Delicious Apple Cake with Warm Spices and Nuts Recipe
Introduction
This apple cake is a cozy, moist dessert bursting with warm spices and fresh apple flavor. Perfect for fall gatherings or any time you crave a comforting treat, it’s easy to make and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 3 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or a bundt pan to prepare for baking.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 4: Mix in the sour cream or Greek yogurt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Step 5: Fold in the diced apples and, if using, the chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before removing. Dust with powdered sugar or add cream cheese frosting if desired before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples to add depth of flavor and a nice balance in sweetness.
- For a nut-free option, simply leave out the walnuts or pecans without substituting.
- Try adding a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for extra texture and sweetness.
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and added fiber.
Storage
Store the apple cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to three months. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this cake?
Yes, you can use any apples you prefer, but tart varieties like Granny Smith balance the sweetness well. Sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp also work nicely for a milder tang.
Is it necessary to use sour cream or Greek yogurt?
Sour cream or Greek yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang that enriches the cake’s texture and flavor. You can substitute with buttermilk or even plain yogurt if you prefer.
PrintDelicious Apple Cake with Warm Spices and Nuts Recipe
This moist and flavorful Apple Cake is perfect for showcasing the natural sweetness and texture of fresh apples. Featuring warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, a tender crumb from sour cream or Greek yogurt, and an optional crunch from walnuts or pecans, this cake is ideal for dessert or a cozy afternoon treat. It bakes to golden perfection and can be lightly dusted with powdered sugar or topped with cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
Additional Ingredients
- 3 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Batter: Mix the sour cream or Greek yogurt into the butter-sugar-egg mixture until well incorporated. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture and stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make the cake dense. Fold in the peeled and diced apples and, if using, the chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, you can dust it lightly with powdered sugar or add a cream cheese frosting topping if desired before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier taste and added moisture.
- Choose tart apple varieties like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the cake.
- Folding in the apples and nuts gently keeps the cake tender and prevents the fruit from sinking.
- The cake is best served at room temperature and can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter.
Keywords: apple cake, spiced apple cake, fall dessert, cinnamon apple cake, homemade apple cake, apple nut cake
