Apple Butter Spice Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 35 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A moist spice cake infused with apple butter and warm spices, topped with raisins and fresh apple, perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy desserts.

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Ingredients

  • 6 Tbsp. butter
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tsp. vanilla
  • 2 cups flour
  • 2 tsp. baking soda
  • 2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 2 tsp. ginger
  • 1 tsp. allspice
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 cup raisins
  • 1 apple, peeled, cored and diced

Instructions

  1. Cut butter into pieces and put in a 9-inch square cake pan. Place in a preheated 350°F oven until melted, about 5 minutes.
  2. Remove the pan from the oven and tilt it so that the butter coats the bottom and sides of the pan. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, crumble brown sugar over the apple butter.
  4. Add butter, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla to the bowl.
  5. Pour in the melted butter from the pan.
  6. Whisk until smooth.
  7. Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and salt to the apple butter mixture and whisk just until combined.
  8. Fold in raisins and diced apple.
  9. Spread the batter in the prepared pan.
  10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top feels firm when lightly pressed in the center.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter and let it cool slightly before adding to the mixture. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. To add a nutty crunch, consider incorporating walnuts or pecans, which also pair beautifully with this Apple Butter Spice Cake.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Butter Spice Cake is delightful on its own but can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Pair it with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat. It can also be enjoyed as a sweet breakfast option alongside 'Candace'S' Delight.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply place a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Apple Butter Spice Cake contains roughly 206 calories, with 2g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1686mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).

206 kcal 10% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.3g 5% DV
Total Fat 2.5g 3% DV
Carbs 35.7g 13% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 13g 26% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1685.7mg 73% DV
Potassium 227.6mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 59.8mg 20% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 12mg 13% DV
Vitamin D 0.2mcg 1% DV
Calcium 88.6mg 7% DV
Iron 0.7mg 4% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade apple butter for this recipe?

Absolutely! Homemade apple butter can enhance the flavor of your cake, making it even more delicious. Just ensure it’s not too runny, as the consistency should be similar to store-bought apple butter for the best results.

What can I substitute for raisins?

If you're not a fan of raisins, you can replace them with dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, or even chocolate chips for a different twist. Each of these options will add a unique flavor profile to the cake.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this cake gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that your baking soda is gluten-free as well, and the texture should still turn out wonderfully.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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