This Chai Spice Apple Cake is a warm hug in dessert form! With chunks of sweet apples and cozy chai spices, it’s both comforting and tasty.
I love how the spices make the kitchen smell amazing while it bakes. Plus, it’s perfect with a cup of tea—just like a cozy afternoon break!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of your cake. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, try almond flour or a gluten-free blend, but remember it may affect the texture.
Spices: The chai spices define the flavor of this cake. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your taste. If you don’t have one, cinnamon is a great substitute alone. For a deeper flavor, use fresh spices if you can!
Butter: I suggest using unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness. If you prefer a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute works well.
Yogurt: This adds moisture. If you don’t have it, buttermilk or sour cream can be used. A dairy-free yogurt will also work if you’re looking for a vegan option.
Apples: I love using tart apples like Granny Smith because they give a nice balance to the sweetness. If you prefer, sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp are also delicious.
How Do I Ensure My Cake Turns Out Moist and Flavorful?
When preparing the cake, mixing techniques matter! Creaming the butter and sugar together until fluffy introduces air for a light texture. Adding eggs one at a time helps with emulsification, making for a smooth batter.
- Mix dry ingredients separate from wet ingredients to keep baking soda and powder active.
- Fold in the apples gently to avoid overmixing, which keeps the cake from becoming tough.
- Monitor baking time closely. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean but not dry.
Let the cake cool in the pan before transferring it to a rack. This prevents it from breaking. Finally, the caramel drizzle adds not just flavor but a lovely finish!
Chai Spice Apple Cake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Spices:
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
Fruit:
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced, plus extra slices for the top
- Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chai Spice Apple Cake takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-55 minutes to bake, followed by a cooling period. Including cooling time, you can expect to spend about 1 hour and 15 minutes total until it’s ready to serve. Perfect for an afternoon bake or a warm dessert for dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch round cake pan to ensure your cake comes out easily once baked.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and all the delicious chai spices: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper. This mixture will bring all the lovely flavors together in your cake.
3. Creaming the Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process creates air in the batter, which helps in making the cake light.
4. Adding Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. This step helps incorporate all the flavors into the batter.
5. Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the yogurt to the creamed butter mixture. Start and finish with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
6. Folding in the Apples:
Gently fold in the thinly sliced apples. This adds moisture and a fruity element to your cake without breaking up the apple slices too much.
7. Pouring the Batter:
Pour the prepared batter into the greased cake pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top evenly, ensuring an even bake.
8. Decorating with Extra Apples:
Arrange any extra apple slices on the top of the batter for a decorative touch. It’ll look beautiful once baked!
9. Baking the Cake:
Bake the cake for about 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Make sure to keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time.
10. Cooling the Cake:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps prevent it from becoming soggy.
11. Final Touches:
Once the cake has cooled down, feel free to drizzle some caramel sauce on top before serving. It adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely finish!
Enjoy your cozy and spiced Chai Spice Apple Cake warm with a cup of tea or coffee. Happy baking!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer a nice tartness, you can use any variety you like. Sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp add extra sweetness, while tart apples balance the cake beautifully. A mix of different apples can also add depth of flavor!
Can I Substitute the Butter?
Yes, you can substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind that using oil instead of butter may change the texture slightly, making it a bit denser.
How to Store Leftover Cake?
To keep your cake fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Make This Cake in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking. Alternatively, bake it a day ahead and enjoy it cold or warmed up!
