When I think about my childhood, the memories of baking in our cozy kitchen stand out the most. One particular autumn day, I stumbled upon a recipe for apple spice cake, and that marked the beginning of my love for this delightful treat. The aroma of cinnamon and freshly baked apples filled the air, wrapping us in a warm hug. It’s a dessert that’s more than just a cake; it’s a slice of my past, tinged with nostalgia and sprinkled with love.
Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Apple Spice Cake with Buttercream Frosting. This cake embodies the warmth of the kitchen and encompasses all that is comforting and delicious. It takes simple ingredients, like whole wheat flour and coconut sugar, and transforms them into a cake that feels both homey and refined. Whether you want to impress guests or simply treat yourself, this recipe guarantees a satisfied palate. Let’s dive into the details!
Apple Spice Cake with Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1.5 cups whole wheat flour, spooned and leveled
- 0.75 cups coconut sugar Can substitute with regular granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 0.5 cups fresh-pressed sweet apple cider
- 0.25 cups extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Frosting
- 0.75 cups vegan butter, softened
- 1.25 to 1.5 cups powdered sugar, sifted Adjust for desired sweetness and fluffiness
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (for frosting)
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with overhanging parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, coconut sugar, apple pie spice, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the almond milk, apple cider, olive oil, and vanilla extract.
- Gently stir until just combined, avoiding over-mixing.
Baking the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring it’s evenly spread.
- Bake for 24-26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Making the Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened vegan butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, about a 1/4 cup at a time, mixing until fluffy.
- Add the apple pie spice and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Assembly
- Once the cake cools, spread the frosting generously atop the cake.
Notes
Nutrition
Table of Contents
The Joy of Baking an Apple Spice Cake
There’s something truly magical about baking an Apple Spice Cake—it combines flavors that feel like a warm embrace. I remember peeling the apples, feeling their cool skin beneath my fingers. Mixing the batter was an exercise in creativity, and the sweet smell that wafted through the kitchen made my family gather around. It’s in these moments that I learned that love is the sweetest ingredient.
As I embarked on this journey of baking, I discovered that this cake isn’t just for special occasions. It’s perfect for any day when you need a little pick-me-up or a simple comfort food. Using Apple Pie Spice in the recipe elevates it beyond a simple dessert, creating a nostalgic experience for anyone who takes a bite.
Baking an apple spice cake taps into cherished memories and creates new ones around the kitchen table. If you’re looking for a recipe that embodies both comfort and culinary adventure, you’ve arrived at the right place. Let the aromatic spices whisk you away to your own kitchen memories as you bake!
If you love comforting recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy my Pumpkin Biscoff Cake, which offers the same cozy warmth with a nutty twist.
Ingredients of Apple Spice Cake
To whip up this delightful Apple Spice Cake with Buttercream Frosting, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour, spooned and leveled
- 3/4 cup coconut sugar
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup fresh-pressed sweet apple cider
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup vegan butter, softened
- 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (for frosting)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
These simple ingredients create a symphony of flavors that come together effortlessly. The combination of whole wheat flour and coconut sugar makes the cake not only delightful but also a bit healthier. It’s a dish you can feel good about serving to loved ones.
For another healthy fall treat, you can also try my Pumpkin Protein Balls — perfect for snacking between baking sessions!
Baking Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining an 8-inch square baking pan with overhanging parchment paper, making it easy to lift out the cake later. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, coconut sugar, apple pie spice, baking soda, and salt until well combined. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the almond milk, apple cider, olive oil, and vanilla extract. Gently stir until just combined—avoid over-mixing, as this could affect the cake’s light texture.
Next, pour the batter into the prepared pan, ensuring it’s evenly spread. Bake for 24-26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
While you wait, let’s prepare the frosting! Place the softened vegan butter in a mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer or handheld electric mixer, cream the butter until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the sifted powdered sugar, about a 1/4 cup at a time, until the frosting becomes fluffy. Add the apple pie spice and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
Once the cake cools, spread the fluffy frosting generously atop the cake. This nearly effortless process captures the essence of why we love to bake—creating something beautiful to share.
For another fall-inspired dessert, check out my Carrot Coffee Cake — it pairs beautifully with the same spiced frosting!
Final Touches and Serving Suggestions
Now that your Apple Spice Cake with Buttercream Frosting is complete, let’s talk about how to showcase it! This cake is perfect for a variety of occasions—from family gatherings to cozy evenings at home. You can slice it and serve it as a delightful dessert after dinner or enjoy a piece with your morning coffee. Consider pairing it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Storing this cake is easy too. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will stay fresh for 3-4 days. If the cake lasts beyond that, I encourage you to share it with friends—good food is meant to be shared!
The experience of baking this apple spice cake is as rewarding as eating it. It reflects warmth and care, ensuring that whether it’s in the oven or on your plate, the love you put into it shines through.
FAQs
How do I store Apple Spice Cake?
You can store the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, to maintain its freshness.
Can I substitute the coconut sugar with regular sugar?
Yes, if you prefer, you can use regular granulated sugar instead of coconut sugar.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend to substitute the whole wheat flour.
Can I make the frosting in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the frosting a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just re-whip it before use!
Conclusion
Baking this Apple Spice Cake with Buttercream Frosting not only creates a delicious dessert but also brings back cherished memories in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can recreate this charming dish, which is both comforting and extraordinary. Let the nostalgia wash over you as you take each bite. Happy baking, and may every slice remind you that love is truly the best ingredient.
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