Ina Garten Apple Spice Cake

Ina Garten’s Apple Spice Cake is the perfect dessert for cozy weekends and fall gatherings. With its warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices, sweet fresh apples, and moist texture, this cake brings both comfort and elegance to the table. Serve it as-is, drizzle with glaze, or pair it with whipped cream for a bakery-worthy finish.

What Is Ina Garten’s Apple Spice Cake?

This cake features a soft, tender crumb enhanced with freshly grated apples, warm baking spices, and an optional streusel or glaze. It’s rich and full of seasonal flavor, ideal for everything from brunch to dessert.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Roasted Vegetable Orzo
• Ina Garten Green Bean Salad
• Ina Garten Chicken Marbella
• Ina Garten Baked Risotto
• Ina Garten Glazed Carrots

Reasons to Try Ina Garten’s Apple Spice Cake

• Incredibly moist and flavorful thanks to apples and oil.
• Easy one-bowl method that delivers bakery-level results.
• Perfect for fall and holiday baking.
• Can be served plain, glazed, or frosted.
• Crowd-pleasing and freezer-friendly.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten’s Apple Spice Cake

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 (like 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

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten’s Apple Spice Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish or a 10-inch bundt pan.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl or stand mixer, beat together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Mix and Fold In Apples

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Fold in grated apples and nuts, if using.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

• For a 9×13-inch dish: bake 45–50 minutes
• For a bundt pan: bake 55–60 minutes
  A toothpick should come out clean when done.

Step 6: Cool and Add Glaze (Optional)

Let the cake cool for 15–20 minutes, then remove from the pan and place on a wire rack.
For the glaze, whisk all glaze ingredients until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten’s Apple Spice Cake

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream – Adds a cool, creamy contrast.
• Hot tea or coffee – Pairs wonderfully with the spiced flavor.
• Warm apple cider – For an all-apple experience.
• Chopped nuts or a caramel drizzle – For added richness.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten’s Apple Spice Cake

• Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for balance.
• Grate apples fresh to retain moisture and texture.
• Don’t overmix once you add the flour—just until combined.
• Cool completely before glazing to help glaze set properly.
• Wrap tightly for storage to keep it fresh and moist.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Apple Spice Cake

• Add raisins or chopped dates for natural sweetness.
• Swap in applesauce for some of the oil to lighten it.
• Top with streusel before baking for crunch.
• Include orange zest for a citrusy brightness.
• Use cream cheese frosting for a decadent finish.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten’s Apple Spice Cake

• Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, covered.
• Refrigerate (if glazed or frosted) for up to 5 days.
• Freeze unfrosted slices for up to 3 months, tightly wrapped.

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten’s Apple Spice Cake

• Microwave slices for 15–20 seconds to enjoy warm.
• Reheat in oven at 300°F for 10 minutes for the best texture.

Nutritional Value (per Serving)

• Calories: ~420
• Carbs: ~52g
• Fat: ~22g
• Protein: ~5g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sugar: ~35g

FAQs

What apples are best for apple spice cake?

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great. A combination of sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the spices deepen. Store it well covered at room temperature or in the fridge.

Do I have to use a glaze?

No, the cake is delicious on its own, but glaze or frosting adds extra sweetness and presentation.

Can I bake this in a bundt pan?

Absolutely! Just grease and flour the pan well and extend baking time slightly to 55–60 minutes.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Apple Spice Cake is a fall baking favorite that’s easy to make, rich with warm spices, and incredibly moist thanks to fresh apples.

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