Apple Cake with Cinnamon & Nutmeg
This Apple Cake with Cinnamon & Nutmeg is a moist and tender homemade dessert bursting with fresh apple chunks and warmed by fragrant cinnamon and nutmeg. Easy to make with simple pantry staples, it’s perfect for any occasion whether served as a comforting breakfast, snack, or dessert. The inviting aromas fill your kitchen, making it a cozy treat to share with family and friends all year round.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (plus a pinch for apples)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup milk
Fruit
- 2 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the fresh apples into small chunks. Toss them gently with a pinch of cinnamon to enhance their natural aroma and flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a hand mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps create a tender crumb in the finished cake.
- Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to build depth and balance to the flavor profile.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Alternately add the dry mixture and milk into the creamed butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid developing a dense texture.
- Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the spiced apple pieces into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed without overmixing to maintain the cake’s softness.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and texture.
- Do not overmix the batter; folding gently maintains a light, tender cake.
- Ensure all ingredients such as butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for even mixing and better rise.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg based on your preference for spice intensity.
- Start checking the cake for doneness at 45 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying out the cake.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze wrapped cake for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Reheat slices briefly in the microwave or oven to revive softness and aroma.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10th of cake)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: apple cake, cinnamon cake, nutmeg cake, homemade dessert, moist apple cake, spiced cake