The Best and Easy Fall Apple Spice Cake with Maple Icing
Ahhh, the delightful aroma of apple spice cake! This is one of my favorite recipes to make and of course, during the best season of all time. The perfect time of year to indulge in this comforting dessert, it brings in all the cozy and snug vibes that we crave. An absolute classic and fan favorite of apple desserts that you can add to your list of favorite easy fall desserts.
When it comes to autumn and winter desserts, nothing quite hits the spot like a delicious fall dessert recipe, especially apple spice cake. Just the aroma of these fall spices permeating around the house is enough of a reason to make this cake for the fall and holiday season. Paired with the best part, sweet flavor of maple syrup and warm cinnamon icing to make this top the charts as one of the best fall dessert recipes. I think it's safe to say it's a good idea to try this perfect fall treat.
Whether you're looking to make any delicious treat or craving for a taste of fall before it's all over, consider this a sign to make this apple spice cake. It is relatively simple, with just a few basic ingredients and some easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a scrumptious homemade treat and is the best way to get on your family and friends good side. This will instantly become one of their all time favorite fall desserts.
Inspiration to make this cake:
Fall is all about cozy flavors and warm aromas, and there's nothing quite like the combination of apple and spices to get you in the autumnal spirit. If you're someone who loves the taste of apples and can't resist the allure of fall spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, then making an apple spice cake is just what you need. It's one of those favorite fall flavors that you can't resist and will certainly be added to your lineup of delicious fall dessert recipes.
While pumpkin may be a fall favorite for many, there's something special about the rich sweetness of apple paired with those classic warm spices.
I was perusing the internet for an apple cake of some sort and I came across the Browned Butter Blondie’s recipe for an apple spice cake. It had all the right ingredients calling my name and after I tried it, I made a few revisions that tailored more to my need for fall spice. I also modified the icing to a maple cinnamon icing that really takes the cake, don’t mind my pun.
Whether you're baking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, an apple spice cake is sure to be a hit. So go ahead and embrace those fall flavors that make this season so special.
Of course, topping it off with maple cinnamon is just the icing on the cake;)
Maple Cinnamon Icing:
Maple cinnamon icing, oh how you effortlessly elevate the taste of any baked treat! The perfect combination of maple and cinnamon is like a culinary match made in heaven. It's the kind of icing that can turn a plain scone or muffin into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
Imagine drizzling this over warm apple cider donuts or even the maple buttermilk bacon scones. But here's the secret ingredient: quality maple syrup. Don't skimp on this liquid gold! It adds that rich, authentic maple flavor that takes this icing to the next level.
Maple cinnamon icing is the perfect combination of two flavors that are simply meant to be together. Rich and sweet taste maple syrup, paired with warm and spicy notes of cinnamon are classic fall flavors.
To ensure that you get the best flavor, there is a link below to my favorite and most preferred maple syrup to use. The real deal will have a distinct depth of flavor that can't be replicated by artificial substitutes.
The best kind of apples to use:
When it comes to baking a delicious apple cake, choosing the right kind of apples is crucial. Two popular options that are often recommended are Granny Smith apples and Honeycrisp apples.
Granny Smith apples are known for their tartness, firm texture and crisp apple bite which then makes them an excellent choice for baking. They hold up well during the baking process and maintain their crispy texture, adding a delightful bite to your cake. Their tart flavor also provides a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake batter.
On the other hand, Honeycrisp apples are known for their exceptional crispiness and juiciness. While they may not be as tart as Granny Smith apples, they still offer a pleasant balance of sweetness and acidity. They hold their shape well when baked, ensuring that you don't end up with mushy or overly soft apple pieces in your cake.
It's worth noting that other apple varieties like MacIntosh and Gala can break down more quickly during baking due to their softer texture. While they may still work in certain recipes, if you prefer distinct apple chunks with a firmer texture in your cake, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples would be the better choice. Especially when making an homemade pie, you want your apple pie filling to still have a bite to it.
Ultimately, the decision between Granny Smith and Honeycrisp depends on personal preference. If you enjoy a tangier flavor profile and a firmer bite, go for Granny Smith. If you prefer a sweeter taste with an extra crispness, opt for Honeycrisp. Whichever variety you choose, both will add delicious flavor and texture to your apple cake recipe. You can certainly find these easy to find apples at your local grocery stores, farmers market or a nearby apple orchard.
Gluten Free Alternatives:
Gluten-free options have become increasingly popular as more people are seeking alternatives to traditional wheat-based products. Fortunately, there are now many gluten-free options available in the market to cater to those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
One personal favorite gluten-free flour option is the King Arthur Measure for Measure flour. This particular brand offers a seamless substitution for regular flour in various recipes, making it easy to enjoy your favorite dishes without compromising taste or texture. Many people who have tried this flour cannot even tell the difference between the gluten-free version and the one made with regular flour.
Whether you have a gluten intolerance or simply prefer a gluten-free diet, it's great to know that there are numerous options available for you. If you're looking to commit or even just dabble being gluten free, I personally think that trying the King Arthur Measure for Measure GF flour first is the perfect way to get more into gluten free baking.
What to use in the kitchen:
Loaf pan - 9x 5in is a perfect size loaf pan to make this apple spice cake in.
Grater - handheld grater, easier to grate with a harder apple
Peeler - to peel the apples with- apples should be peeled before grated
Glass bowls - love this trio set of glass bowls, used the smallest one for the maple cinnamon icing.
Small whisk- helps with mixing the ingredients for the icing recipe. A small whisk always comes in hand for dressings and icings!
King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure - My personal favorite of all the gluten free flour blends
Maple Syrup- A high quality maple syrup is always necessary to keep in stock
Ingredients:
Apple Spice Cake Recipe-
1 cup of unsalted butter, room temperature
½ cup of granulated sugar
½ cup of light brown sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 cups of all purpose flour or King Arthur Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour
1 teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon of salt
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
¼ teaspoon of ginger
¼ teaspoon of nutmeg
½ cup of grated granny smith or honey crisp apple. Peeled
Maple Cinnamon Icing-
4 tablespoons of heavy cream
½ cup of confectioners sugar
2 tablespoons of maple syrup
¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
How to make:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Line 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper
Beat butter, granulated and brown sugar until creamy
Add eggs and beat one at a time
Add vanilla
In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dry ingredients including the cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger spices.
Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients
Fold in the grated apples to the mixture
Pour batter into the loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes in the oven
make sure it’s cooked thoroughly and let it sit for 15 minutes before you dig in!
if you decide to use the icing, which I highly recommend- pour over the apple spice cake when it’s completely cool.
*Enjoy this cake for 3 days or it can stay frozen for up to 3 months!
The apple spice cake is a perfect choice for an autumn dessert to try for this time of year. Its warm and comforting flavors bring in all the cozyness that we crave during the fall season. This cake is an absolute classic and fan favorite the whole family will love. Everyone will love this classic dessert for its delicious combination of apples, spices, and moist soft texture. Whether you're enjoying it as a dessert or a sweet treat with your afternoon tea, the apple spice cake is sure to delight your taste buds and add a touch of autumnal charm to any occasion, nor would I be opposed to adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream to a slice right out of the oven, just sayin'.
Remember, when life gives you apples, make an apple spice cake! It's a delicious way to embrace the season and indulge in some well-deserved sweetness. Happy baking!