Chai-Spiced Apple Sheet Cake Recipe
Introduction
This Chai-Spiced Apple Sheet Cake is a warm and comforting dessert that combines the cozy flavors of chai spices with fresh apples. It’s an easy-to-make cake perfect for sharing at family gatherings or enjoying with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 medium apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons chai spice blend (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch sheet pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, chai spices, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Step 3: In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Step 5: Fold in the chopped apples evenly into the batter.
- Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly.
- Step 7: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the cake is tender.
- Step 8: Remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool in the pan before slicing and serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moisture, try adding ½ cup of sour cream or yogurt to the batter.
- Use a mix of apple varieties, such as Granny Smith and Fuji, for a balance of tart and sweet flavors.
- Add a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture.
- Sprinkle the top with a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking for a crunchy topping.
- If you don’t have chai spice blend, mix 1 teaspoon cinnamon with ¼ teaspoon each of ground cardamom, ginger, cloves, and nutmeg.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other fruit instead of apples?
Yes, pears or firm peaches can be used as alternatives and will complement the chai spices nicely.
How can I make this cake gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend, making sure it includes xanthan gum for better texture.
PrintChai-Spiced Apple Sheet Cake Recipe
A warm and comforting chai-spiced apple sheet cake that combines the fragrant flavors of traditional chai spices with tender baked apples. This cake is perfect for autumn or any time you crave a cozy dessert that’s easy to make and share.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
Fruit
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 cups)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, chai spices (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, cloves, nutmeg), and salt until evenly combined.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the sugar and eggs together until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then add the vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and buttermilk, mixing well to combine.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in apples: Fold the diced apples gently into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Pour and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
- Adjust the spice levels to your taste by increasing or decreasing the chai spices.
- You can substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- Optional: dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Keywords: chai spice, apple cake, sheet cake, fall dessert, spiced dessert, easy cake recipe
