Apple Butter Cake is a delicious old fashioned dessert that combines smooth apple butter with cozy spices to create a cake that is incredibly soft and flavorful. The addition of sour cream gives the crumb a light, moist texture, while a cinnamon pecan topping adds just the right amount of sweetness and crunch. Whether you are baking for a family gathering, a holiday meal, or simply looking for a comforting dessert to enjoy with coffee or tea, this cake is an easy recipe that never disappoints.
At Richy Bites, we believe that homemade baking should be enjoyable and uncomplicated. Alessia loves sharing recipes that rely on everyday ingredients while delivering comforting flavors everyone can appreciate. This Apple Butter Cake is a wonderful example of how simple baking techniques can create a dessert that feels both nostalgic and special.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Apple Butter Cake is a wonderful addition to any dessert table.
- Moist and tender from the first slice to the last.
- Filled with warm apple and spice flavors.
- Crunchy cinnamon pecan topping creates delicious contrast.
- Easy to prepare using common pantry ingredients.
- Perfect for holidays, celebrations, or everyday baking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cinnamon Pecan Topping
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brown sugar | 1 cup | Packed |
| Chopped pecans | 1/2 cup | |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon | |
| Ground nutmeg | 1/2 teaspoon |
Apple Butter Cake
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All purpose flour | 2 cups | |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup | Softened |
| Large eggs | 2 | Room temperature |
| Apple butter | 3/4 cup | |
| Whole bran cereal or wheat germ | 1/2 cup | |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Sour cream | 1 cup | Room temperature |
How to Make Apple Butter Cake
Begin by heating the oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. Mix the brown sugar, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a bowl to create the flavorful topping. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly blended.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light in color and fluffy. Add the eggs individually, then mix in the apple butter, bran cereal or wheat germ, and vanilla. Gradually incorporate the flour mixture, alternating with the sour cream, until a smooth batter forms. Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan, cover it with half of the topping, then repeat with the remaining batter and topping. Bake until the cake is fully set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the topping by combining the brown sugar, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
- Mix in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the apple butter, bran cereal or wheat germ, and vanilla extract.
- Add the flour mixture and sour cream in alternating portions, mixing until just combined.
- Spread half of the batter evenly into the baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon pecan topping over the batter.
- Add the remaining batter and spread it gently across the surface.
- Finish by covering the top with the remaining cinnamon pecan mixture.
- Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the center is fully baked.
- Let the cake cool for several minutes before serving.
Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream for a smoother batter.
- Spoon the flour into the measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag.
- Mix only until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
- Toast the pecans before adding them to the topping for extra flavor.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing for cleaner portions.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, buttery |
| Texture | Moist interior with a crisp, nutty topping |
| Course | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Servings | 12 |
Variations
- Replace the pecans with chopped walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Fold small apple pieces into the batter for additional fruit.
- Substitute plain Greek yogurt for the sour cream if needed.
- Add dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness and texture.
- Finish each serving with warm caramel sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 399 |
| Carbohydrates | 61 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 41 g |
| Sodium | 336 mg |
| Potassium | 132 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep Apple Butter Cake moist and tender?
The combination of apple butter and sour cream provides lasting moisture while creating a soft crumb. Mixing the batter gently and removing the cake from the oven as soon as it is fully baked also helps prevent dryness.
What frosting goes best with Apple Butter Cake?
Cream cheese frosting is a popular choice because its slight tang complements the sweet apple flavor. Maple frosting, vanilla buttercream, or a simple caramel glaze are also excellent options.
Can you make Apple Butter Cake ahead of time?
Yes. This cake stores very well and often tastes even better after the flavors have had time to develop overnight. Keep it tightly covered until you are ready to serve it.
How do you store and freeze Apple Butter Cake?
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature or up to five days in the refrigerator. To freeze, wrap the cake securely and store it in a freezer safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Storage Instructions
After the cake has cooled completely, place it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It can remain at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days. For extended storage, wrap the entire cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer safe container or bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Print
Apple Butter Cake | Moist Homemade Spice Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Apple Butter Cake is a moist, warmly spiced dessert made with apple butter, sour cream, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a sweet pecan topping. It is soft, tender, and perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or serving with coffee.
Ingredients
Cinnamon Pecan Topping:
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Apple Butter Cake:
2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup apple butter
1/2 cup whole bran cereal or wheat germ
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream, room temperature
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
2. Combine the brown sugar, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl to prepare the topping.
3. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
4. Beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
6. Stir in the apple butter, bran cereal or wheat germ, and vanilla extract.
7. Add the flour mixture and sour cream in alternating additions, mixing just until combined.
8. Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish.
9. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon pecan topping over the batter.
10. Spread the remaining batter over the topping.
11. Finish with the remaining cinnamon pecan mixture.
12. Bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
13. Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use room temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream for a smoother batter.
Do not overmix the batter, as this can make the cake dense.
Toast the pecans before using them for extra flavor.
Cream cheese frosting, maple frosting, vanilla buttercream, or caramel glaze all pair well with this cake.
The cake can be baked one day ahead and stored tightly covered.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze the whole cake or individual slices for up to 3 months.
Thaw frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 399
- Sugar: 41 g
- Sodium: 336 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Conclusion
Apple Butter Cake is a comforting dessert that combines rich apple flavor with warm spices in a soft, moist cake that everyone will enjoy. The cinnamon pecan topping adds a pleasant crunch, making each bite even more satisfying. Whether you prepare it for a holiday gathering, a family dessert, or a relaxing weekend treat, this recipe is simple to make and consistently delicious. Once you bake this classic cake, it is sure to become one of your favorite homemade desserts to share throughout the year.