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Apple Spice Cake

This Apple Spice Cake is a moist, tender homemade cake filled with fresh apples and warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Made with simple pantry ingredients, applesauce, and chopped apples, this cozy dessert is perfect for autumn gatherings, afternoon snacks, or holiday celebrations. If you love fall cake flavors and easy spice cake recipes, this delicious apple cake is a must-try.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 10 slices
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup milk
  • 2 cups peeled and chopped apples
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour for tossing with the apples
  • Optional Topping
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • Cream cheese frosting as desired

Method
 

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan or an 8-inch square baking pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper if desired.
  2. Prepare the Apples: Peel and chop the apples into small, evenly sized pieces. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of flour in a small bowl.
  3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
  4. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vegetable oil, applesauce, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
  5. Combine the Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  6. Fold in the Apples: Add the chopped apples and gently fold them into the batter until evenly distributed.
  7. Fill the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  8. Bake: Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack, if desired. Let it cool completely before frosting.
  10. Add the Topping: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or spread cream cheese frosting over the top, if desired.
  11. Slice and Serve: Cut into 10 slices and serve with coffee, tea, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

 
Best apples: Granny Smith apples provide a tart flavor, while Honeycrisp and Gala apples offer extra sweetness.
Don't overmix: Stir the batter only until the ingredients are combined to help keep the cake tender.
Optional nuts: Add up to ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
Storage: Store the cooled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap individual slices or the cooled cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
Serving suggestion: Serve slightly warm with vanilla ice cream or finish with cream cheese frosting.
Nutrition: Calories are estimates and may vary depending on the apples, toppings, and portion size.