This Chai Spice Apple Cake is a warm and cozy treat! It combines fresh apples with fragrant chai spices like cinnamon and cardamom for a delightful flavor.
As the cake bakes, your kitchen will smell amazing! I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—it’s a perfect match for the spice! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Using a mix of tart (like Granny Smith) and sweet (like Fuji) apples ensures a balanced flavor. If you have only one type, that’s fine, but aim for a mix for the best taste.
Spices: Chai spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger are key here. You can adjust the quantities or even add nutmeg if you like a stronger flavor. A pumpkin pie spice blend can also work as a quick substitute.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my preference for better control over the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter spread instead.
Yogurt or Buttermilk: If you don’t have either, milk with a splash of lemon juice can substitute in a pinch. Just let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
How Do You Make Caramelized Apples on Top?
To achieve lovely caramelized apples that add sweetness and flavor, here’s the trick:
- Use thin slices of apple so they cook evenly and get tender while baking.
- Sprinkling brown sugar on top not only sweetens but also helps create a caramelized effect as the cake bakes.
- Don’t skimp on arranging the apples neatly; this not only looks great but helps in even cooking.
With these tips and guidance, you’ll be all set to create a delicious chai spice apple cake that’s sure to impress!
How to Make Chai Spice Apple Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 3 medium apples (a mix of tart and sweet varieties, e.g., Granny Smith and Fuji), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
For Toppings (Optional):
- ¼ cup light brown sugar (for sprinkling on top)
- Caramel sauce (for drizzling on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chai spice apple cake takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 45-55 minutes to bake. Including the cooling time, you’ll have a delightful cake ready in about 1 hour and 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan to keep the cake from sticking later on.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and your chai spices: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg. This helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly throughout the cake.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This might take about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time into the butter mixture. Make sure to mix well after each egg, then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Now, alternately add the dry flour mixture and yogurt (or buttermilk) to the butter mixture. Start with about a third of the flour mixture, mix it in gently, then add half of the yogurt, mixing again. Continue this pattern, ending with the flour mixture. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until combined!
6. Pour Batter into the Pan:
Pour the cake batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula for even baking.
7. Arrange the Apples:
Add the thinly sliced apples on top of the batter in a circular pattern, overlapping them slightly for a beautiful presentation.
8. Sprinkle with Brown Sugar:
If desired, sprinkle the light brown sugar evenly over the apples to create a lovely caramelized topping as the cake bakes.
9. Bake the Cake:
Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake it for 45-55 minutes. Use a toothpick to check; it should come out clean when the cake is ready, and the apples should be tender.
10. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Drizzle and Serve:
For an extra touch, drizzle caramel sauce over the cooled cake before serving. This chai spice apple cake is fantastic served warm or at room temperature, and it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of chai tea!
Enjoy this wonderful treat that fills your home with the scents of fall!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Fuji, creates a delightful flavor balance. However, you can use any variety or stick with just one type if that’s what you have on hand!
How Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that it’s a 1:1 baking replacement, as these blends are designed to mimic all-purpose flour in recipes.
Can I Make This Cake Vegan?
Yes! Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water for each egg) and use a plant-based butter and dairy-free yogurt or almond milk combined with a splash of lemon juice as a substitute for buttermilk.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn!
