This Apple Rum Spice cake is loaded with an abundance of apples nestled in a soft, buttery cake. It is a cake that is as simple in its look as it is in the process to create it - but there is nothing simple about the flavor! Finish the apple rum cake off with a light dusting of confectioners' sugar and you have a dessert that will please any apple lover.
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Ingredients
- Unsalted butter and eggs: Bring the butter and eggs to room temperature prior to starting this cake.
- Apples: Most types of apples will work well in this cake. I prefer a combination of Granny Smith and Honey Crisp.
- Baking powder, salt and ground cinnamon
- All-Purpose Flour
- Granulated Sugar
- Rum: use a dark rum as it has a richer and sweeter flavor
Prepare apples
- Peel, core and chop the apples into ½ inch cubes.
- Toss with one tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent the apples from browning.
Bake cake
- Prepare a 9" round cake pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper or greasing the pan
- This recipe produces a thick batter and it will be necessary to smooth the batter in the pan using an offset spatula.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over the top of the apple rum cake prior to baking. This sugar will caramelize while baking and add an extra crunch to the top of the cake.
- Bake for 40 - 50 minutes at 350°. The cake top will be a golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake will come out clean when the cake is done.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before removing from the pan.
Variations
This apple cake is delicious on its own - but if you want to spice it up a little, consider:
- Sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of the cake.
- Drizzle the cake with caramel and toasted walnuts (walnuts and apples were made for each other). Or add a cup of walnuts to the cake batter before baking.
- Core and slice an unpeeled red apple and add it to the top of the cake in a spiral pattern (prior to baking).
FAQs
What type of rum is best for the apple cake recipe?
A dark rum is necessary for the rum flavor to shine through in this recipe. Dark rum has depth, is rich and imparts a sweet flavor.
How to store the apple spice cake?
This cake is best left at room temperature and served within a few days of baking. Place the cake in a airtight container or cover with aluminum foil. The cake may also be frozen for up to three months.
More boozy cakes
📋 Recipe
Apple Rum Cake Recipe
This cake is loaded with an abundance of apples nestled in a soft, buttery cake. It is a cake that is as simple in its look as it is in the process to create it – but there is nothing simple about the flavor!
Equipment
- 1 Stand Mixer or hand mixer
- 1 Cake Pan 9"
- Bowls, measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Apple peeler
Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon Dark Rum (add an extra tablespoon if you want a strong rum flavor)
- ¾ Cup Butter softened
- ⅔ Cup Granulated Sugar
- 3 Large Eggs Room temperature
- 2 Medium Apples cored, peeled and chopped in ½" cubes
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 2 Tablespoons Granluated Sugar (for sprinkling top of cake prior to baking)
- 1 Medium Red Apple, sliced thinly - do not peel optional for layering on top of cake
Instructions
Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350℉ (180℃)
- Prepare apples by coring, peeling and chopping into ½" cubes. Toss in a tablespoon of lemon juice.2 Medium Apples, 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- Prepare a 9" round cake pan by lining the bottom with parchment paper or greasing the pan.
- Whisk flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside for later.1 ½ Cups All Purpose Flour, 1 ½ teaspoons Baking Powder, 1 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- Place butter and granulated sugar in bowl of a stand mixer. Using the paddle attachment, begin mixing butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2 - 4 minutes), scraping bowl occasionally. Note: a hand mixer may also be used.¾ Cup Butter, ⅔ Cup Granulated Sugar
- Add room temperature eggs, one at a time, scraping bowl between each addition. Mix on medium-low speed until eggs are well incorporated.3 Large Eggs
- Add rum and mix for approximately 30 seconds,1 Tablespoon Dark Rum
- Add flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined.
- Stir chopped apples into cake batter by hand.
- Pour cake batter into prepared pan and smooth the top lightly with spatula.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar evenly over top of cake.2 Tablespoons Granluated Sugar
- Optional: Place apple slices in a spiral pattern on top of cake batter.1 Medium Red Apple, sliced thinly - do not peel
- Bake for 40 - 50 minutes The cake top will be a golden color and a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake will come out clean when the cake is done.
- Place cake on a rack and allow to cool completely before unmolding (approximately 40 minutes).
- If desired, sprinkle confectioners' sugar over top of cake after unmolding.
Video
Nutrition
Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 2gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 523mgPotassium: 86mgFiber: 2gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 456IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Stacy says
This recipe was so easy to make. And it was perfect for a coffee date with my friends. (Wish I had made two cakes because there were no leftovers.)
dessertswithstephanie says
Stacy, thank you for the review on the apple cake. Yes - this one disappears quickly in my home also!
Monidipa says
Your Apple Rum Cake recipe is fantastic! The video instructions were really helpful and easy to follow. I appreciate how you explained each step in detail, making it a breeze to recreate.
dessertswithstephanie says
Thank you for your review. So happy the instructions were helpful.
Beth says
This is the best spice cake I've ever made. I absolutely love the way the rum works in this recipe.
dessertswithstephanie says
Beth, thank you for your feedback. So happy you enjoy the recipe!
Mary Ann says
This is my go-to recipe when I don't want to do a lot of shopping or dishes! Really good cake, but I do use an extra apple ?
Andy T says
Love the rum taste in this apple cake. Just the right amount.
Roland says
Seriously the easiest cake I think I ever made, and quite tasty!
Vincent Grillo says
This is an easy recipe and makes a great dessert. Thank you
Joe says
Yummy recipe
Marsha A. says
This was quite simple to make. We had a hard time waiting to unmold the cake it smelled and looked so good. Our guests and we loved the taste.
LisaLisa says
This is a perfect cake for a fall party. This and some warm spiced cider.