Description
This Apple Butter Cake is a moist, spiced dessert that combines the rich flavors of apple butter and warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Topped with a smooth cinnamon glaze, this cake is perfect for fall gatherings or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup apple butter
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly blended. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the apple butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth.
- Combine with Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing which can make the cake dense.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan. For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and ground cinnamon until smooth. Pour this glaze evenly over the cooled cake before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature to achieve a fluffy batter.
- Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to maintain a tender crumb.
- The glaze adds a sweet and spicy finish, but you can adjust the milk quantity to achieve your desired consistency.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate.
- This cake is delicious served slightly warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
