Barbara'S Apple Spice
A moist, spiced apple cake with warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors, perfect for autumn gatherings or tea time, combining applesauce and fresh diced apples for richness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 cup oil ⓘ
- 2/3 cup cold coffee ⓘ
- 3 1/2 cups flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon Watkins nutmeg ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups applesauce ⓘ
- 2 cups raw diced apples ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon ginger ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon cloves ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix sugar, oil, cold coffee, eggs, and applesauce in a bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, salt, ginger, and cloves, then mix all together.
- Stir in the diced raw apples.
- Pour the batter onto a cookie sheet suitable for food service.
- Bake at 350°F for 40 minutes.
- Allow to cool, then frost the cake.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute half of the applesauce with mashed bananas for a unique taste. If you prefer a spicier cake, increase the cinnamon and nutmeg slightly. Be sure to mix the wet and dry ingredients separately before combining to ensure even distribution of flavors throughout the batter.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. It pairs beautifully with Mother'S Old-Fashioned Tea Cakes for a cozy afternoon tea. You can also enjoy it with a cup of coffee or spiced tea for a comforting treat. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds a lovely finishing touch.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in an oven at 250°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbara'S Apple Spice contains roughly 694 calories, with 5g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 60g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), iron (22% of the Daily Value), and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 other types of apples in this recipe?
Yes, you can use a variety of apples for different flavors and textures. Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice balance to the sweetness, while sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp will enhance the overall sweetness of the cake. Just be sure to dice them evenly for consistent baking.
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make this cake dairy-free, substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. Ensure that any frosting or toppings you use are also dairy-free, or simply enjoy it plain for a delicious treat that fits your dietary needs.
How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
To check if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking regularly to avoid overbaking.
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).