Pumpkin apple cake has a combination of fall flavors that is perfect for a holiday dessert. Chopped apple pieces are folded into the batter so each slice has a bite of tart apples baked into the pumpkin spiced cake.
This past weekend I tried out some more autumn dessert as I finalized my Thanksgiving menu. I had bookmarked a recipe for a bundt cake I’d found on the Streaming Gourmet. The combination of pumpkin, apple, and spices sounded like a perfect fall cake.
It also gave me the opportunity to try out my Nordic Ware Star Bundt Pan* which I’ve been excited to use.
Best Apples to Use
For this cake, I used Granny Smith apples. All you do is core them and cut them into small pieces that way you can see them when you cut slices from the cake.
They work well because they are pretty tart and a nice contrast to the sweet cake. They are also firm so they hold their shape well, which is why they are often used in desserts like apple pies.
If you want to substitute another type of apple, I recommend using one that is firm and tart. Fuji apples would be a good substitute.
Pumpkin Spice
For the pumpkin, you just use canned pumpkin puree which is in the baking aisle. Make sure you use plain puree and not pumpkin pie filling which has other ingredients like sugar.
The pumpkin is what gives the cake a lot of moisture. You can’t really taste the pumpkin, which is actually quite mild. What really gives the cake it’s fall flavor are the pumpkin spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger.
Recipe Tips
The cake batter is pretty easy to make. You combine the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ones in another large bowl.
To ensure the cake has a nice, tender crumb you will want to add the dry ingredients to the wet ones in batches. In between each batch stir just until the flour is absorbed into the wet ingredients. Mixing the batter this way will make it easier to not overmix mix the flour which will overwork the gluten and make the tough chewier and tougher.
Unfortunately, my star bundt pan was too big for this cake so I recommend using a smaller bundt pan for this recipe. The cake tasted good – it is very moist and you can taste the apples and pumpkin spice – but I wasn’t happy with how mine looked.
I’m not sure this will make it to my final menu, but it’s definitely a nice cake for the fall season.
More Fall Dessert Recipes
- Flourless Chocolate Pumpkin Bread
- Apple Pies in Apples
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie
- Pumpkin Spice Shortbread Cookies
*Some of the links contained in this post are affiliate links. Much like referral codes, this means I earn a small commission if you purchase a product I referred (at no extra charge to you).
Pumpkin Apple Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 10 tbsp butter softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups of diced Granny Smith apples
- Powdered sugar to sift on top
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Mix dry ingredients in medium bowl and set aside. Spray Bundt pan generously with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until well blended. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, incorporating each completely. Add the pumpkin and blend well. Add vanilla and blend well. Stir dry ingredients into wet, a third at a time, stirring as little as possible to blend completely. Fold in the apple chunks.
- Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Removed from oven and let cool in the pan for five minutes. Invert onto a plate and allow to cool completely. Sift powdered sugar onto the cake and serve.
The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.
Pingback: Cake Recipes: Some Quick Mouth Watering Cake Recipes | Cool Cooking Recipes
Pingback: Best Pumpkin Seeds | FRUITS NUTS AND SEEDS