Ina Garten Apple Spice Cake Recipe

This Ina Garten Apple Spice Cake is a moist and warmly spiced dessert, which includes fresh grated apples and a hint of cinnamon. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in just 1 hour and 5 minutes.

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Ina Garten Apple Spice Cake Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1½ cups vegetable oil
• 3 extra-large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 cups peeled and grated apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Optional Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons apple cider or milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How To Make Ina Garten Apple Spice Cake

1. Preheat and prep the pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch pan or a 10-inch bundt pan.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and light in texture.
3. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt.
4. Incorporate apples: Gradually mix the dry mixture into the wet mixture just until combined. Fold in grated apples and nuts (if using).
5. Bake the cake: Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
   • Bake 45–50 minutes for a 9×13 pan
   • Bake 55–60 minutes for a bundt pan
     Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
6. Cool and glaze: Let cake cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool fully. If using, whisk together the glaze ingredients and drizzle over the cooled cake.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use a different type of apple? Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are best, but Fuji or Pink Lady can also work well.
• Do I need to peel the apples? Yes, peeling helps the apples integrate smoothly into the batter.
• How to make this dairy-free: The cake itself is dairy-free. Just use a plant-based milk for the glaze.
• Can I freeze the cake? Yes, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Add the glaze after thawing.
• Can I make cupcakes instead? Yes, bake in lined muffin tins for 20–25 minutes.

What To Serve With Apple Spice Cake

This cozy dessert pairs beautifully with fall-inspired sides or drinks:

• Hot apple cider or chai tea
• A scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Caramel drizzle or whipped cream
• Candied nuts for crunch
• A simple cheese board for contrast

How To Store Apple Spice Cake

Room Temperature: Store covered at room temp for up to 3 days.

Refrigerate: Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temp before serving.

Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic and freeze (without glaze) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Ina Garten Apple Spice Cake Nutrition Facts

Estimated per serving (10–12 servings):

• Calories: ~420 kcal
• Carbohydrates: ~50g
• Protein: ~4g
• Fat: ~22g
• Saturated Fat: ~3g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sugar: ~35g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.

FAQs

Can I make this in advance?
Yes, it’s even better the next day after the flavors develop.

Why is my cake too dense?
Make sure not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added.

Can I skip the nuts?
Yes, the cake is delicious with or without them.

Can I use a hand grater for the apples?
Yes, a box grater works perfectly.

What pan is best for presentation?
A bundt pan gives it a beautiful shape, especially with a glaze.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Elephant Ears Recipe
• Ina Garten Strawberry Shortcakes Deconstructed Recipe
• Ina Garten Brownie Pudding Recipe