Apple Butter Cake Recipe – A Cozy Slice of Autumn

There’s something magical about the scent of freshly baked goods wafting through the kitchen, isn’t there? Imagine walking into your home, greeted by the warm, cinnamon-laced aroma of an Apple Butter Cake baking in the oven. It takes you back to those crisp fall mornings, when the leaves are turning golden, and the world outside feels like a postcard. This cake captures all that cozy nostalgia and more. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make
• Comforting homemade flavor
• Made with simple ingredients
• Great for any occasion
• Always a crowd-pleaser

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the baking, gather these simple, wholesome ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
  Essential for structure — this gives your cake that comforting crumb.

• 1 and 1/2 tsp baking powder
  Important for that perfect rise!

• 1/2 tsp baking soda
  Helps balance the tartness of the apple butter.

• 1/2 tsp salt
  Enhances all the flavors!

• 1 and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  The heart of fall—a cozy spice we all love.

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  Adds warmth and depth to the flavor. Don’t skip it!

• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  Just a pinch for a hint of spice.

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  Brings richness to our cake. Remember, use unsalted so we can control the flavor!

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
  Gives that delightful caramel flavor — it’s what makes you come back for seconds!

• 2 large eggs
  For binding all the ingredients together.

• 1 cup apple butter
  The star of the show! Sweet, spiced, and oh-so-delicious.

• 1/2 cup sour cream
  Adds moisture for a tender crumb.

• 1 tsp vanilla extract
  Because every good cake deserves a touch of vanilla!

• 2 cups powdered sugar
  For the creamy glaze that takes this cake over the top!

• 1/4 cup milk
  To achieve that perfect glaze consistency.

How to Make It

1. Preheat that oven! First things first, set it to 350 degrees F. While it’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. This gives your cake a lovely, golden edge.

2. Whisk it up! In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set this cozy blend aside while you cream the butter and sugar.

3. Cream it good! In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. This happens in about 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll love the way it looks — airy and pale.

4. Eggcellent addition! Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the apple butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and creamy.

5. Combine wet and dry. Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined. Remember, you want to keep it tender — overmixing is a no-go!

6. Spread it out. Pour the silky batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake this deliciousness for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and glaze. When your cake is done, let it cool completely. Meanwhile, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of cinnamon for the glaze. Once the cake is cool, pour that luscious glaze over the top and watch it melt into every nook and cranny.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-saving tip: Mix your dry ingredients ahead of time, and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just grab them!
• Fixing common mistakes: If the cake puffs up too high, try reducing the baking powder slightly. It’s often the secret to a perfectly risen cake.
• Flavor variation: Add chopped nuts or cranberries for a little texture. You could even toss in some chocolate chips if you’re feeling adventurous!

Serving Ideas

This Apple Butter Cake is versatile, making it perfect for nearly any occasion! Picture this: a warm slice served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a chilly autumn evening, or maybe finished with a dusting of powdered sugar for a cozy Sunday brunch. It’s also a lovely addition to your Thanksgiving table, alongside pumpkin pie. Feel free to pair it with a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee — heaven!

Storing & Leftovers

• Store this beauty in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors only get better!
• Freezing? Absolutely! Just wrap it well and it’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, and enjoy.
• Leftover idea: Slap a slice in between two pieces of bread for an indulgent breakfast sandwich, or crumble it over yogurt. So good!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Definitely! It often tastes even better the next day, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! This recipe is very forgiving. Use what you have — applesauce could replace the apple butter if needed!

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh from the pan, while it’s still warm and aromatic. Nothing beats that!

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden edges and that delicious, fragrant smell — that’s your sign!

Final Thoughts

Every time I whip up this Apple Butter Cake, it feels like I’m sharing a piece of my childhood with my loved ones. It captures the essence of home and comfort, reminding me of family gatherings and laughter-filled nights. I encourage you to give this cozy recipe a try and make it your own. Perhaps it will become a part of your cherished moments, too. Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and savor every piece of your Apple Butter Cake!

Apple Butter Cake

A comforting and flavorful cake made with apple butter, perfect for celebrating the warmth of autumn with its cozy spices and sweet glaze.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 slices

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Baked Goods

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour Essential for structure — this gives your cake that comforting crumb.
• 1.5 tsp baking powder Important for that perfect rise!
• 0.5 tsp baking soda Helps balance the tartness of the apple butter.
• 0.5 tsp salt Enhances all the flavors!
• 1.5 tsp ground cinnamon The heart of fall—a cozy spice we all love.
• 0.5 tsp nutmeg Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• 0.5 tsp ground cloves Just a pinch for a hint of spice.

Wet Ingredients

• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened Brings richness to our cake.
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed Gives that delightful caramel flavor.
• 2 large eggs For binding all the ingredients together.
• 1 cup apple butter The star of the show! Sweet, spiced, and oh-so-delicious.
• 0.5 cups sour cream Adds moisture for a tender crumb.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract Because every good cake deserves a touch of vanilla!

Glaze Ingredients

• 2 cups powdered sugar For the creamy glaze that takes this cake over the top!
• 0.25 cups milk To achieve that perfect glaze consistency.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.

Cream Butter and Sugar

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.

Add Eggs and Apple Butter

1. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the apple butter, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

1. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.

Bake

1. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Glaze

1. Allow the cake to cool completely, then whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of cinnamon for the glaze. Pour over the cooled cake.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight before serving. Variations can include nuts or chocolate chips for added flavor.