Are you ready to bake up a storm of deliciousness? This apple butter cake recipe is the perfect blend of comforting spices and moist, tender cake. It's a fantastic option for cozy autumn evenings or any occasion that calls for a homemade treat. Forget those store-bought cakes; this easy recipe delivers a truly delightful and unforgettable experience. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is perfect for you. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet extraordinary cake!
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Get started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your cake will come out easily and beautifully.
Make the cake batter:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This combines the dry ingredients evenly.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. A stand mixer or hand mixer works great for this step.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the apple butter and buttermilk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing.
Bake the cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on it.
Prepare the frosting:
- While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Assemble and enjoy:
- Once the cake has cooled completely, frost it with the cream cheese frosting.
- Slice and serve! Enjoy this delicious homemade treat.
Tips for the Best Apple Butter Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using softened butter and room temperature eggs ensures proper emulsification and a lighter cake.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cool completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cardamom to the batter for extra warmth.
- Nutty delight: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Apple crumble topping: Sprinkle a streusel topping made from oats, flour, brown sugar, and butter over the cake before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: 18-20g Saturated Fat: 10-12g Cholesterol: 50-60mg Sodium: 200-250mg Carbohydrates: 45-50g Sugar: 25-30g Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy your delicious and easy apple butter cake! It's a perfect healthy-ish addition to your weekly meal plan, perfect for quick dinner ideas or a special occasion. This recipe offers a delightful homemade cooking experience. It's among the best recipes for its ease and deliciousness.