Scottish Spiced Apple Cake Recipe - Easy, Delicious, And Moist
This Scottish spiced apple cake recipe is packed with rich flavors, making it a perfect choice for gatherings or solo indulgence.
Nov 13, 202498 Shares24.4K Views
The Scottishspiced apple cake is a cherished autumn and winter dessert, combining aromatic spices with juicy, fresh apples. This cake, with its roots in traditional Scottish baking, offers a comforting experience with every bite.
The warm blend of spices, including cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, mingles with the sweetness of apples to create a balanced, moist cake that’s both cozy and elegant. Ideal for gatherings, holidays, or simply enjoying alongside a warm cup of tea, this spiced apple cake captures the essence of Scotland's baking heritage in an approachable, delightful recipe.
Ingredients
Key Ingredients In Scottish Spiced Apple Cake
- Apples- Firm, tart apple varieties such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best, as they retain their structure while baking. These types bring a pleasant balance to the sweetness of the cake, preventing it from becoming overly sugary. Softer apples may dissolve into the batter and affect the texture, so they’re best avoided.
- Spices- This cake achieves its signature warmth from cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The cinnamon adds a sweet, woody flavor, while nutmeg provides a subtle hint of nuttiness, and cloves add depth. Freshly ground spices are recommended, as they enhance both aroma and taste, making each bite of the cake more vibrant.
- Flour- All-purpose flour is suitable for this recipe, but blending it with a bit of whole wheat flour can add a slightly denser, rustic texture. If you prefer a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend should work well, maintaining the cake’s structure while ensuring a delightful texture.
- Brown Sugar- Brown sugar is essential for providing sweetness with caramel undertones that perfectly complement the spices. It also enhances the cake’s moistness, allowing it to stay tender for several days. Using a combination of brown and white sugar can yield a nice balance of flavor.
- Butter or Oil- Butter gives the cake a rich, creamy texture and a fuller flavor, while oil makes it lighter and helps maintain moisture. Both options work well, so the choice can be based on personal preference.
Spiced Apple Cake | The F Word
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing The Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round or square cake pan with butter or oil. This ensures the cake doesn’t stick and makes removing it easier once baked.
- Cream Butter and Sugar- Begin by creaming the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes. This process is important for incorporating air into the batter, which leads to a lighter, more tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to ensure even blending. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract, which adds a subtle but essential depth of flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Sifting ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture, alternating with milk. This method prevents over-mixing, which can lead to a dense cake. The batter should be smooth but thick, ready to hold the apple pieces without them sinking to the bottom.
Adding Spices And Apples
Peel and core the apples, then dice them into small, bite-sized chunks. To prevent them from clumping, toss the apple pieces in a light dusting of flour.
Gently fold them into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly distributed, so each slice of cake has the perfect mix of apple and spices. This step gives the cake an inviting texture, with apple bits in every bite.
Baking The Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
If you’re baking at a higher altitude or with a fan-assisted oven, check for donenessaround the 40-minute mark. Allowing the cake to bake without opening the oven door too often will help it rise evenly.
Cooling And Serving Tips
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the cake to firm up slightly, making it easier to remove from the pan without crumbling.
Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serving suggestions include adding a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream, all of which pair beautifully with the warm spices and sweet apples.
Tips For The Perfect Scottish Spiced Apple Cake
Choose The Right Apples
Opt for firm, crisp apple varieties that maintain their structure during baking. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples are ideal, as their tartness balances the cake’s sweetness.
Using these apples helps achieve a pleasing texture, avoiding any mushiness that softer apples might cause. Experimenting with fruit and ingredient combinationscan make each bake unique.
Getting The Spice Balance Right
A well-balanced spice blend is key to this cake’s flavor profile. Cinnamon should be the dominant spice, but be mindful not to overpower it with nutmeg or cloves. Adjust the spice amounts according to your preference, and consider tasting a small amount of the batter to ensure the blend meets your expectations.
Storage And Shelf Life
This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week, wrapping it tightly in plastic to maintain moisture. If freezing, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information
For a standard slice of Scottish spiced apple cake (assuming 10 servings), the approximate nutritional values are as follows:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
These figures may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes but serve as a helpful guide.
FAQs
Can I Substitute Other Fruits For Apples In This Recipe?
Other fruits such as pears can be substituted for apples, adding a similar sweetness with a slightly softer texture. You may also consider adding a handful of dried fruits like raisins or cranberries to complement the apples, which adds both flavor and a unique texture to the cake.
What Type Of Flour Is Best For Scottish Apple Cake?
All-purpose flour is typically used in this recipe, but a blend with whole wheat flour can introduce a bit more depth and nuttiness. For a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend works well to maintain the cake’s structure and provides a similar texture.
How Can I Make This Cake Vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and substitute the butter with plant-based oil or vegan butter. Almond or oat milk can replace dairy milk, ensuring a moist and tender cake.
Is This Cake Freezer-friendly?
Wrap each slice in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe container. The slices can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat briefly in a low oven or microwave to restore the cake’s moisture.
Final Thoughts
This Scottish spiced apple cake is a delicious embodiment of classic baking with a touch of warmth and nostalgia. The combination of spices, moist cake, and fresh apple pieces creates a treat that’s comforting yet elegant, suitable for both special gatherings and cozy afternoons at home.
Each slice offers a balance of flavors that invites you to savor its rich heritage and heartwarming taste. This recipe is sure to become a favorite, delivering a little bit of Scotland with every slice.
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