This Chai Spice Apple Cake is a warm and cozy treat! It’s packed with tender apples and a mix of lovely chai spices like cinnamon and cardamom, making it smell amazing while baking.
Seriously, this cake is perfect with a cup of tea on a chilly day. I love sneaking a slice after dinner—it’s just the right amount of sweet and spiced! 🍏☕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith for their tartness or Fuji for sweetness. You can also mix different varieties for a unique flavor. If you don’t have apples, pears can be a tasty substitute!
Baking Powder & Soda: These are essential for a fluffy cake. If you’re out of baking powder, you can use 1/2 tsp of baking soda plus 1 tsp of vinegar as a substitute.
Unsalted Butter: I prefer using unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness of the cake. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can work nicely here.
Sour Cream/Yogurt: For moisture, I use sour cream, but plain Greek yogurt is a great alternative for a lighter option. You can even use applesauce to reduce calories!
How Do I Cream Butter and Sugar Properly?
Creaming butter and sugar well is key to achieving a light and airy texture in your cake. Here’s how to do it:
- Use room temperature butter for easier mixing.
- Beat with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
- Look for a light and fluffy mixture that’s pale in color.
Don’t rush this step; it helps create those lovely air bubbles needed for the perfect cake rise!
What’s the Best Way to Fold in Ingredients?
Gently folding in the apples and flour mixture is crucial to keep the cake light. Here’s how:
- Use a large spatula and scoop from the bottom to the top, turning the bowl as you go.
- Avoid mixing too vigorously; we don’t want to deflate the batter!
This technique ensures that your cake stays fluffy while evenly distributing the apples throughout.
Enjoy making your Chai Spice Apple Cake—it’s a delightful warm dessert that pairs perfectly with hot drinks!🍏✨
Chai Spice Apple Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), 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 (see below)
- 1/4 cup ground ginger
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup milk
- Caramel sauce for drizzling (optional)
For the Chai Spice Blend:
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chai Spice Apple Cake takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 45-55 minutes of baking time, totaling approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes until it’s ready to enjoy. Plus, it would be best to let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s happening, grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. This will help your cake come out easily after baking!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, chai spice blend, and ground ginger. Good job! Set this dry mixture aside for a moment.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Beat it until it’s light and fluffy—this should take about 3–4 minutes.
4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture. Once fully combined, add the vanilla extract and give it another mix!
5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Alternate adding the flour mixture and the sour cream (or yogurt) to the wet ingredients. Start and end with flour, stirring just until combined. Then, mix in the milk until the batter is nice and smooth.
6. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold in about half of the thinly sliced apples into the batter. This adds a lovely fruity element to your cake!
7. Pour and Decorate:
Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Now, arrange the remaining apple slices in a decorative circular pattern on top. Your cake is looking beautiful!
8. Baking Time:
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and if the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
9. Cooling:
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important to maintain a perfect texture!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Just before serving, feel free to drizzle warm caramel sauce on top if desired. Savor your aromatic Chai Spice Apple Cake with a warm cup of chai tea or coffee. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Cake?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Fuji are great options, you can experiment with other varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala. Mixing two or three types can add interesting flavors and textures!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well.
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best results! The texture may differ slightly, but it should still be delicious.
Can I Add Nuts or Other Ingredients?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans could add a lovely crunch to the cake. Just fold in about 1/2 cup along with the sliced apples. You can also add raisins or dried cranberries for extra flavor!