Autumn Apple Cake Recipe For A Cozy Fall Dessert

As the crisp autumn air settles in and leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and gold, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple cake wafting through your home. This Autumn Apple Cake recipe is a delightful celebration of the season’s best flavors—tart, juicy apples paired with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, all wrapped up in a moist, tender crumb.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy dessert after a chilly day or a sweet treat to share with friends and family at your next gathering, this cake is sure to become a fall favorite. Easy to make and utterly delicious, it perfectly captures the essence of autumn in every bite.

Read on to discover why this cake deserves a spot in your baking repertoire, along with detailed instructions, tips, and serving ideas that will make your baking experience truly enjoyable.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Autumn Apple Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a seasonal experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Perfect balance of flavors: The sweetness of apples combined with aromatic spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves makes every bite warm and inviting.
• Moist and tender texture: The inclusion of grated apples and a touch of oil keeps the cake wonderfully moist without being heavy.
• Simple ingredients: You probably already have most of these pantry staples on hand, making it easy to whip up anytime.
• Versatile dessert: Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with cream cheese frosting or vanilla ice cream.
• Great for gatherings: This cake is easy to slice and share, ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or festive occasions.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up those crisp autumn apples before the season ends!

Ingredients

• 2 large apples (about 2 cups grated, peeled and cored; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch

Equipment

• 9-inch round cake pan or an 8×8-inch square pan
• Mixing bowls (one large and one medium)
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Box grater (for grating apples)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pan thoroughly. You can also line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
2. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and grate the apples using the box grater. Set aside.
3. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
4. Cream sugars and eggs: In a large bowl, beat the granulated sugar and brown sugar with eggs using an electric mixer or whisk until the mixture is smooth and pale.
5. Add oil and vanilla: Slowly stream in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
7. Fold in grated apples and nuts: Carefully fold in the grated apples and, if using, the chopped nuts. The batter will be thick and slightly chunky.
8. Pour batter into pan: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

Tip: For extra moistness, sprinkle a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice over the grated apples before folding them into the batter. This also prevents browning.

Here are a few creative ideas to customize your Autumn Apple Cake:

• Spice it up: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger or allspice to the dry ingredients for a deeper spice profile.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
• Add a streusel topping: Combine ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup flour, ¼ cup cold butter, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon, then sprinkle over the batter before baking for a crunchy top layer.
• Make it vegan: Replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use coconut oil.
• Serve with frosting: Top with a simple cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Autumn Apple Cake is delicious on its own, but here are some ways to elevate your serving experience:

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream is heavenly.
• Dust with powdered sugar: For a simple, elegant look and a touch of sweetness.
• Top with cream cheese frosting: Spread a thin layer of tangy cream cheese frosting for added richness.
• Pair with a hot beverage: Serve alongside a cup of spiced chai tea, coffee, or hot apple cider for a perfect autumn treat.
• Make it a brunch star: Serve slices with vegan options like the Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas or the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

There’s something truly special about baking with autumn’s bounty, and this Autumn Apple Cake captures the season’s essence perfectly. It’s a simple yet flavorful cake that brings warmth and comfort to any table.

The tender crumb, combined with juicy apples and fragrant spices, makes it an irresistible treat for both family and friends. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.

Don’t forget to experiment with the variations and serving suggestions to make it your own signature autumn dessert.

Looking for more delicious plant-based recipes to complement your baking? Check out the Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals for nutritious meal ideas or warm up with the Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food.

Happy baking and enjoy the flavors of fall!

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