Spiced Apple Gingerbread Cake Recipe

Introduction

This Spiced Apple Gingerbread Cake is a cozy, comforting treat perfect for chilly days. Bursting with warm spices and tender apple pieces, it’s sure to warm your heart and delight your senses.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g), packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon (2 g) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups (about 2 medium) diced apples
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, ground ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Stir until evenly mixed.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then whisk in the buttermilk and melted butter until fully combined.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
5. Step 5: Fold the diced apples gently into the batter to distribute them evenly without breaking them down.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
7. Step 7: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
• For extra warmth, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients.
• Swap buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Storage

Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze wrapped tightly for up to 2 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven for a warm treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen apples for this cake?

Fresh apples are best for texture and flavor, but you can use frozen diced apples if fresh are unavailable. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter to avoid extra moisture.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Be sure to choose one that includes a binding agent like xanthan gum for best results.

Spiced Apple Gingerbread Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 129 reviews

This Spiced Apple Gingerbread Cake is a cozy, warmly spiced dessert perfect for cooler months. Featuring the rich flavors of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg combined with tender diced apples, this moist cake offers a delightful texture and comforting aroma. Finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar, it’s an inviting treat ideal for afternoon tea or holiday gatherings.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g), packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 g) ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon (2 g) ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt

Wet Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted

Additional

• 2 cups (about 2 medium) diced apples
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing it or lining with parchment paper to ensure the cake does not stick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, packed brown sugar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs then add the buttermilk and melted unsalted butter, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients, gently stirring just until all ingredients are combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake tender.
5. Fold In Apples: Carefully fold the diced apples into the batter, integrating them evenly throughout without breaking them down.
6. Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared 9-inch cake pan and smooth the surface with a spatula for even baking.
7. Bake: Place the cake pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Optionally, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Use fresh, crisp apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor contrast.
• Do not overmix the batter to avoid a tough cake texture.
• If buttermilk is unavailable, substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, left to sit for 5 minutes.
• The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
• Optional: Serve with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for enhanced flavor.

Keywords: Spiced Apple Cake, Gingerbread Cake, Fall Dessert, Autumn Cake, Apple Gingerbread, Moist Spiced Cake