Apple Butter Spice Cake: A Warm and Cozy Autumn Treat
Apple butter spice cake. The very name conjures images of crackling fireplaces, crisp autumn air, and the comforting aroma of warm spices. This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a hug in cake form. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a fall gathering, a delightful treat to enjoy with a cup of tea on a chilly afternoon, or simply a way to celebrate the flavors of the season.
This recipe combines the rich, concentrated apple flavor of apple butter with a blend of warming spices, creating a moist, flavorful cake that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. We’ll walk you through each step, from preparing the ingredients to frosting the finished cake, ensuring a delightful baking experience.
## Why Apple Butter Makes This Cake Special
Apple butter is essentially applesauce that has been cooked down for a long time, concentrating the flavors and creating a smooth, spreadable consistency. This process intensifies the apple flavor and adds a hint of natural sweetness, making it the perfect base for this spice cake. The apple butter not only contributes to the cake’s flavor but also helps to keep it incredibly moist.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather your ingredients. This recipe uses common pantry staples, but the key is to use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
**For the Cake:**
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup apple butter
* 1 cup buttermilk
**For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2-3 tablespoons milk (or more, as needed to adjust consistency)
**Optional Garnishes:**
* Chopped pecans or walnuts
* Caramel drizzle
* Cinnamon sugar
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Two 9-inch round cake pans
* Parchment paper
* Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
* Electric mixer (stand mixer or hand mixer)
* Rubber spatula
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Wire rack
* Offset spatula or butter knife for frosting
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get baking! Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect apple butter spice cake:
**Step 1: Prepare the Cake Pans**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. To ensure the cakes release easily, line the bottoms of the pans with parchment paper rounds. This step is crucial for preventing the cakes from sticking.
**Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is essential for a consistent cake texture. Set aside.
**Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar**
In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which contributes to the cake’s tender crumb. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
**Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla**
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated into the butter and sugar mixture before adding the next egg.
**Step 5: Incorporate Apple Butter**
Add the apple butter to the batter and mix until well combined. The apple butter will add moisture and a rich apple flavor to the cake. The batter might look slightly curdled at this point, but don’t worry; it will come together when you add the dry ingredients.
**Step 6: Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients**
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Add about one-third of the dry ingredients to the batter, then mix until just combined. Next, add half of the buttermilk and mix until just combined. Repeat with another third of the dry ingredients, the remaining buttermilk, and finally the last of the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake.
**Step 7: Divide Batter and Bake**
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Spread the batter evenly in each pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 30 minutes.
**Step 8: Cool the Cakes**
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cakes in the pans allows them to set slightly, preventing them from breaking when you invert them. Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting, or the frosting will melt.
**Step 9: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting**
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the cream cheese frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes, but it’s important to ensure there are no lumps in the frosting.
**Step 10: Add Powdered Sugar and Vanilla**
Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, beating on low speed until combined. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until smooth. Be careful not to add the powdered sugar too quickly, as it can create a cloud of dust.
**Step 11: Adjust Consistency**
If the frosting is too thick, add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The frosting should be smooth and spreadable but not too runny.
**Step 12: Frost the Cake**
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of cream cheese frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top of the frosting. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
**Step 13: Garnish (Optional)**
If desired, garnish the cake with chopped pecans or walnuts, a caramel drizzle, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar. These garnishes add visual appeal and enhance the flavor of the cake.
**Step 14: Serve and Enjoy!**
Slice the apple butter spice cake and serve. This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
## Tips for Baking the Perfect Apple Butter Spice Cake
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Ensure that your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature. This helps them to emulsify properly, resulting in a smoother batter and a more tender cake.
* **Measure Flour Accurately:** Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping the flour directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and result in too much flour in the recipe.
* **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check for doneness. Insert it into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is done.
* **Cool Completely Before Frosting:** Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting. Otherwise, the frosting will melt and slide off the cake.
* **Adjust Frosting Consistency:** Add milk or powdered sugar to the frosting to adjust the consistency to your liking.
## Variations and Substitutions
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to add a binder like xanthan gum to help with the structure.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use dairy-free butter, milk, and cream cheese to make this cake dairy-free.
* **Nuts:** Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter or frosting for added texture and flavor.
* **Spices:** Adjust the spices to your liking. You can add more or less of each spice, or try adding other spices, such as cardamom or allspice.
* **Apple Cider Glaze:** Instead of cream cheese frosting, top the cake with an apple cider glaze. Simply whisk together apple cider, powdered sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon until smooth.
* **Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle the cake with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness and indulgence.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Warm:** Serve the cake slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Pair the cake with a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.
* **Autumn Gathering:** Make this cake the centerpiece of your next autumn gathering or holiday celebration.
* **Gift:** Wrap slices of the cake in cellophane and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.
## Storage Instructions
* **Room Temperature:** Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
* **Refrigerator:** Store the cake in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
* **Freezer:** Freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
## Apple Butter Spice Cake: A Recipe for Memories
This apple butter spice cake is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition waiting to be made. It’s a way to bring the warmth and comfort of autumn into your home and share it with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of apples and spices fill your kitchen. You’re not just baking a cake; you’re creating memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy!
## Detailed Recipe Card
**Apple Butter Spice Cake**
A moist and flavorful spice cake made with apple butter and topped with cream cheese frosting.
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30-35 minutes
**Total Time:** 1 hour (plus cooling time)
**Servings:** 12
**Ingredients:**
* **For the Cake:**
* 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 cup apple butter
* 1 cup buttermilk
* **For the Cream Cheese Frosting:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 3 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2-3 tablespoons milk (or more, as needed)
* **Optional Garnishes:**
* Chopped pecans or walnuts
* Caramel drizzle
* Cinnamon sugar
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat & Prepare:** Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans; line bottoms with parchment rounds.
2. **Dry Ingredients:** Whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt in a large bowl.
3. **Cream Butter & Sugar:** Cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. **Add Eggs & Vanilla:** Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
5. **Incorporate Apple Butter:** Mix in apple butter until well combined.
6. **Alternate Dry & Wet:** Gradually add dry ingredients alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
7. **Divide & Bake:** Divide batter evenly into pans. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool Cakes:** Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool completely.
9. **Cream Cheese Frosting:** Beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
10. **Add Powdered Sugar & Vanilla:** Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
11. **Adjust Consistency:** Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
12. **Frost Cake:** Frost cooled cake layers with cream cheese frosting.
13. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with chopped nuts, caramel drizzle, or cinnamon sugar.
14. **Serve & Enjoy!**
**Notes:**
* Use room temperature ingredients for best results.
* Don’t overmix the batter.
* Adjust the frosting consistency to your liking.
## Enjoy this delightful Apple Butter Spice Cake!