Apple sour cream sugar spice cake is a delicious dessert that combines the sweetness of apples and sugar with the tanginess of sour cream and the warm spices of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a special event or just a cozy night at home.
The Ingredients
To make this cake, you will need a few key ingredients:
Apples
Choose flavorful, juicy apples that will hold their shape when baked. Some good options include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn.
Sour cream
Sour cream gives this cake a tangy kick and makes it extra moist. You can use full-fat or low-fat sour cream, depending on your preference.
Sugar
Granulated sugar is used to sweeten this cake. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking or replace some of it with honey or maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
Spices
A blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger adds warmth and complexity to the cake. You can use pre-ground spices or grind your own for a more intense flavor.
Flour
All-purpose flour is typically used for cakes, but you can also substitute a portion of it with whole wheat flour or almond flour to add extra nutrients and flavor.
Eggs
Eggs give structure and lift to the cake. Be sure to use room temperature eggs for best results.
Baking powder and baking soda
These leavening agents help the cake rise and give it a light, fluffy texture.
Salt
A pinch of salt helps balance the flavors and enhances the sweetness of the apples and sugar.
Butter
Butter adds richness and flavor to the cake. You can use salted or unsalted butter, depending on your preference.
The Method
Making an apple sour cream sugar spice cake is easy with these simple steps:
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. Toss them with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Sour Cream
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the sour cream until smooth.
Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, which can lead to a tough cake.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold the diced apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into a greased and floured cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
In Conclusion
Apple sour cream sugar spice cake is a delightful dessert that is easy to make and sure to please any crowd. With a combination of sweet and tangy flavors, warm spices, and tender apples, this cake is a must-try for any dessert lover. Whether you serve it as a special treat or enjoy it as a cozy snack, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
As fall approaches, many of us crave warm, comforting baked goods. Apple sour cream sugar spice cake is the perfect treat to satisfy our cravings. With the combination of sweet apples, creamy sour cream, and warm spices, this cake is sure to become a favorite for your family and friends. If you're ready to try your hand at making apple sour cream sugar spice cake, here are some helpful tips to ensure success.
Choose the right type of apple
The choice of apple can make or break your cake. You want to choose an apple that will hold its shape during baking, is mildly sweet, and has a moderate tartness. Apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn are excellent choices. Stay away from apples that turn to mush when baked, such as Red Delicious.
Use room temperature ingredients
Using room temperature ingredients makes it easier to incorporate them into the batter without over-mixing. This is especially important when it comes to the sour cream, as cold sour cream can cause the batter to curdle.
Preheat your oven
Preheating your oven is crucial to baking success. A properly preheated oven will ensure that your cake bakes evenly and rises properly. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before you start preparing your batter.
Grease and flour your baking pan
Greasing and flouring your baking pan will make it easier to remove the cake when it's done. To do this, use a pastry brush to apply melted butter or oil to the bottom and sides of the pan. Then, sprinkle flour over the butter or oil until it's fully coated.
Measure your ingredients precisely
Baking is a science, and precise measurements are crucial to achieving the desired result. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure that your measurements are accurate.
Sift your dry ingredients
Sifting your dry ingredients not only removes any lumps, but it also helps to combine them evenly. Use a fine-mesh sieve or a flour sifter to sift your dry ingredients together.
Add ingredients in the correct order
Follow the recipe instructions carefully to ensure that you add each ingredient in the correct order. For example, it's important to add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, to ensure that they're fully incorporated.
Don't over-mix your batter
Over-mixing your batter can cause your cake to be tough and dense. Mix your ingredients until just combined, using a gentle hand.
Use a rubber spatula to fold in the apples
Once you've mixed your batter, use a rubber spatula to gently fold in the chopped apples. This will help to prevent them from breaking down during baking.
Bake until a toothpick comes out clean
The best way to tell if your cake is done is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready to come out of the oven.
Cool your cake completely before frosting or glazing
Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting or glazing. This will prevent the frosting or glaze from melting and sliding off the cake.
Store your cake properly
Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week. If you want to freeze your cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
In conclusion, making apple sour cream sugar spice cake is a simple and delicious way to celebrate fall. By following these helpful tips, you'll be able to create a cake that's sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy!