Apple Butter Cake Recipes
Apple Butter Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert made by combining apple butter with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The batter typically includes flour, sugar, eggs, and butter, creating a tender crumb. Often topped with a glaze or powdered sugar, it’s perfect for fall gatherings or cozy desserts, offering rich apple and spice flavors in every bite.
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 |
