Apple Butter Cake is a comforting dessert filled with warm spices and rich apple flavor, making it an excellent choice for fall and holiday baking. This soft, tender cake combines apple butter, sour cream, and classic baking spices to create a moist crumb with layers of cinnamon pecan topping throughout. Every bite offers the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and crunch. Whether you serve it after a family dinner, bring it to a holiday gathering, or enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, this easy Apple Butter Cake is sure to become a favorite recipe you’ll bake again and again.
At Richy Bites, we believe the best recipes are simple, comforting, and made to bring people together. Alessia enjoys creating homemade desserts that celebrate familiar ingredients while remaining easy enough for every home baker. This Apple Butter Cake is a wonderful example of that philosophy, transforming pantry staples into a delicious dessert full of cozy flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Apple Butter Cake is perfect for anyone who enjoys classic homemade desserts.
- Soft and moist texture in every slice.
- Warm apple and spice flavors that taste like fall.
- Crunchy cinnamon pecan topping adds extra texture.
- Easy ingredients that are available year round.
- Perfect for holidays, brunches, or everyday desserts.
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 | Freshly ground if possible |
Apple Butter Cake
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All purpose flour | 2 cups | |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| White 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
Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, chopped pecans, cinnamon, and nutmeg to create the topping. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy before adding the eggs one at a time. Mix in the apple butter, bran cereal, and vanilla. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and sour cream until a smooth batter forms. Spread half the batter into the prepared pan, sprinkle with half the cinnamon pecan topping, then repeat with the remaining batter and topping. Bake until golden 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.
- Stir together the brown sugar, pecans, cinnamon, and nutmeg for the topping.
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Beat the softened butter and sugar until pale and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the apple butter, bran cereal, and vanilla extract.
- Add the flour mixture alternately with the sour cream until fully incorporated.
- Spread half of the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle half of the cinnamon pecan topping over the batter.
- Spread the remaining batter evenly on top.
- Finish with the remaining topping.
- Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips
- Bring the butter, eggs, and sour cream to room temperature before mixing.
- Measure the flour carefully to avoid a dense cake.
- Mix the batter only until the ingredients are combined.
- Toast the pecans beforehand for deeper flavor.
- Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, buttery |
| Texture | Moist, tender, slightly crunchy topping |
| Course | Dessert |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 25 minutes |
| Cook Time | 40 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour 5 minutes |
| Servings | 12 |
Variations
- Add chopped walnuts instead of pecans.
- Mix diced apples into the batter for extra fruit.
- Replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.
- Add raisins or dried cranberries for more texture.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over each serving for extra indulgence.
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?
Apple butter and sour cream both contribute moisture while creating a soft crumb. Avoid overmixing the batter and remove the cake from the oven as soon as a toothpick comes out clean to prevent it from drying out.
What frosting goes best with Apple Butter Cake?
Cream cheese frosting is a classic choice because its tangy flavor complements the sweetness of the apple butter. Vanilla buttercream, maple frosting, or a light caramel glaze also pair beautifully with this cake.
Can you make Apple Butter Cake ahead of time?
Yes. This cake actually develops even more flavor after resting overnight. Bake it a day ahead, cover tightly, and store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator depending on the topping you choose.
How do you store and freeze Apple Butter Cake?
Store the cooled cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate it for up to five days. To freeze, wrap individual slices or the entire cake tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Storage Instructions
Allow the cake to cool completely before storing it. Keep it covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate it for up to five days. If freezing, wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer safe container or freezer bag. Frozen Apple Butter Cake keeps well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and allow it to reach 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 timeless dessert that celebrates the comforting flavors of apples and warm spices in every bite. Its moist texture, cinnamon pecan topping, and rich apple butter flavor make it perfect for everything from family dinners to holiday celebrations. Easy to prepare and even better the next day, this cake is a dependable recipe you’ll enjoy baking throughout the fall season and beyond. Serve it on its own, with whipped cream, or topped with your favorite frosting for a dessert everyone will remember.