My baking addiction started years ago, and apple butter cake recipes quickly became one of my favorite recipes. The warm spices, tender crumb, and rich apple flavor always remind me of cozy fall days.
I have old experience making apple butter cake recipes, going back to my childhood when I first learned it from my grandmother.
Apple butter cake recipes are moist spiced cakes made using apple butter, grated apples, and warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
I made this apple butter cake recipes again after watching a baking show that featured traditional fall desserts from the countryside. The deep flavor of apple butter mixed into the batter is the main specialty of this recipe.
Now, I’ll show step-by-step how to prepare this apple butter cake recipes in a simple and detailed method.
About This Recipe
This apple butter cake recipes combines simple pantry ingredients with rich, homemade or store-bought apple butter to create a moist, flavorful dessert.
The batter is filled with warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg, balanced by the natural sweetness of grated apple and brown sugar.
Melted butter and oil keep the texture soft and tender. A smooth spiced cream cheese frosting adds a creamy finish that complements the cake perfectly.
Ideal for fall baking or any time you crave something comforting, this apple butter cake recipes is easy to follow and delivers consistent, delicious results every time.
How To Prepare Apple Butter Cake Recipes?
To make this apple butter cake recipes just right, I’ll guide you through each step clearly and simply. I’ve included helpful tips and shared the kitchen tools I use.
You don’t need every tool just what you have on hand and you’ll still bake a tasty, moist apple butter cake with warm spices.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 10 servings
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Hand mixer or stand mixer (for frosting)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Box grater (for apple)
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Cake knife or serrated knife
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- 1¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup grated apple (peeled or unpeeled)
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ¼ cup (60 ml) neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
- ¾ cup (150 g) brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 g) apple butter (store‑bought or homemade)
- ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- ½ tsp apple pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Prepare the dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Set this bowl aside.
3. Mix the wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Add the grated apple, melted butter, oil, both sugars, apple butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine wet and dry. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Pour and bake. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool the cake. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
7. Make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add the powdered sugar and apple pie spice. Beat until light, fluffy, and spreadable.
8. Frost and serve. Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the spiced cream cheese frosting over the top. Slice and serve.
Nutrition Facts Of Apple Butter Cake Recipes
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 330 |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 270mg |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 29g |
| Protein | 4g |
Why Should You Make This Recipe
Making this apple butter cake recipes brings a warm, comforting dessert to your table with minimal effort. The combination of spices and apple butter creates a unique flavor that stands out from ordinary cakes.
It uses everyday ingredients but results in a cake that feels special and homemade. This recipe is great for gatherings or simply enjoying a slice with tea or coffee.
Its moist texture and balanced sweetness make it appealing to many tastes. Baking this apple butter cake recipes lets you share a delicious, timeless treat that reflects cozy, seasonal flavors.
Why My Recipe Works
My apple butter cake recipes works because it balances moisture and spice perfectly. Using both melted butter and oil ensures the cake stays tender and doesn’t dry out.
Freshly grated apple adds natural sweetness and texture, enhancing the flavor without overpowering it. The combination of warm spices cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg blends seamlessly with the apple butter for a rich, comforting taste.
The careful mixing technique avoids overworking the batter, keeping the crumb light. Finally, the spiced cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, tangy contrast that completes the cake beautifully. This apple butter cake recipes consistently delivers reliable, delicious results.
How Can I Serve More Delicious
To serve this apple butter cake recipes more deliciously, try warming individual slices slightly before eating. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the spiced flavors.
Sprinkle a few toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts on top for added crunch and richness. Drizzling a bit of caramel sauce enhances the sweetness and adds a lovely depth.
For a festive touch, garnish with thin apple slices or a dusting of cinnamon. Serving alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee brings out the cozy notes in the cake, making each bite even more enjoyable.
My Tips Tips For Success!
1. Measuring ingredients carefully is key—I always spoon and level my flour instead of scooping straight from the bag. This prevents the cake from turning out dense or dry.
2. I always bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing. Cold ingredients don’t blend well, and that can affect the batter’s texture and rise.
3. Preheating the oven fully is something I never skip. Putting the cake in before the right temperature can cause uneven baking or sinking in the middle.
4. I’m careful not to overmix the batter. Once the dry and wet ingredients are just combined, I stop to avoid developing gluten, which can make the cake tough.
5. Checking that my baking powder and soda are fresh is a small step but crucial. Old leavening agents won’t give the cake a good rise, leading to flat results.
