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–+ servings
Apple Butter Cake from Phoebe Mackey
This Apple Butter Cake is a richly spiced dessert that brings the comforting flavors of fall into any season. Apple butter, a slow-cooked, spiced fruit spread, infuses the cake with moisture and deep apple flavor. Blended with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, the result is a tender, fragrant cake that feels both rustic and indulgent. A beloved treat in many Southern kitchens, it’s perfect for potlucks, holidays, or chilly evenings when only something homemade will do.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 367 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup butter (margarine may be used)
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup apple butter
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 tsp allspice
  • 2½ cups sifted flour

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar

  • Cream together the butter (or margarine) and sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add Eggs

  • Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

Step 3: Mix in Apple Butter

  • Blend in the apple butter until evenly combined.

Step 4: Combine Soda and Buttermilk

  • Dissolve baking soda in the buttermilk and stir into the wet mixture.

Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients

  • Sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Gradually add to the mixture, stirring until just combined.

Step 6: Bake

  • Pour batter into a greased and floured tube pan.
  • Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 1½ hours or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Tips

  • Substitute half the butter with applesauce for a lighter loaf.
  • Add 1 cup chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts) for texture.
  • Fold in ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
  • Drizzle with a simple powdered-sugar glaze when cooled.
  • Replace buttermilk with sour cream for a richer crumb.
  • Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to deepen flavor.
  • Bake in two mini-loaf pans for gift-giving.
  • Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
  • Add a crumb streusel topping before baking for extra crunch.

Nutrition

Calories: 367kcalCarbohydrates: 80gProtein: 6gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 43mgSodium: 367mgPotassium: 104mgFiber: 1gSugar: 51gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 83mgIron: 1mg
Keyword apple butter, comfort food, fall baking, heirloom recipe, loaf cake, southern baking, spiced cake, vintage recipe
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