Hi! I’ve made this apple butter cake recipe so many times, it feels like second nature now. Have you ever baked something that fills your kitchen with cozy, spicy smells and makes everyone ask for seconds?
That’s exactly what happens with this apple butter cake recipe. The soft, moist texture mixed with warm apple and cinnamon flavors is just irresistible.
Sometimes I follow the traditional bakery style, but other times I add a little twist, like extra spice or a different frosting. Curious to try?
Let’s jump in together and bake a cake that’ll make your home smell amazing and taste even better!
Apple Butter Cake Recipe
This apple butter cake recipe uses apple butter, brown sugar, and a blend of spices to create a moist and flavorful cake. The combination of granulated sugar and butter gives the cake a rich, buttery texture that balances the sweetness of the apple butter.
It’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require complicated techniques, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced bakers. The optional cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, tangy layer that complements the cake’s flavors.
This apple butter cake recipe produces a warm, satisfying dessert that’s perfect to enjoy with family or friends anytime you want a comforting treat.
How To Prepare Apple Butter Cake Recipe?
To make sure this apple butter cake recipe comes out just right, I’ll walk you through every step with clear explanations and helpful tips. I’ll also share the kitchen tools I find useful for this apple butter cake recipe.
You don’t need every single tool to bake it successfully just use what’s available, and you’ll still end up with a flavorful, moist cake that everyone will enjoy!
Preparation Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy to Medium
Yield: 12 slices
Kitchen Utensils You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Whisk
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Wire cooling rack
- Sifter (for powdered sugar)
- Offset spatula (if frosting)
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup lightly packed brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ½ cup apple butter
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice
Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream (adjust for desired consistency)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
How To Make Apple Butter Cake Recipe
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. If you’re not using parchment, dust the pan with a little flour to help prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
3. Add Eggs and Apple Butter
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Once the eggs are fully mixed in, stir in the apple butter until smooth. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl as you go to keep everything evenly mixed.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice. This helps ensure the leavening and spices are evenly spread throughout the batter.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cake dense.
6. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Make the Frosting
In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined. Add milk or cream a tablespoon at a time to adjust the consistency, then stir in the vanilla. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting over the top using a spatula.
8. Serve and Store
Cut into slices and serve. If you’ve frosted the cake, it’s best stored in the fridge, where it will keep for up to 5 days. If left unfrosted, it can sit at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered.
Notes
Apple butter adds rich fall flavor and moisture. You can use homemade or store-bought. For extra depth, stir in ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking. This cake pairs well with spiced tea or coffee.
Nutrition Facts Of Apple Butter Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Sugar | 27g |
| Protein | 4g |
Is Apple Butter Cake Recipe Best Comfortable Cake?
Yes, apple butter cake recipe is definitely one of the best comfortable cake. It’s rich, moist, and full of warm spices that instantly feel cozy and familiar.
The apple butter adds depth and sweetness without being overpowering, making each bite feel homemade and satisfying.
Whether served plain, with cream cheese frosting, or a touch of caramel, it offers a sense of warmth that fits perfectly into chilly evenings, family gatherings, or quiet moments with a cup of coffee.
The smell alone while it bakes is comforting. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together and feels like home.
Why My Recipe Works
My recipe works because it balances the sweetness of brown and granulated sugar with the deep, fruity flavor of apple butter. The butter provides richness, while the eggs give structure and moisture, keeping the cake tender.
The apple pie spice adds warmth without overpowering the apple flavor. Baking powder helps the cake rise just right, creating a soft crumb.
Mixing the ingredients carefully without overworking the batter prevents toughness. The optional cream cheese frosting adds a smooth, tangy contrast that enhances the cake’s overall taste.
Each element plays a key role, resulting in a delicious and well-textured apple butter cake every time.
Recipe Tips And Techniques
● Use room temperature butter and eggs to help ingredients blend smoothly and create a better texture.
● Measure flour carefully by spooning it into the cup and leveling it off to avoid a dense cake.
● Mix dry and wet ingredients just until combined to keep the cake tender and light.
● Make sure the apple butter is well stirred before measuring to ensure even flavor distribution.
● Allow the cake to cool completely before adding frosting to prevent it from melting.
● If using cream cheese frosting, soften the cream cheese and butter fully for a smooth, creamy finish.
Usage Suggestions
This apple butter cake recipe makes a wonderful dessert for family dinners or casual get-togethers. It pairs well with a glass of milk or a warm cup of chai.
You can also serve it as a sweet treat during afternoon tea or as a simple snack any time. For a richer experience, try topping it with cream cheese frosting or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Apple butter cake recipe great for holiday tables or potlucks because it holds up well when sliced. Leftovers stay moist and tasty, making it an easy option for breakfast or a quick bite later on.
