This Chai Spice Apple Cake is a warm and inviting dessert filled with cozy flavors like cinnamon and ginger. It’s all about those sweet apples nestled in a soft, spiced cake!
You won’t believe how good your kitchen will smell while it bakes. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing with friends over a cup of tea. Who can resist a slice? 🍏💖
I love serving this cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s an easy treat that makes any day feel special! You gotta try it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Fuji or Gala apples for their sweet flavor and great texture. If you have tart apples like Granny Smith, they can add a nice balance to the sweetness!
Chai Spice Blend: If you don’t have a chai spice blend on hand, you can easily mix your own with cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg. Adjust the spices to fit your taste, adding more ginger for a bolder kick.
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice for baking, but you can substitute it with coconut oil or even margarine if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Yogurt/Sour Cream: If you don’t have yogurt or sour cream, you can substitute with applesauce for added moisture or buttermilk for a tangy flavor. It’s a handy trick that works well in cakes!
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Smoothly?
Creaming butter and sugar well is key to a light and fluffy cake. Start with softened butter (not melted) and mix it with sugar until it’s pale and fluffy. Here’s how to do it:
- Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-5 minutes.
- Scrape down the bowl halfway through to ensure even mixing.
- Stop mixing when you see a light, fluffy consistency.
This step helps to incorporate air, which will make your cake rise beautifully! Happy baking!
Chai Spice Apple Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 large apples (such as Fuji or Gala), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp chai spice blend (or combine 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp ground cardamom, 1/4 tsp ground cloves, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt or sour cream
- Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chai Spice Apple Cake takes about 20 minutes to prepare and then 45-50 minutes to bake. Don’t forget to let it cool for about 15 minutes before removing it from the pan. The total time needed is roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes, including cooling time—plenty of time to brew a cup of your favorite tea while you wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and chai spice blend. This blend will give your cake that fantastic warm flavor. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Creaming Butter and Sugar:
In a larger bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer. Mix until it’s light and fluffy—this takes about 3-5 minutes. It’s important for the texture of your cake!
4. Adding Wet Ingredients:
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is combined well. Then mix in the yogurt (or sour cream) until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
5. Combining Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid over-mixing; we want a tender cake!
6. Adding Apples to the Batter:
Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the surface. Now arrange half of the apple slices evenly over this layer. Then pour the remaining batter on top and smooth it out again.
7. Topping with Apples:
Finally, add the remaining apple slices on top of the batter, gently pressing them into the surface. This will ensure that those delicious apple slices stay on top while baking!
8. Baking:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen, providing a lovely ambiance!
9. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. If you’d like, drizzle caramel sauce over the top before serving for a touch of sweetness!
Indulge in this wonderfully spiced, tender apple cake with a warm cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy every bite! 🍏
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Fuji and Gala apples work wonderfully, you can also use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples for a slightly tart contrast. Feel free to mix different types for a unique flavor!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for added structure. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, so keep an eye on it!
What Can I Substitute for Yogurt?
You can replace yogurt with sour cream or applesauce for extra moisture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using almond milk with a bit of lemon juice to simulate buttermilk!
