Why Make This Recipe
Apple snack cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of apples with a moist, fluffy cake texture. It’s perfect for snacking, dessert, or even breakfast. The warm spices, like cinnamon and ginger, make it feel cozy and inviting, making it an excellent choice for any time of the year. Plus, it’s simple to make and uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
How to Make Apple Snack Cake
Ingredients
- 4 oz unsalted butter (room temperature or at least cut in small pieces)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (plain flour)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ginger
- 1/8 tsp cloves (or allspice)
- 2 cups apples (peeled and small diced, approx 2 apples (peeled and cored weight/vol))
- 1/3 cup chopped dates
- 1/4 cup confectioners sugar (1/4 cup is 4 tbsp) icing sugar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350F/175C. Line a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) cake pan with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until they are well combined. You can use either a stand mixer or a hand mixer for this step.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix again.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture. It’s best to fold the ingredients in gently with a spatula instead of beating them.
- Once the dry ingredients are combined, fold in the diced apples and chopped dates.
- Pour the batter into the lined pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the cake is medium brown and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- You can enjoy the cake warm or cooled. If you want to add frosting, let it cool first.
- For the frosting, sift the confectioner’s sugar, then mix in the maple syrup until smooth. Drizzle or spread this over the cooled cake, then cut into pieces and serve.
- The cake will stay fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature in a sealed container.
How to Serve Apple Snack Cake
Apple snack cake is perfect as a sweet treat at any time of the day. You can serve it plain, or with a drizzle of the maple frosting on top for added sweetness. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack. It can also be enjoyed as a dessert after a meal.
How to Store Apple Snack Cake
To keep your apple snack cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will last for about 3-4 days. If you want it to last longer, consider refrigerating it, but it’s best enjoyed at room temperature.
Tips to Make Apple Snack Cake
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Don’t skip the spices! They add a wonderful depth of flavor to the cake.
- If you’re short on time, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and bake it later.
- Experiment with different types of apples for varied flavor and texture.
Variations
You can customize this recipe by adding nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. Alternatively, you could substitute the chopped dates with raisins or cranberries for a different fruity flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other fruits besides apples?
Yes, you can substitute apples with pears or even chopped peaches for a different taste.
What can I use instead of butter for a dairy-free version?
You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute to make this cake dairy-free.
Can I freeze the apple snack cake?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
Apple Snack Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful apple snack cake that combines the sweetness of apples with warm spices, making it perfect for snacking or dessert.
Ingredients
- 4 oz unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ginger
- 1/8 tsp cloves (or allspice)
- 2 cups apples (peeled and small diced)
- 1/3 cup chopped dates
- 1/4 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F/175C. Line a 9×9 inch (23×23 cm) cake pan with parchment paper.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until well combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix again.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, folding gently with a spatula.
- Fold in the diced apples and chopped dates.
- Pour the batter into the lined pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- To make the frosting, sift the confectioner’s sugar, mix in the maple syrup until smooth, then drizzle or spread over the cooled cake.
- Cut into pieces and serve.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. Can be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: apple cake, snack cake, dessert, fall recipes, baking