6. Cooling the cake completely before frosting or slicing is important to me. This keeps the frosting smooth and prevents the cake from crumbling or melting.
Variations
1. Nutty Apple Butter Cake:
Add about ½ to ¾ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. The nuts bring a wonderful crunch that contrasts with the soft, moist cake. Toasting the nuts lightly before adding them enhances their flavor even more, giving the cake a warm, earthy note.
2. Fruity Twist with Dried Fruit:
Stir in ½ cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dates. These dried fruits add bursts of sweetness and a chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the spiced apple flavor. Soaking the dried fruit in warm water or apple juice for 10 minutes before folding them in keeps them plump and juicy in the cake.
3. Spice Variation:
Adjust the spices by including a pinch of ground cloves or allspice along with cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This creates a deeper and more complex warm spice flavor, perfect for the cozy fall feeling. You can also increase the cinnamon to 1½ teaspoons for a stronger cinnamon presence.
Additions And Substitutions
Additions
- Chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds add crunch and a nutty flavor.
- Dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates give extra sweetness and texture.
- Shredded carrots or zucchini can boost moisture and add subtle natural sweetness and nutrition.
- A splash of brandy or rum mixed into the batter adds a warm depth of flavor.
- Orange or lemon zest brightens the flavor and complements the spices.
Substitutions
- Apple butter: Use pumpkin butter or pear butter for a different but similarly rich flavor.
- Flour: Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend as needed.
- Buttermilk: Replace with regular milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar per ½ cup.
- Butter: Use coconut oil or vegetable oil if you prefer dairy-free options.
- Eggs: Substitute with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana per egg for egg-free baking.
How Do I Store This Cake?
Store the apple butter cake recipes in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Because of the cream cheese frosting, it’s best to refrigerate the cake.
Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in a sealed cake keeper to prevent it from drying out. The cake will stay good for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften slightly and bring out the flavors. Avoid freezing the frosted cake, as the texture of the cream cheese frosting can change when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use homemade apple butter instead of store-bought?
Yes, homemade apple butter works wonderfully and often adds a richer, fresher flavor to the cake.
What type of apples work best in this cake?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal because they hold their texture when grated and add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I substitute buttermilk with regular milk?
Yes, you can use regular milk, but to mimic the tanginess of buttermilk, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to ½ cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
How long does the apple butter cake stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the cake stays fresh for up to 4–5 days.
Can I freeze apple butter cake?
Yes, you can freeze the cake before frosting. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before frosting and serving.
Is this cake suitable for gluten-free baking?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can try a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Results may vary, so follow the blend’s instructions closely.
Conclusion
This apple butter cake recipes is one of my easy and delicious ideas to make anytime you want something homemade and full of flavor.
The warm spices, moist texture, and rich apple taste come together beautifully in every bite. I hope you try making apple butter cake recipes soon and enjoy the process as much as I always do.
It’s a comforting dessert that brings back memories and creates new ones at the same time. Enjoy baking apple butter cake recipes in your own kitchen and share it with someone you care about.
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Apple Butter Cake Recipes
Equipment
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Hand mixer or stand mixer (for frosting)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Box grater (for apple)
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
- Cake knife or serrated knife
Ingredients
For the Cake Batter:
- 1¾ cups 220 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 cup grated apple peeled or unpeeled
- ¼ cup 60 g unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ¼ cup 60 ml neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
- ¾ cup 150 g brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup 50 g granulated sugar
- 1 cup 240 g apple butter (store‑bought or homemade)
- ½ cup 120 ml buttermilk (or milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz 113 g cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tbsp 30 g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup 120 g powdered sugar
- ½ tsp apple pie spice or a mix of cinnamon and nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the dry ingredients. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Set this bowl aside.
- Mix the wet ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Add the grated apple, melted butter, oil, both sugars, apple butter, buttermilk, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Combine wet and dry. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix.
- Pour and bake. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cake. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
- Make the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until creamy. Add the powdered sugar and apple pie spice. Beat until light, fluffy, and spreadable.
- Frost and serve. Once the cake is fully cooled, spread the spiced cream cheese frosting over the top. Slice and serve.
Notes
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 330 |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Sodium | 270mg |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 29g |
| Protein | 4g |
Hi! I’m Sophia, your trusted cake guide with years of hands-on baking experience. I’m passionate about creating delicious and wholesome cakes that bring happiness to every occasion and home. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and inspiration to make your baking journey enjoyable and rewarding. From classic flavors to healthy twists, my goal is to help you discover the joy of baking and sharing beautiful cakes with family and friends.