Naked Apple Spice Cake
Try this Naked Apple Spice Cake recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Naked Apple Spice Cake recipe, or contribute your own.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp butter
- 4 large eggs at room temperature
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp cloves
- for cake
- 1 apple, peeled and diced
- for frosting
- 1 1/4 tsps baking powder
- 1 1/4 tsps cinnamon
- 1/2 cups packed light brown sugar
- 3 granny smith apples peeled and shredded (about two heaping cups)
- 16 ozs cream cheese (i always use philadelphia) room temperature
- 8 tbsps unsalted butter room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar not packed
- 2 tsps pure vanilla extract
- for apple topping
- 2 tbsps brown sugar
- Carbohydrate 491.597945389268 g
- Cholesterol 1499.10312501308 mg
- Fat 516.317794175613 g
- Fiber 22.491877736074 g
- Protein 65.081753164488 g
- Saturated Fat 178.880070380951 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1981g)
- Sodium 5867.53014052321 mg
- Sugar 469.106067653193 g
- Trans Fat 27.5460063283364 g
- Calories 6758 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- Prepare two 9 inch cake pans by spraying them with cooking spray.
- Whisk together in a large bowl the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices.
- Whisk the eggs and sugars together in a large bowl until the sugars are just about dissolved.
- Now add the oil about a half a cup at a time and whisk in until it’s combined.
- Slowly add the flour mixture.
- Stir in the shredded apple.
- Pour into the pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with just a few crumbs.
- Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and transfer to cooling racks.
- Allow cake to cool completely.
- Once completely cool, insert a toothpick halfway up the side of the cake. Do the same two inches further down the side, and again two inches after that until you have toothpicks all around the edge of the cake.
- Use the toothpicks to guide a serrated knife in cutting the cake into half.
- Repeat with the second cake so that you have four layers.
- To make frosting, cream together the cream cheese and the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer.
- Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time.
- Then add in the vanilla extract.
- Divide the frosting into four and top each of the layers with it.
- On the top layer, make the frosting thicker around the edges to make a rim to hold in the apple topping.
- To make the apple topping, combine the ingredients in a small sauce pan over medium heat.
- Stir consistently until the liquid thickens and the apples are tender.
- Remove from the sauce pan to a bowl and allow to cool completely before topping the cake with the apples.
- Serve immediately or cover loosely and refrigerate for up to three days.
Naked Apple Spice Cake: A Baker's Journey
As a busy professional, finding time for baking can feel like a luxury, but sometimes, the sweet aroma of a home-baked cake is the perfect antidote to a stressful week. This Naked Apple Spice Cake isn't just a recipe; it’s a testament to the simple joys of creating something delicious and beautiful, even with a limited timeframe. The "naked" aspect, with its imperfectly layered frosting and visible cake layers, adds a rustic charm that feels both elegant and approachable. It's a cake that speaks of imperfection, of embracing the handmade, and of the satisfaction derived from creating something that nourishes both the body and the soul. The recipe itself is surprisingly straightforward, relying on classic ingredients and techniques that even a beginner baker can master.
The beauty of this cake lies not just in its taste but also in its adaptability. It’s the kind of recipe you can adjust to your own preferences. Want a richer spice profile? Add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg. Prefer a different apple variety? Go for it! The core of the recipe remains robust enough to withstand variations. I find that the Granny Smith apples provide a delightful tartness that balances perfectly with the sweetness of the cake and frosting. The cream cheese frosting, creamy and decadent, adds a touch of sophistication, a perfect complement to the warm spices. And then, there's the apple topping – a simple yet stunning touch that elevates this cake to another level. Its warm, sweet, and slightly tart apples gently melt into the cake layers, creating an explosion of autumnal flavors.
Beyond the individual ingredients, it's the process of making this cake that truly resonates with me. The act of measuring, mixing, and baking is a meditative experience; a moment of calm amidst the chaos of daily life. The anticipation as the cake bakes, the intoxicating aroma filling the kitchen, the joy of slicing into the warm, moist layers – these are the experiences that make baking so worthwhile. This is more than just a recipe; it's a ritual, a celebration of simple pleasures and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and delicious from scratch. The naked aspect of the cake is a reflection of my own approach to life - imperfectly perfect, real and honest. It’s a cake that reflects my approach to life, unpretentious yet undeniably delightful. Each layer, each imperfect swirl of frosting, represents the unique and wonderful journey we each undertake in life – a journey marked by both challenges and triumphs, a journey that we embrace with honesty, kindness, and a touch of sweet indulgence.
Making this cake, even amidst a busy schedule, is a reminder to prioritize self-care. It’s a reminder that taking the time to create something beautiful, even if it's just for ourselves, is a powerful act of self-love. The aroma of the baking cake, the soft texture of the cream cheese frosting, and the warmth of the apple topping – these sensory details help me to reconnect with the simple joys in life, grounding me in the present moment. And honestly, sharing a slice with loved ones makes the experience even richer. The satisfaction of sharing something homemade is unmatched. So, whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, I encourage you to try this Naked Apple Spice Cake. It's a recipe that's as much about the experience as it is about the delicious outcome. It’s a recipe that invites you to slow down, appreciate the process, and savour the fruits of your labour. This cake is a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful things in life are also the simplest.
