A Rustic Twist: Spiced Apple Cake for Autumn Days

Imagine biting into a slice of apple cake that tastes like an orchard in late September, even when it's not harvest time. This recipe uses less common seasonal spices like allspice and cardamom, elevating the humble apple into a fragrant, cozy dessert. It's perfect for those who love a touch of nostalgia with a sophisticated aroma.

What makes this apple cake stand out is its texture — a moist, tender crumb with unexpected bursts of tart apple in every bite. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or simple vanilla ice cream. Channel your inner baker and embrace the chaos of slicing apples; the warm smell alone is worth every effort.

Spiced Apple Cake

This apple cake features a moist, tender crumb with bursts of tart apple in every slice. It is flavored with warm, seasonal spices like allspice and cardamom, creating a fragrant and cozy aroma. The finished cake has a rustic appearance with a golden-brown crust and visible apple chunks throughout.

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 medium apples preferably tart variety like Granny Smith
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted and cooled
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice freshly ground if possible
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom optional but recommended
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or spoon
• Loaf or cake pan
• Peeler or knife
• Grater or apple corer
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Peel and core the apples, then dice them into small chunks. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes light and slightly frothy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the melted butter and vanilla extract to the egg mixture, and whisk until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, spices, and salt. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined.
5. Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without deflating the mixture.
6. Pour the batter into a greased loaf or cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula and smoothing the top.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
8. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Slice the cake to reveal its moist crumb with pockets of tart apple throughout.
10. Serve plain or with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

For an extra touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top before serving. This cake also keeps well for several days when stored in an airtight container.

Whether you enjoy it slightly cooled or straight from the oven when it crackles at the edges, it’s a reminder that sometimes, the simplest ingredients come together to create something truly special. A slice of this cake can turn any day into a celebration of seasonal bounty.