Apple Butter Cake Recipes Easy — that’s exactly what this cozy dessert is all about. Hi, I’m Amanda, and welcome to BeamRecipes, where comfort meets simplicity in every bite. Cooking has always been my way of spreading love, and this Apple Butter Cake is a perfect example—warm, spiced, and effortlessly homemade. Inspired by my childhood memories of baking with family, this recipe captures the heart of fall in one tender, moist slice. At BeamRecipes, I believe great food doesn’t have to be complicated—just made with care, joy, and a little kitchen magic. Let’s bake something unforgettable together.
Serving Versatility Apple Butter Cake recipes easy
This easy apple butter cake can be served in so many delightful ways! Enjoy it plain with a cup of coffee, top it with a dollop of whipped cream, drizzle it with caramel sauce, or serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can even enjoy it as a sweet brunch addition or a cozy dessert for gatherings.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup apple butter
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round or square baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then add the apple butter, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar or top with cream cheese frosting if desired.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: Approximately 260 per slice
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: Ready in under an hour, perfect for spontaneous baking.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples.
- Big, cozy flavor: Warm spices and apple butter create deep, rich notes.
- Nutritional value: Lower in fat thanks to apple butter replacing some butter.
- Customizability: Add nuts, raisins, or a crumb topping to make it your own.
Cultural or Cooking Technique Note
Apple butter has roots in old-fashioned farmhouse kitchens, where cooks would slow-cook apples with spices until smooth and deeply caramelized. Using it in cakes not only enhances moisture but infuses the batter with that same nostalgic, spiced richness beloved in traditional fall desserts.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm slices topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and caramel drizzle.
- Serve alongside a mug of hot apple cider for a cozy evening treat.
- Layer with cream cheese frosting for a more indulgent dessert.
- Enjoy plain for breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use room temperature ingredients for a smooth batter.
- Don’t overmix once you add the flour — this keeps the cake tender.
- For deeper flavor, use homemade apple butter or one with no added sugar.
- If baking in a loaf pan, extend bake time by 10 minutes and test for doneness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5. To freeze, wrap slices individually and store for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm briefly in a 300°F oven for that just-baked taste.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter: Stirring too much after adding flour can make the cake dense instead of tender. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter, eggs, or sour cream can prevent the batter from blending smoothly. Always bring ingredients to room temperature first.
- Skipping the pan prep: Forgetting to grease and flour your pan can cause the cake to stick, making it difficult to remove cleanly.
- Overbaking the cake: Even a few extra minutes can dry it out. Start checking for doneness at 30 minutes with a toothpick.
- Using too much apple butter: While tempting, extra apple butter can make the texture gummy. Stick to the measured amount for the perfect moist crumb.
4 Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use applesauce instead of apple butter?
Yes, but the flavor will be milder and less spiced. If you substitute applesauce, consider adding extra cinnamon or nutmeg to boost the flavor.
2. What kind of apple butter works best?
Homemade or unsweetened apple butter is ideal since it offers rich flavor without making the cake overly sweet.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it tightly wrapped at room temperature or in the fridge.
4. Can I add nuts or fruit to the batter?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or diced apples add lovely texture and extra fall flavor. Just fold them in gently before baking.
Closing Paragraph
This Apple Butter Cake is proof that easy baking can still taste incredibly special. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring a quiet slice with your morning coffee, this recipe brings simple joy and seasonal comfort to your table. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become one of your favorite easy apple cake recipes!
🎀 Final Thoughts (Emma’s Voice)
There’s something about apple butter that always reminds me of home — the smell of simmering apples, the warmth of cinnamon, and the simple pleasure of baking something that makes everyone smile. I hope this Apple Butter Cake brings that same cozy feeling to your kitchen.
Apple Butter Cake Recipes Easy
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer or Whisk
- 8-inch baking pan
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8-inch round or square baking pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then add apple butter, sour cream, and vanilla. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar or top with cream cheese frosting if desired.