Bake this easy apple spice cake to treat your friends and family!
I drew inspiration from a zucchini bread method to make my apple cake as moist as possible by adding oodles of grated apples directly to the batter.
The result is nothing short of glorious. Get your kettle on, we are having cake!
Don’t you think autumn is the ideal time to bake?
There is plenty of fruit, that’s been just harvested but the temperature is not scorching hot anymore, which makes a warm oven is quite welcome. Especially when it is a cheaper substitute for central heating!
What makes this simple apple spice cake moist and flavourful
This apple spice cake is my take on a well-beloved zucchini loaf, except instead of zucchini I am using shredded apples. They add moisture to the cake as well as a delicious flavour and stunning aroma!
3 main reasons why this apple spice cake is a winner
- It has the familiar taste of cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves we all crave once the weather turns chilly.
- Although this cake is so easy, little extras like crunchy streusel topping and salted caramel drizzle take this simple apple spice cake to the next level.
- This cake is the easiest cake you will make! This recipe will serve well all levels of bakers out there. You don’t even need any specialised equipment for it. Just a whisk and a wooden spoon will do.
The streusel topping I used here is slightly different from a traditional one. It resembles a cookie dough and bakes up like a crunchy walnut-studded cookie crust on top of a soft cake. The contrast of textures is quite exciting.
Even though this cake is incredibly soft and flavourful, the best part of it is the crunchy streusel top drenched in caramel. Pure indulgence!
What sugar is best for apple spice cake?
I’ve used Demerara/Turbinado sugar, which has more nutrients and minerals than regular white sugar. It’s light brown in appearance, raw, and has a natural caramel flavour that hasn’t been refined out as it is the case with white sugar.
However, white sugar will also work as a good substitute.
You can also use brown sugar for the streusel topping.
What apples can I use for apple spice cake?
Any apples you have on hand. I’ve used Gala apples that went a bit soft and my children refused eating them. You don’t even have to peel them. Just remove the core and grate. Food processor is excellent for this kind of task.
What cake pan can I use for apple spice cake?
- This recipe will work in a square 9″X9″ pan.
- It also works in a round 9″ pan, a rectangular 9″X13″.
- You can also bake this batter in a muffin pan. It will make 12 muffins.
How long does this apple spice cake keep?
The cake will remain fresh for up to 3 days if kept on a countertop. If you make it into 12 muffins, they are wonderfully freezable and will keep up to 1 month or longer.
Just pop one in a microwave and you have a breakfast ready in a minute.
For more simple and seasonal cake recipes check out my favourites
- Cranberry Clementine Loaf
- Wild Blackberry Tea Cake (made with frozen blackberries)
- Lemon Ricotta Cake
- Pumpkin Loaf with Butterscotch Streusel Topping
If you make any of these, please share them with me by tagging @vikalinka in your Instagram snaps or using #vikalinka.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 3 cups/4 medium apples
- 300g/1 1/4 cups sugar Demerara/Turbinado or white sugar
- 125ml/1/2cup vegetable oil
- 4 eggs large
- 350g/3 cups flour all purpose
- 2 tsp baking soda-
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp mixed spice or pumpkin spice
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla
For the Streusel Topping
- 5 1/2 tbsp flour-
- 5 tbsp sugar Demerara/Turbinado or brown sugar
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp mixed spice or pumpkin spice
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 3 tbsp butter slightly softened
- 4 tbsp walnuts chopped
- 2-3 tbsp salted caramel I used Marks and Spencer brand
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F/180C
- Grease a 9 inch square pan. (See the text above for cake pan options) Shred the apples with skin on and mix together with sugar, oil and eggs in a large bowl. Stir in the remaining ingredients (cake ingredients only). Pour the batter into your pan and smooth the top.
- Mix together the streusel ingredients in a small bowl with a fork or use your hands. The streusel won't be crumbly but will have the consistency of a cookie dough. Pinch off small bits and cover the surface of the cake.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes or until the toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean.
- Let cool for 30 minutes, then remove it from the pan and let it cook completely on a wire rack. Drizzle with pre-made salted caramel. (If you caramel sauce is a bit stiff put it in the microwave for 30 seconds, that should help to get it runny and only use a good quality brand you trust.)
The recipe originally published in 10/2013, updated 11/2018.
Mom's Dish says
This cake does look heavenly. The drops of caramel on top, yummm…
Vikalinka says
Thank you! Unfortunately, it’s now only a distant memory I NEED to make it again! 🙂
damndeliciousblog says
How gorgeous is this?! And that drizzle has me totally sold!
Vikalinka says
Thank you! 🙂 The cake was a total experiment so I am so pleased it turned out to be a huge hit!
StephanieQ says
Do you know if this cake can be made gluten-free? If so, would I just substitute gluten-free flour for the regular flour? And would I need to add any other ingredients? Do you know? Thank you!
Vikalinka says
Stephanie, I am sorry but I have no idea. I’ve never experimented with gluten-free baking. I’d say go for it and see if it works, the only way to find out is to try and please, let me know if you have success. It would be awesome.
Leah Harder says
We used namaste GF perfect blend flour and the cake turned out great! We didn’t do the topping, so I can’t tell you how that part would turn out GF. My girls are really enjoying their breakfast this morning!
vikalinka says
Sounds amazing, Leah! I would’ve liked cake for breakfast too! Good to know it works with GF flour.
Lydia says
Hello! We are currently hosting a recipe contest in search of the best apple recipe. This recipe would be a great contender! The contest ends 10/10/2013. If you are interested in competing, visit our site to share your favorite apple recipe for a chance to win a Kindle Fire HD!
starscraper99 says
It looks AMAZING! Especially love the look and sound of the caramel drizzle on top!
George
http://georgesartphotography.wordpress.com/
Vikalinka says
Caramel drizzle really adds a little something something. 🙂
Julia | JuliasAlbum.com says
Julia, beautiful! Pinning!
Vikalinka says
🙂 Thank you!
Food to Fitness says
Looks delicious. Thanks for sharing.
Vikalinka says
My pleasure!
icecreammagazine says
Lovely x
Vikalinka says
Thank you for visiting. 🙂
Sarah | The Sugar Hit says
Looks gorgeous – the perfect fall cake.
Vikalinka says
Thanks, Sarah!
Leah Harder says
Julia, what is mixed spice that you have in the recipe… since you already call for Cinnamon and Nutmeg I was unsure if you mean pumpkin pie spice??? Thanks! -Leah
Vikalinka says
Leah, thank you for your question. I think ‘mixed spice” is an English thing and sometimes I forget what is available where anymore. Here is what goes in “mixed spice” –
1 Tbs ground allspice
1 Tbs ground cinnamon
1 Tbs ground nutmeg
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp ground ginger.
Pumpkin spice is not known or sold in England, so I use it as a substitute but you can go ahead and add some pumpkin spice!
tworedbowls says
Gorgeous photography! And it looks delicious. 🙂
Vikalinka says
Thank you for stopping by and your comment!