Fall Spice Cake

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

A moist, spiced cake blending warm flavors of cinnamon and apple, topped with maple frosting and crunchy walnuts—perfect for fall gatherings and cozy celebrations.

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Ingredients

  • 18.25 oz. package spice or carrot cake mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup apple butter
  • 2 cups coarse chopped walnuts

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
  2. Combine cake mix, water, eggs, vegetable oil, and apple butter in a large bowl.
  3. Beat at low speed until blended, then continue at medium speed for 2 minutes.
  4. Pour batter into prepared pans.
  5. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes.
  6. Cool completely.
  7. Spread Maple Buttercream Frosting all over the cake.
  8. Press coarse chopped walnuts into the sides of the cake.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, you can substitute the vegetable oil with unsweetened applesauce. If you prefer a less nutty flavor, feel free to omit the walnuts or replace them with pecans. To enhance the spice flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg. Make sure to thoroughly mix the batter to avoid lumps for a smooth cake.

Serving Suggestions

This Fall Spice Cake pairs beautifully with Maple Buttercream Frosting, which adds a rich sweetness. Serve it alongside a warm beverage like chai or coffee for a delightful treat. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with additional walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon. It makes a wonderful dessert for gatherings or as a cozy fall snack.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you wish to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, warm slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, ensuring they remain moist. Alternatively, you can serve it cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fall Spice Cake contains roughly 405 calories, with 5g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (12% of the Daily Value), protein (10% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value).

405 kcal 20% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.8g 10% DV
Total Fat 13.5g 17% DV
Carbs 68.6g 25% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 14.3g 29% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 345.8mg 15% DV
Potassium 247.1mg 5% DV
Cholesterol 55.2mg 18% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 109.5mcg 12% DV
Vitamin C 0.9mg 1% DV
Calcium 133.5mg 10% DV
Iron 1.5mg 8% DV
Contains Milk Egg Tree nuts

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 a different type of cake mix for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the spice or carrot cake mix with a vanilla or chocolate cake mix. However, the flavor profile will change, and you may want to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to maintain a fall-inspired taste.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free cake mix in place of the regular spice or carrot cake mix. Just ensure that all other ingredients are also gluten-free to maintain the integrity of the cake.

How can I make this cake more festive for a party?

To make the Fall Spice Cake more festive, consider adding seasonal decorations like edible leaves or small pumpkins on top. You could also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

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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