Best Apple Cranberry Spice Cake Recipes

What is Apple Cranberry Spice Cake Recipe?

Apple Cranberry Spice Cake Recipe is a delicious combination of fall fruits, spices, and sweetness. It's a perfect dessert to enjoy during the autumn season or any time of the year. This recipe blends the flavors of juicy apples, tart cranberries, warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, creating a heavenly aroma and taste that's irresistible.

The ingredients in the recipe are simple, and it's easy to prepare, making it a go-to dessert for busy autumn evenings or special occasions. This cake is typically served warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, adding to its appeal and indulgence.

The Ingredients of Apple Cranberry Spice Cake Recipe

The ingredients of Apple Cranberry Spice Cake recipe include:

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Unsalted butter, softened
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Sour cream
• Vanilla extract
• Apples, peeled and chopped
• Dried cranberries

How to Make Apple Cranberry Spice Cake Recipe

Here's the basic recipe for making Apple Cranberry Spice Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer.
4. Add the eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture and blend until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the chopped apples and dried cranberries.
7. Pour the batter into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula.
8. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
9. Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Variations of Apple Cranberry Spice Cake Recipe

There are few variations to Apple Cranberry Spice Cake recipe, which include:

Gluten-Free Apple Cranberry Spice Cake

For those who are gluten intolerant or celiac, it's possible to create a gluten-free version of this recipe by using gluten-free all-purpose flour. The remaining ingredients can stay the same.

Vegan Apple Cranberry Spice Cake

Vegans can also make this dessert by substituting butter, eggs, and sour cream with vegan butter, flax eggs, and coconut cream, respectively.

Slow Cooker Apple Cranberry Spice Cake

For an effortless approach to making this dessert, try adapting the recipe for a slow cooker. Mix the ingredients, pour them into the slow cooker, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until done.

The Nutrition of Apple Cranberry Spice Cake Recipe

While Apple Cranberry Spice Cake is a delightful dessert, it's essential to be mindful of the calories and nutrition content. A serving of Apple Cranberry Spice Cake contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 4 grams
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 51 grams
• Sugar: 34 grams

It's a moderately high-calorie dessert, and those who are watching their sugar and carb intake may need to consider enjoying this dessert in moderation.

The Benefits of Apple Cranberry Spice Cake Recipe

This recipe has several benefits, including:

• High in antioxidants: Apples and cranberries are highly nutritious fruits that are rich in antioxidants, which can help improve immune functions, reduce inflammation, and protect against diseases.
• Full of fiber: The recipe includes whole-grain flour and apples, both high in fiber, which can help to reduce cholesterol levels and promote digestive regularity.
• Boosts energy: The complex carbohydrates in the flour and the natural sugars in the fruits provide energy that can help replenish glycogen stores lost during physical activity.
• Mood elevation: The cinnamon and nutmeg spices in the cake have been known to improve mood, and studies have suggested that they may help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Conclusion

Apple Cranberry Spice Cake is a wonderful dessert for fall or any time of the year. It's an easy recipe to make, and the aroma and taste are heavenly. You can experiment with making variations of the recipe to fit specific dietary needs or preferences. While it's essential to be mindful of the calories and nutrition content, Apple Cranberry Spice Cake contains beneficial nutrients that can contribute to a healthy diet. Enjoy this delicious dessert with family and friends, and savor the flavors of autumn.

Apple cranberry spice cake is a delicious and flavorful dessert that is perfect for the holiday season. It is unique and a perfect way to incorporate fruits and spices in a cake. Making this cake is simple, but there are many valuable tips to keep in mind to ensure that it turns out perfectly every time.

Choosing the Right Apples

The type of apples you choose to use play a significant role when making an apple cranberry spice cake. Apples with a firmer and crisp texture, such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith or Pink Lady, are ideal. These apples will hold their texture in the cake and provide a lovely crunch. Additionally, they offer a tart flavor which contrasts the sweetness of the cake nicely.

Tip:

• Choose a firm and crisp apple variety.
• Avoid soft and mealy apples like Red Delicious, as they may affect the texture of the cake.

Prepping the Ingredients

When making an apple cranberry spice cake, it is important to have all the ingredients prepped ahead of time. This includes washing the apples, chopping them, and measuring out the rest of the ingredients. This way, you can ensure that everything is mixed properly and the cake batter turns out perfectly.

Tip:

• Wash, chop and measure out all ingredients ahead of time.
• Set ingredients aside in order of use in the recipe.

Straight-Up Mixing

When making apple cranberry spice cake, it’s important to mix the batter without overdoing it. Overmixing the batter can cause the cake to become dry and tough. Mix the batter until all ingredients are well combined, and then stop. There may still be some flour visible, but do not worry about it as it will work itself out during the baking process.

Tip:

• Mix the batter until all ingredients are well combined.
• Do not overmix the batter, as it will cause the cake to become tough and dry.

Baking Time and Temperature

One of the most critical parts of making an apple cranberry spice cake is baking the cake for the right amount of time at the correct temperature. Baking time and temperature are essential to ensure that the cake turns out moist and fluffy with a golden brown crust. If the cake is undercooked, it will be dense and gooey, while overcooking it will result in a dry and crumbly cake.

Tip:

• Set the oven temperature according to the recipe.
• Check the cake’s doneness using a toothpick or cake tester, and remove it from the oven when it comes out clean.

Let it Cool

After baking an apple cranberry spice cake, it's essential to let the cake cool for a few minutes before slicing or serving it. The cooling process enables the cake to set, making it easier to handle and slice without falling apart. If you cut the cake while it's still hot, it can fall apart and crumble.

Tip:

• Let the cake cool for a few minutes before slicing or serving it.
• Use a serrated knife to slice the cake cleanly and without smooshing it down.

Storage

Once you’ve baked the cake, you’ll want to store it correctly to preserve its quality and flavor. Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Avoid storing the cake in the fridge, as it can dry out the cake and affect its flavor.

Tip:

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature.
• Avoid storing the cake in the refrigerator.

In Conclusion

Apple cranberry spice cake is a classic dessert that is perfect for the holiday season or any time of year. Following these valuable tips will help you create the perfect apple cranberry spice cake that is moist, fluffy, and full of flavor. Remember to choose the right apples, prep your ingredients ahead of time, mix the batter correctly, bake it at the right temperature, let it cool before slicing, and store it correctly. With these tips, you can't go wrong when making this delicious dessert.