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🍎 Enjoy the flavor of fall with this Apple Spice Snack Cake! Packed with warm spices, juicy apples, and a sweet cinnamon sugar topping. 🍂
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There’s something extra comforting about a simple apple spice cake, especially when the weather starts to cool. This easy recipe for apple spice cake is loaded with diced apples, warm spices, and a buttery cinnamon-sugar topping that gives every bite a delicious crunch. Whether you’re planning ahead for the holidays or just need a quick fall treat, this recipe of apple cinnamon cake is a go-to favorite.
If you’ve been looking for a fall cake idea that’s easy to make with everyday ingredients, this apple cinnamon cake is it. You don’t need a mixer or fancy equipment – just a bowl, a spoon, and a few pantry staples.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with real apples and warm spice flavor
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have
- Topped with a buttery cinnamon sugar crunch
- Great fall cake idea for gatherings or afternoon coffee
- Easy apple spice cake that comes together in one bowl
🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions
cake
- all-purpose flour
- ground cinnamon
- baking powder
- baking soda
- ground nutmeg
- ground ginger
- salt
- ground cloves
- vegetable oil – substitute with canola oil or melted coconut oil
- granulated sugar – can swap with light brown sugar for a richer taste
- eggs – use flax eggs if needed
- vanilla extract
- buttermilk – sub with milk + 1 ½ teaspoons vinegar or lemon juice
- apples – Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work best
topping
- granulated sugar
- unsalted butter – or use margarine
- ground cinnamon
✨ Variations
- Swap apples with diced pears for a different fruit twist
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for crunch
- Drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze once cooled
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🔥 Tips
- Dice the apples small so they cook evenly and don’t sink
- Don’t overmix the batter, or the cake can turn dense
- Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and clean slicing
❓ FAQs
Use a firm, slightly tart apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. They hold their shape and flavor when baked.
Absolutely. It travels well, doesn’t need refrigeration, and can be served warm or at room temp.
This version is a snack cake – still full of flavor, but easy enough for everyday baking.
You can replace up to half of the apples with unsweetened applesauce, but keep some diced apples for texture.
Yes. You can bake it a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. The flavors improve overnight.
Yes. Double all ingredients and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Check for doneness at around 40-50 minutes.
Peeling is recommended for a softer texture, but you can leave the skin on for a more rustic feel if you prefer.
Serve it plain, warm with whipped cream, or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert.
Yes. You can cut the sugar in the cake by ¼ cup if you prefer a less sweet treat. The topping can also be adjusted to taste.
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Apple Spice Snack Cake
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Equipment
- 8×8-inch baking pan
- cooking spray
- mixing bowl (medium and large)
- apple peeler
Ingredients
cake
- 1-½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 2 cups peeled and diced apple, (about 1-½ medium apples)
topping
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, ginger, salt, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla on high speed for about 30 seconds until well combined.
- On low speed, mix in half of the dry ingredients until just combined.
- Add the buttermilk and beat on low until combined.
- Add the remaining dry mixture and beat on low until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Stir in the diced apples.
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, melted butter, and cinnamon for the topping.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the unbaked cake.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes before cutting and serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Refrigerate if your kitchen is warm to keep it fresher longer.
♨️ REHEATING
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for 10-15 seconds.
- Oven: Wrap loosely in foil and warm at 300°F for 8-10 minutes.
❄️ FREEZING
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or reheat gently before serving.
💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor.
- Dice apples into small pieces for even distribution and better cake rise.
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent a dense cake.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
- Muffin tin: Spoon batter into lined muffin cups and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.
- 9×13-inch pan: Double the recipe and bake for 40-50 minutes.
♻️ LEFTOVERS
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Reheat and top with caramel sauce for a quick dessert.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
