Apple Spice Single-Layer Cake
There’s something special about the combination of fresh apples and warm spices. The moment the cake begins to bake, the scent fills the kitchen, evoking memories of cozy fall days and time spent with family. I wanted to create a cake that captures this feeling while staying light and natural. By using fresh apples and applesauce, this recipe highlights the natural sweetness of the fruit without the need for heavy oils or excessive sugars. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for any occasion, whether you’re enjoying it after dinner or serving it to guests. The balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves complements the apples perfectly, creating a cake that’s both flavorful and comforting. A touch of cinnamon cream cheese frosting on top makes this cake a wonderful treat that’s hard to resist.
Did You Know?
Apples are not only delicious but also packed with health benefits. They are high in fiber, particularly if you leave the skins on, which helps with digestion and keeping you full. They’re also a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting immune function. In this recipe, applesauce replaces some of the oil or butter, cutting down on fat while still keeping the cake moist and tender.
Yield:
8 servings
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups fresh apples, peeled and grated or diced into very small pieces
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz (1 cup) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (reserve 1/2 teaspoon to sprinkle on top)
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk (optional, to adjust consistency)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Personal Tip: Line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper to make removing the cake easier.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
Personal Tip: For a bolder spice flavor, you can increase the cinnamon to 2 teaspoons.
In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Personal Tip: For extra moisture, use half applesauce and half grated apple for a chunkier texture.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Gently fold in the diced apples and optional nuts.
Personal Tip: Lightly toss the diced apples with a tablespoon of flour to prevent them from sinking in the batter.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Personal Tip: If your oven runs hot, start checking the cake at 30 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cinnamon Cream Cheese Frosting:
In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Personal Tip: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for a smoother frosting.
Add the vanilla extract and cinnamon, then gradually beat in the powdered sugar until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add milk 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Personal Tip: For an extra creamy texture, you can beat the frosting for an additional minute to aerate it.
Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake using an offset spatula or butter knife. Sprinkle cinnamon on top of the frosting.
Personal Tip: Chill the cake for 15 minutes after frosting for a cleaner cut when serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 310, Protein: 4g, Carbohydrates: 52g, Fiber: 2g, Net Carbohydrates: 50g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Cholesterol: 55mg, Sodium: 270mg, Sugars: 34g, Glycemic Index: Medium
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money:
- Make your own applesauce: If you have extra apples, making homemade applesauce is simple and cost-effective. It’s a great way to control the sugar content, and you can store it for later use in other baked goods or as a snack.
- Choose the right apples: For a balanced flavor, mix tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. This blend enhances the overall taste and texture.
- Applesauce substitution: You can swap half the oil or butter in most cake recipes with applesauce to reduce the fat content while keeping the cake moist. This works especially well in spice cakes and carrot cakes.
- Frosting alternatives: If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider topping the cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar instead of the cinnamon cream cheese frosting. Another option is a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for added sweetness without the extra calories from frosting.
- Storage tip: To keep the cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to store it longer, it’s best to refrigerate it, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.
- Freeze it for later: Cut the cake into individual portions, wrap each in plastic wrap, and store in the freezer. This way, you’ll have ready-to-eat cake slices whenever you want. Just thaw at room temperature or microwave for a quick treat.
- Add some texture: For those who love a bit of crunch, fold in toasted walnuts or pecans into the batter. This adds both flavor and texture to the cake, making each bite more interesting.
- Spice variations: You can add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a twist on the traditional spice mix. These spices pair wonderfully with apples and enhance the overall warmth of the cake.
- Healthier sweeteners: If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content, try using coconut sugar or maple syrup in place of some of the granulated sugar. Both alternatives have a lower glycemic index and add a rich depth of flavor.
- Portion control: If you're trying to limit your portions, consider halving the recipe and baking it in a smaller pan. Alternatively, bake the batter as cupcakes, so you have easy-to-serve portions without the temptation of slicing a large cake.
Let’s Learn About Using Fresh Apples and Applesauce
Apples are a versatile ingredient in baking, offering natural sweetness and moisture. When combined with applesauce, they create a balance that helps cut down on added fats like oil and butter. Applesauce also acts as a binder, making it an excellent substitute for eggs in vegan baking. Fresh apples add texture, and when baked, they release their natural juices, giving the cake a deliciously moist crumb. Always look for unsweetened applesauce to avoid unnecessary added sugars. And when choosing apples, opt for firm varieties that hold up well during baking to prevent a mushy texture.