Spiced Apple Gingerbread Cake Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold In Apples: Carefully fold the diced apples into the batter, integrating them evenly throughout without breaking them down.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared 9-inch cake pan and smooth the surface with a spatula for even baking.
- 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.
- 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
