Imagine sinking your fork into a slice of heaven - a moist, spice-laden cake bursting with tender apple chunks, crowned with a decadent brown butter glaze that will make your taste buds dance! This isn't just another cake; it's a warm hug in dessert form that transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary culinary experience. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a slice of pure comfort, this Apple Spice Cake is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples
- 1/2 cup brown butter (for glaze)
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and no lumps remain.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars using an electric mixer. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gently fold in the diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the brown butter glaze. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, cooking until it turns a golden brown and develops a nutty aroma.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Whisk powdered sugar into the brown butter to create the glaze, adding a small amount of milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Drizzle the warm brown butter glaze over the slightly cooled cake, allowing it to run down the sides.
- Let the cake cool completely before serving. Cut into squares and serve at room temperature.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Use firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and other dairy are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough, dense result.
- Brown Butter Technique: Watch your butter carefully when browning - it can quickly go from golden to burnt. Remove from heat when it turns a nutty, amber color.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool fully before glazing to prevent the glaze from becoming too thin or sliding off.
- Storage Tip: This cake stays moist for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Make Ahead: The flavors actually improve if you let the cake sit for a few hours before serving, making it perfect for advance preparation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 125mg
