Oh wow, this Christmas Apple Spice Cake is my absolute favorite holiday treat! It’s soft, sweet, and smells like pure Christmas joy. I just have to share it with you.

It’s loaded with juicy apples and warm spices that dance on your tongue. Every bite feels like a cozy hug by the fireplace. And guess what? It’s super simple to make.

Friends always ask for seconds, and I love watching their happy faces. It’s one of those cakes that makes memories. Trust me, you’ll wanna bake it again and again.

So come on, let’s get baking and fill our kitchens with yummy Christmas magic. You’re gonna love it. Let’s do this together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Holiday Favorite: As one reader raved, “The smell of this cake baking filled my house with Christmas cheer!”
Moist and Flavorful: The addition of fresh apples makes this cake incredibly moist and flavorful, while the spices create a wonderful balance.
Perfect for Gifting: If you’re looking for a homemade gift, this cake is just what you need. Wrap it up in parchment and twine for an adorable and delicious present.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, this recipe is easy to follow, even for beginners.
Make Ahead-Friendly: This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it great for preparing ahead of time.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this Apple Spice Cake, you’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools:

9-inch Round Cake Pan: This size ensures the perfect cake-to-icing ratio and an ideal bake.
Medium and Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need these for mixing your dry and wet ingredients separately before combining them.
Whisk: To ensure the dry ingredients are mixed well and the batter is light and fluffy.
Spatula: A good spatula helps you fold ingredients and scrape the bowl clean.
Wire Rack: Allowing the cake to cool on a wire rack ensures even cooling and prevents sogginess.

Ingredients

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this fragrant, fall-inspired cake. You’ll notice the combination of fresh apples, warm spices, and a bit of sweetness that makes it so irresistible:

2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of this cake, providing structure.
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise to perfection.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Balances out the acidity and creates a soft texture.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The quintessential spice for a warm, festive flavor.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds depth to the flavor profile and enhances the holiday feel.
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Just a pinch of this spice adds an aromatic touch.
1/4 teaspoon salt: To balance out the sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
2 large eggs: For moisture, structure, and a tender crumb.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetness to complement the apples and spices.
1/2 cup packed brown sugar: For added moisture and depth of flavor.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Ensures the cake stays rich and moist.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the cake, making it even more aromatic.
2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): These apples add a tartness that pairs wonderfully with the sweet cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Spice Cake

1. Preheat and Prep the Pan

Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan, or line the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick to the pan and can be easily removed once baked.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the following dry ingredients:

Flour (2 cups)
Baking powder (1 1/2 teaspoons)
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon)
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon)
Ground cloves (1/4 teaspoon)
Salt (1/4 teaspoon)

Whisk them thoroughly to ensure there are no clumps, and the spices are evenly distributed.

3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the granulated sugar (1 cup) and brown sugar (1/2 cup). Add in the melted unsalted butter (1/2 cup) and vanilla extract (1 teaspoon), then whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Next, crack in the eggs (2 large) and beat until everything is combined.

4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Start by adding half the flour mixture, stirring until it’s mostly incorporated, then add the second half. Mix just until everything is combined — be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a denser cake.

5. Add the Apples

Now it’s time for the star ingredient: the apples! Gently fold in the peeled and chopped apples (2 cups). I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, as their tartness contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the cake.

6. Pour the Batter into the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

7. Bake the Cake

Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.

8. Cool the Cake

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. After that, remove the cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve and Decorate Christmas Apple Spice Cake

This cake is delicious on its own, but a little extra decoration can elevate it for the holiday season!

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully with the cake’s warm spices.
Add a Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and a little milk over the top for a sweet finish.
Top with Candied Pecans or Walnuts: Add a crunchy texture by garnishing the cake with toasted nuts or candied pecans.
Pair with a Hot Drink: Serve alongside a cup of hot cocoa, coffee, or mulled cider for a perfect winter treat.

Decoration Ideas:

For an added festive touch, consider these simple decorations:

Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar will give the cake an elegant, snow-dusted look.
Cinnamon Stick Garnish: Place a few cinnamon sticks on top of the cake for a beautiful and aromatic garnish.

Storing Christmas Apple Spice Cake

If you have leftovers (which is rare, trust me), here’s how to store your cake:

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days at room temperature. It will stay moist and flavorful for several days.
Refrigerator: If you prefer to store the cake in the fridge, wrap it in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezing: If you want to save this cake for later, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled cake in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Christmas Apple Spice Cake Variations

This cake is already perfect, but if you want to switch things up, here are some variations you can try:

Add Nuts: For added crunch, fold in chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
Make it a Layer Cake: If you want a fancier presentation, bake the batter in two 8-inch pans and layer them with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream in between.
Add a Streusel Topping: For a crunchy, buttery finish, sprinkle a cinnamon streusel topping (made with butter, sugar, and flour) on top of the batter before baking.
Use Different Fruit: Experiment with different fruits like pears or cranberries for a twist on the classic apple version.

Christmas Apple Spice Cake FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! This cake actually gets better the next day as the flavors develop. You can make it up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples work best because of their tartness, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like Fuji or Gala apples.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, this cake freezes wonderfully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow it to thaw at room temperature before serving.