This Chai Spice Apple Cake celebrates all the iconic flavors of Fall. The warm spices and the sweet apples make for a heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth cake.
Apple season brings so many sweet memories to mind. The family trips to go apple picking, the wet shoes left to dry in front of the fireplace, and then the aroma of the apple cake baking in the oven filling the house. Glorious, unforgettable, unbeatable. Apple cake was the first thing that I ever baked. Though I am very fond of my family’s recipe, this Chai Spice Apple Cake is my tribute to Autumn and all the good things that come with it.
There is something so old-school and timeless about an apple cake that, for me, makes it the “it” cake. A guaranteed winner! Apple cake is what you would bring with you the first time you meet your boyfriend’s parents.
This chai-spiced recipe makes it even warmer and more comforting during those chilly Fall afternoons when the sun starts to set earlier.
My recipe is super easy to make. With very few steps, it comes together in minutes, and most of all it tastes of apples and not sugar. The first time I made it and sampled it, I was beyond excited! A simple yet very beautiful cake to be proud of.
What to love about this chai spice apple cake recipe
- It’s really easy to make and can be adapted to your taste
- It’s jam-packed with fresh juicy apples and Fall flavors
- It doesn’t require an electric mixer – only 2 little bowls and a spoon
- It can easily be made with natural sugars
What is Chai?
Chai is a generic combination of spices used in tea-like beverages. Typical, traditional ingredients for Chai include cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
This combination of spices can also be used in all sorts of sweet and savory recipes. For example, I use a similar mix for my incredibly moist and delicious pumpkin bread.
What apples are best to use for baking?
The best apples for baking are the ones that don’t mush but keep their structure and shape while cooking in the oven. Granny Smith is probably the go-to apple when it comes to baking, but there are other kinds that I also love using.
For example, the Honeycrisp variety would make a fabulous Tarte Tatin, while Golden Delicious delivers a softer texture in a Strudel or a pie. Pink Lady, with its pretty rosy blush, works great in recipes where you want to impress.
Braeburn apples, I believe, are the perfect choice for this recipe. They are so crispy and have such an intense flavor that stands up to the spices.
Tips for making Chai Spice Apple Cake
- Prepare the Chai spice mix in advance and have it on hand not just for this recipe but for any number of dishes that will benefit from these flavors.
- Use eggs at room temperature and mix the dry ingredients with the wet ingredients until just combined – try not to over mix.
- If your cake is browning too quickly, place a sheet of foil over the top and continue baking.
- Bake until golden and a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Brush a little bit of jam over the apples when the cake is just out of the oven for a shiny glaze.
- Make Chai Spiced Apple Muffins. Spoon the batter into a 12-cup muffin tray and bake at 400°F for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Possible substitutions and additions for the Chai Spice Apple Cake
Like any other apple cake, this one is very versatile.
- Instead of using light brown sugar, you can substitute with a natural alternative like 1/3 cup (80ml) honey or maple syrup if you prefer a healthier version.
- As a rule, I use organic natural sunflower oil for most of my baking, but any other vegetable oil like canola will do. The only exception is olive oil, which I find a bit too strong in flavor for cakes.
- I use oat milk in my recipe, but if you can also use cow, coconut, or almond milk.
- I use whole wheat flour, but you can use all-purpose flour or a combination of both. A gluten-free flour also works. Just keep in mind that changing the flour will affect the texture slightly.
- Try adding some nuts to this cake. I love pairing it with walnuts or pecans.
Try also
INCREDIBLY MOIST AND DELICIOUS PUMPKIN BREAD
WHIPPED RICOTTA, HONEY-ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH, AND CRISPY SAGE BRUSCHETTA
10 CRAZY DELICIOUS DINNER RECIPES IN UNDER 15 MINUTES
Chai Spice Apple Cake
Ingredients
For the Chai Spice Mix
- 2 tsp ground cardamom
- 2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 2 tsp ground allspice
- 2 tsp ground cloves
- 3 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp coconut sugar (optional)
For the Cake
- 4 medium apples, preferably Braeburn
- 1-1/2 cups (195g) whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup (115g) light brown or coconut sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) neutral-flavored oil; canola, vegetable and grape seed are great
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp Chai spice mix
- 1/3 cup (80ml) milk; dairy and non-dairy both work
- 1 pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C/gas mark 6. Oil an 8-inch (20cm) cake pan and set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix the flour, Chai spice mix, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, mix the oil and sugar until the sugar dissolves completely. Add the milk and the eggs. Whisk together with a fork. Set aside.
- Core, peel and grate 2 of the apples and add to the bowl of wet ingredients.
- Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture. Fold them together with a spatula. Be careful not to overwork the batter. If you are using nuts, add them now.
- Gently spoon batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Core and cut the remaining 2 apples into thin slices and gently push them into the batter in concentric circles starting at the outside and moving into the center.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Leave to cool completely on a wire rack before cutting.
