Name: Apple Pecan Spice Cake: 12 Reasons to Indulge This Fall
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups chopped Granny Smith apples; 2 cups granulated sugar; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 lightly beaten eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ cup milk; 1 cup roughly chopped pecans; 8 ounces room temperature cream cheese; ¼ cup softened salted butter; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup light brown sugar

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Apple Pecan Spice Cake is a delightful dessert that embodies the essence of fall. This moist and flavorful cake is enriched with tart Granny Smith apples, crunchy pecans, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for cozy gatherings or festive celebrations, it offers a wonderful balance of sweetness and spice. Topped with luscious brown sugar cream cheese frosting, this cake is not just a treat; it’s a warm hug on a plate. Let’s dive into how to make this comforting dessert!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pecan Spice Cake

This Apple Pecan Spice Cake is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to prepare. Here are a few reasons to love it:

Rich flavors from fresh apples and pecans create a delightful combination.
The cake is incredibly moist, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
It’s a fantastic way to celebrate fall with seasonal ingredients.
Perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners.
Easy to make with simple ingredients that you likely already have.
Can be served warm or cold, with or without frosting.
It’s a perfect dessert option for those seeking a sweet treat without being overly indulgent.

This recipe also fits well within the American cuisine and is vegetarian-friendly, making it a perfect choice for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients for Apple Pecan Spice Cake

Gather these items:

4 cups chopped Granny Smith apples
2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup vegetable oil
2 lightly beaten eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup milk
1 cup roughly chopped pecans
8 ounces room temperature cream cheese
¼ cup softened salted butter
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup light brown sugar

How to Make Apple Pecan Spice Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9 x 13 x 1-inch baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray, lightly dust it with flour, then tap out the excess flour. Set the pan aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups chopped Granny Smith apples and 2 cups granulated sugar. Stir in ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 lightly beaten eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the apple mixture and stir until combined. Pour in ½ cup milk and mix just until incorporated. Fold in 1 cup roughly chopped pecans evenly throughout the batter.
Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once baked, allow the cake to cool completely in the pan.
Step 6: In a large bowl, beat 8 ounces of room temperature cream cheese with a hand mixer on high speed until smooth. Add ¼ cup softened salted butter and continue beating until fully incorporated, scraping down the bowl sides as needed.
Step 7: Mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract and 1 cup light brown sugar. Beat on medium-high speed for 5 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and the sugar has dissolved.
Step 8: Spread the brown sugar cream cheese frosting evenly over the cooled cake. Refrigerate the cake until ready to serve to allow the frosting to set.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Pecan Spice Cake

Keep these in mind:

This cake is great for fall gatherings.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
For added flavor, consider using a mix of apple varieties.
For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
Try adding a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for an indulgent touch.

Best Ways to Serve Apple Pecan Spice Cake

Here are a few ideas to enhance your serving experience:

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
Pair with a dollop of whipped cream for a light touch.
Try it with a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Pecan Spice Cake

To ensure your cake stays fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. You can reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy the cake warm, perfect for meal prep or a cozy dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Pecan Spice Cake

What’s the secret to perfect Apple Pecan Spice Cake?

Using fresh, tart apples like Granny Smith enhances the flavor profile and moisture of the cake. Ensure not to overmix the batter, which can lead to a dense texture.

Can I make Apple Pecan Spice Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and frost it closer to serving time for the best texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Pecan Spice Cake?

To avoid common pitfalls, measure your flour correctly and do not skip the cooling step before frosting. Overbaking can lead to a dry cake, so check for doneness with a toothpick.

Variations of Apple Pecan Spice Cake You Can Try

Here are a few delicious variations:

For a vegan version, substitute eggs with applesauce and use plant-based cream cheese.
Experiment with adding dried fruits like cranberries for a unique twist.
Try a gluten-free apple pecan spice cake by using almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend.

Embrace the fall season with this delightful Apple Pecan Spice Cake that is sure to become a favorite dessert in your home.

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Incredible homemade Apple Pecan Spice Cake ready to be served