Soft Apple Cake with 4 Spices

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love making Soft Apple Cake with 4 Spices because it combines the comforting, fruity goodness of apples with the warmth and depth of four aromatic spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. The result is a moist, tender cake that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any season. The apples add natural sweetness and moisture, while the spices give the cake an inviting, cozy aroma that fills the whole house. This cake is easy to make and so versatile—it’s perfect for a cozy afternoon tea, a fall gathering, or as a sweet dessert for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist)

• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

For Serving (optional):

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Cake Batter:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Alternate Adding the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.

6. Fold in the Apples: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout.

Bake the Cake:

7. Pour the Batter into the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

8. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed.

9. Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serve:

10. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Once the cake has cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.

11. Serve: Slice and serve the cake as is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a little extra indulgence.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8-10 servings. The prep time is about 15 minutes, and the baking time is around 35-40 minutes, so you’ll have a moist and flavorful cake ready in about 1 hour.

Variations

If I want to add a bit more texture, I sometimes fold in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. For an extra burst of flavor, I might also drizzle the cake with a cinnamon sugar glaze or caramel sauce after it’s baked. You can even try swapping out the apples for pears or peaches for a different fruity twist.

Storage/Reheating

This cake keeps well at room temperature for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. If you have leftovers, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use one that contains xanthan gum for better texture and structure. The cake will still be delicious!

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, you can use pears, peaches, or a mix of berries instead of apples. Each fruit will bring its own unique flavor and texture to the cake. Just be mindful of the moisture content, as some fruits (like berries) might require a bit of extra flour to absorb the liquid.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake actually improves in flavor after sitting for a day or two. You can make it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature.

How can I make this cake more spiced?

If you love spice, you can increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger in the recipe. You can also add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for an extra layer of warmth.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours or overnight before serving.

Conclusion

Soft Apple Cake with 4 Spices is the ultimate fall-inspired treat, combining the natural sweetness of apples with the warmth of spices. The soft, moist cake and tender fruit create a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it on its own, with a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or with a scoop of ice cream, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—this cake is a true classic!

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