake vegan?

With some adjustments like using vegan butter and flax eggs, you can adapt this Apple Spice Cake Recipe; however, the texture and richness may differ slightly. Experimenting with plant-based ingredients can still yield a delightful cake.

What type of flour is best for this recipe?

All-purpose flour is ideal because it offers the right balance of protein for structure and tenderness, making the cake neither too dense nor too crumbly.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this cake?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or dried cranberries make wonderful additions that complement the apple and spices beautifully, adding interesting textures and bursts of flavor.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Apple Spice Cake Recipe enough for anyone who loves cozy, comforting desserts filled with real apple flavor and warm spices. It’s straightforward enough for everyday baking but special enough for sharing with friends and family. Once you try it, I promise it will become one of your go-to favorites for afternoons, holidays, or those moments when you simply want a little taste of homemade happiness.

Apple Spice Cake Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 9 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf cake, about 10–12 servings 1x

Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Apple Spice Cake is a moist, flavorful loaf cake infused with warming spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, fresh grated apple, and apple cider for a tender crumb. Perfect for fall and winter gatherings, it’s topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze that enhances the cake’s spice notes. The cake balances sweetness and spice beautifully, making it a cozy treat for breakfast, dessert, or tea time.

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the cake out later.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light, fluffy, and well combined, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Add Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Scrape the bowl sides occasionally.

Add Vanilla: Mix in the vanilla extract until evenly blended.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg together thoroughly.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Alternately add the dry mixture and apple cider to the butter-egg mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined.

Fold in Apple: Remove the bowl from the mixer and gently fold in the grated apple using a spatula, taking care not to overmix to preserve the cake’s texture.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top. Bake in the center rack for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If the cake starts browning too fast near the end, tent loosely with foil.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Use the parchment overhangs to carefully lift it out onto a wire rack, and cool completely before glazing.

Prepare Cinnamon Glaze: In a medium bowl, sift the powdered sugar. Add 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk and cinnamon. Whisk until smooth and lump-free. Adjust thickness if necessary by adding more powdered sugar (to thicken) or cream/milk (to thin).
Glaze Cake: Drizzle the cinnamon glaze over the cooled cake evenly and allow it to set before serving.

Notes

Grate fresh apple and pat with paper towels to remove excess moisture to prevent a soggy cake.

Use apple cider, not apple juice, to add depth of flavor to the cake.
If cake browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil partway through baking to prevent burning.
Allow cake to cool completely before glazing to avoid melting the glaze.

Store cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter and use a plant-based milk for the glaze.
This cake freezes well—wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert

Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/12 of loaf)

Calories: 280
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg

Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Fiber: 1.5g

Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: apple spice cake, fall dessert, cinnamon cake, loaf cake, apple dessert, spiced cake with glaze