This Chai Spice Apple Cake is a cozy treat filled with tender apples and warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying on a rainy day!
As I bake this cake, my kitchen smells like a hug! I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me, it’s hard to resist grabbing just one more slice! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your cake, providing structure. If you want a gluten-free version, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s designed for baking!
Spices: Cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper create those lovely chai flavors. Feel free to adjust based on your taste. If you only have pumpkin spice, that’s a great substitute too!
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best control over salt levels in baking. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter. It might add a hint of coconut flavor!
Brown Sugar: The molasses in brown sugar adds moisture and richness. You can use coconut sugar or even granulated sugar in a pinch; just remember it may change the texture slightly.
Yogurt/Sour Cream: This keeps the cake moist. If you don’t have either, try applesauce or a plant-based yogurt for a lighter version. It’ll keep that moist texture while adding a hint of apple flavor!
How Do I Get My Apples to Stay On Top of the Cake?
Placing apples on top of the batter can be a little tricky, but it’s all about technique! Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Once you’ve poured your batter into the prepared pan, use a spatula to smooth it out flat.
- Take your thin apple slices and gently press them into the batter, making sure they are partially submerged. This keeps them from sliding off during baking.
- If you choose to sprinkle oats or nuts, do it after placing the apples. This way they can catch a bit of the cake batter too.
By following these steps, your apples will stay beautifully displayed on top, adding a delicious touch to your Chai Spice Apple Cake!
Chai Spice Apple Cake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- 3 medium apples (such as Gala or Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
For Serving (Optional):
- Caramel sauce, for drizzling
- Rolled oats or chopped nuts, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-55 minutes to bake. Plan for a total of around 1 hour and 10 minutes, plus some cooling time. You’ll have a delightful cake that fills your home with the smell of warm spices in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the delicious spices (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and black pepper). This mix will ensure even distribution of the flavors throughout the cake.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened butter and packed brown sugar together. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated before adding the next. Follow up with the vanilla extract—this will enhance the sweetness and flavor!
5. Combine Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the yogurt or sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients to enhance the texture. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix!
6. Pour and Prepare the Batter:
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to make it even. This helps the cake rise uniformly.
7. Arrange the Apples:
Now, take those lovely sliced apples and arrange them nicely on top of the batter. Press them in gently to ensure they stay incorporated during baking.
8. Optional Toppings:
If you’d like, sprinkle some rolled oats or chopped nuts over the apples for extra texture and flavor!
9. Bake the Cake:
Place your cake in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
10. Cool the Cake:
Once your cake is baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Serve and Enjoy:
After cooling, you can drizzle caramel sauce over the cake for that extra special touch. Slice and serve, and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this Chai Spice Apple Cake!
Happy baking! 🍏🍰
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Cake?
Absolutely! While Gala and Fuji apples work wonderfully, you can use any variety that holds up well in baking. Try Granny Smith for a tart bite, or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness and crunch!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it’s a blend suitable for baking to achieve the right texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just warm it up slightly before serving for the best flavor!
Can I Add Nuts or Other Mix-Ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make great additions. You can also mix in raisins or dried cranberries for an extra pop of flavor. Just be sure not to overload the batter; a half cup should do!