Ina Garten’s 5-Star Fresh Apple Spice Cake 🍏 Barefoot Contessa

Welcome Autumn with Ina Garten’s 5-Star Fresh Apple Spice Cake 🍏

As the leaves turn and the air turns crisp, there’s no better way to welcome autumn than with a slice of Ina Garten’s delectable Fresh Apple Spice Cake. This sweet indulgence, bursting with the essence of freshly chopped pecans, golden raisins, and tart Granny Smith apples, is a true celebration of fall flavors. Perfect for gatherings, cozy family evenings, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, this cake is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Contents

Welcome Autumn with Ina Garten’s 5-Star Fresh Apple Spice Cake 🍏

Why You’ll Love This Cake

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Why You’ll Love This Cake

What sets this Apple Spice Cake apart is its unique blend of spices and ingredients that create a warm, inviting aroma as it bakes. The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger dances beautifully on your palate, while the addition of dark rum-soaked raisins offers a delightful twist. Each bite reveals tender pieces of apple, complemented by the subtle crunch of toasted pecans. Whether served warm or at room temperature, this cake is best enjoyed with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.

Recipe Overview

Level: Easy
Total Time: 1 hour
Active Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 9 to 12 servings

Ingredients

1 cup chopped pecans
½ cup dark rum (such as Mount Gay)
1 cup golden raisins
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup dark brown sugar, lightly packed
3 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
¾ cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons grated orange zest (from 2 oranges)
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground ginger
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
1½ pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and ¼-inch-diced (3 to 4 apples)
Vanilla ice cream (like Haagen-Dazs)
Warm caramel sauce (such as Fran’s)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-by-13-by-2-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
Toast the Pecans: Spread the chopped pecans on a sheet pan and toast them for 5 to 10 minutes until they are lightly golden and aromatic. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Raisins: In a small bowl, combine the dark rum and golden raisins. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 60 seconds to allow the flavors to meld. Set aside to cool.
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest. Beat on medium speed for about 3 minutes until well blended.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, kosher salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves.
Blend the Mixtures: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add the Apples, Raisins, and Pecans: Drain the rum from the raisins, discarding the liquid. Gently fold the raisins, toasted pecans, and diced apples into the batter with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
Bake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool, then cut into squares. It can be served warm or at room temperature. For the ultimate treat, serve with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Apple Spice Cake by Ina Garten captures the essence of fall with every bite. It’s easy to make and even easier to love. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the warm, cinnamon-infused scent of autumn—a perfect way to embrace the season! Enjoy!