Health Benefits
This apple butter cake recipe includes ingredients that offer a few nutritional benefits in moderation. Apple butter is made from slow-cooked apples, which provide natural fruit sugars and a small amount of fiber and antioxidants.
Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg may support digestion and have anti-inflammatory qualities. Using unsalted butter helps reduce sodium intake, and baking from scratch gives control over the quality of ingredients.
Swapping in whole wheat flour or reducing sugar slightly can make it a bit more wholesome. Though it’s still a dessert, it can be part of a balanced lifestyle when enjoyed thoughtfully.
Additions For More Delicious
➤ Chopped Walnuts or Pecans: Adding ½ cup of chopped nuts into the batter gives the cake a crunchy texture and a nutty depth that pairs beautifully with the warm spices. They also add healthy fats and protein, making each slice more satisfying.
➤ Diced Apples: Folding in 1 cup of peeled, finely diced apples provides juicy bursts of flavor throughout the cake. They enhance the apple profile and keep the cake extra moist. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work well.
➤ Raisins or Dried Cranberries: Mixing in ½ cup of raisins or cranberries introduces a chewy texture and a touch of natural sweetness. Cranberries add a slight tartness that balances the richness of the cake.
➤ Caramel Drizzle: Drizzling caramel sauce over the baked and cooled cake brings out the warmth of the apple butter and adds a smooth, buttery finish. It also makes the cake more visually appealing for special occasions.
➤ Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Sprinkling a mix of cinnamon and sugar on top of the batter before baking creates a sweet, crisp crust. This simple touch adds texture and enhances the spiced aroma and flavor.
Variations
➢Spiced Apple Butter Bundt Cake: Bake the cake in a bundt pan and add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The shape makes it visually impressive, and the spices deepen the warm flavor.
➢ Apple Butter Cake with Pecan Streusel Topping: Add a crunchy streusel topping made from chopped pecans, brown sugar, and butter. The contrast between crumbly topping and soft cake adds great texture.
➢ Apple Butter and Carrot Cake Combo: Mix grated carrots into the batter along with apple butter for extra moisture and natural sweetness, creating a hybrid cake with added nutrients.
➢ Gluten-Free Apple Butter Cake: Use a gluten-free flour blend and substitute dairy with coconut oil or vegan butter to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive or vegan diets.
➢ Apple Butter Cake with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting: Swap regular vanilla frosting for one flavored with pure maple syrup. The maple adds a rich, earthy sweetness that pairs beautifully with the apple and spices.
Storage Recommendations
Store the apple butter cake recipe tightly covered at room temperature if you plan to eat it within two days. For longer storage, wrap the cake well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days.
If the apple butter cake recipe is frosted, refrigeration is best to keep the frosting fresh and prevent it from melting. To enjoy later, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought apple butter for this cake?
Yes, store-bought apple butter works perfectly. Just choose a good-quality one without added preservatives or excess sugar for the best flavor.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
You can substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a non-dairy milk if making frosting. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. It’s done when it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Can I freeze the apple butter cake?
Yes, the cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Is cream cheese frosting necessary?
No, the cake is flavorful and moist on its own. The frosting is optional and adds a creamy, tangy layer if you want something extra.
Personal Touch Or Story
I first made this apple butter cake recipe during a chilly autumn weekend when I wanted something warm and comforting to share with my family.
The scent filling the kitchen brought back memories of my grandmother’s baking. After a few tries, I added a personal twist with extra spice and a cream cheese frosting, which quickly became a favorite.
It’s now a apple butter cake recipe I return to whenever I want a homemade, heartwarming treat.
Conclusion
Making this apple butter cake recipe was an easy and enjoyable experience, truly one of my best baking moments. The process felt simple, yet the result was incredibly rewarding with rich flavors and a tender crumb.
I hope you’ll give this apple butter cake recipe a try soon and discover just how delicious it turns out. The warm spices combined with the apple butter create a cake that feels comforting and special in every bite.
Once you make apple butter cake recipe, you’ll see why I love it so much.
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Apple Butter Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. If you’re not using parchment, dust the pan with a little flour to help prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both the granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Once the eggs are fully mixed in, stir in the apple butter until smooth. Be sure to scrape the sides of the bowl as you go to keep everything evenly mixed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and apple pie spice. This helps ensure the leavening and spices are evenly spread throughout the batter.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cake dense.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a clean bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined. Add milk or cream a tablespoon at a time to adjust the consistency, then stir in the vanilla. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the frosting over the top using a spatula.
- Cut into slices and serve. If you’ve frosted the cake, it’s best stored in the fridge, where it will keep for up to 5 days. If left unfrosted, it can sit at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Apple Butter Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Total Fat | 15g |
| Saturated Fat | 9g |
| Cholesterol | 85mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Carbohydrates | 40g |
| Sugar | 27g |
| 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.