Classic Southern Apple Butter Cake Recipe

How to Make Classic Southern Apple Butter Cake

Follow these simple steps to create this delicious cake in your own kitchen:

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Apple Butter:
   • Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the apple butter and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
5. Alternate Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
6. Pour Batter into the Pan:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Bake:
   • Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool:
   • Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze

1. Mix the Glaze Ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, apple butter, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; if it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
2. Glaze the Cake:
   • Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice the Cake:
   • Cut the cake into squares or slices and serve.
2. Enjoy:
   • This cake is perfect for enjoying on its own, but it’s also delicious with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for a Perfect Apple Butter Cake

• Use Homemade Apple Butter: If you have the time, homemade apple butter can add an extra layer of flavor to your cake. However, store-bought apple butter works just as well.
• Don’t Overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the batter, be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
• Let the Cake Cool: Make sure the cake is completely cool before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and becoming too runny.