Delicious Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe

Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Icing: A Perfectly Cozy Delight

Prepare your taste buds for a deliciously spiced journey with our Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Icing. This classic fall dessert brings together the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg with the fresh taste of apples, topped off with a creamy and tangy icing that enhances every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is the perfect comfort treat, offering rich flavors and a moist texture. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings, autumn celebrations, or whenever you crave something sweet and spicy. The cream cheese icing adds a touch of sophistication, making it a hit at any event.

Whether you’re an apple enthusiast or a spice lover, this cake is bound to become a family favorite. Its balanced sweetness and aromatic spices create a dessert that’s both nostalgic and comforting.

Context/Background

Apple spice cake has its roots in European baking traditions, often served during harvest festivals. The combination of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg has been used for centuries to complement the natural sweetness of apples, making this cake a timeless classic.

The addition of cream cheese icing is a modern twist that originated in American cuisine, adding a creamy texture and a slight tanginess that perfectly balances the spices in the cake.

Recipe Details

Serves: 8

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

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 butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups grated apple (about 2 apples)
1/2 cup buttermilk

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
In a large bowl, cream butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Fold in the grated apples.

Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool completely before frosting with Cream Cheese Icing.

Tips for Perfect Apple Spice Cake

Use fresh, firm apples for the best texture and flavor.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
For an extra moist cake, avoid overmixing the batter.

Allow the cake to cool completely before applying the icing to prevent melting.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Icing alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftover apple spice cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze sliced pieces, wrapped tightly, for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Icing is irresistible in its simplicity yet profound in flavor. It brings warmth and joy to any occasion, making it a worthwhile addition to your baking repertoire.

Recipe Notes

For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Substitute buttermilk with a mixture of 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 tablespoon vinegar if needed.