Apple Butterscotch Snack Cake

Fall is the perfect season to indulge in desserts that bring warmth and comfort, and the Apple Butterscotch Snack Cake is just that—a moist, flavorful cake bursting with classic autumn flavors.

This recipe masterfully blends the natural sweetness and slight tartness of fresh apples with the rich, buttery taste of butterscotch. The result is a tender cake with a beautifully balanced flavor profile and a delightful texture, making it an ideal treat for tea time or dessert.

Whether you’re a novice or an experienced baker, this cake promises an easy yet impressive way to celebrate seasonal flavors.

Ingredients Checklist

To create this delectable snack cake, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each plays a vital role in building the moist texture and rich flavors:

• ½ cup (4 ounces) unsalted butter, melted — adds moisture and richness

• ¾ cup apple butter — intensifies the apple flavor and sweetness

• ¾ cup packed brown sugar — contributes deep caramel notes and moistness

• 1 large egg plus 1 egg yolk — bind the ingredients and improve texture

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract — enhances overall flavor complexity

• 1 tablespoon apple pie spice — a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for classic autumn taste

• 2 cups all-purpose flour — forms the cake’s structure

• ½ teaspoon baking powder — helps the cake rise gently

• ½ teaspoon baking soda — reacts with acidity to lighten the crumb

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt — balances sweetness and enhances flavor

• 1 cup freshly grated Braeburn apples — provides fresh apple texture and moisture

• ½ cup butterscotch chips — melts into pockets of creamy sweetness within the cake

Optional Topping:

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar mixed with 1 teaspoon apple pie spice — for a crunchy, spiced topping

• Crushed walnuts or pecans — adds a nutty crunch that complements the soft cake

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a clear process to help you bake this delicious Apple Butterscotch Snack Cake with ease:

1. Prepare the apples: Peel and finely grate two Braeburn apples to yield about 1 cup. Set aside; the moisture and texture from fresh apples are key to the cake’s appeal.

2. Preheat the oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan and lightly flour it for easy cake release.

3. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, apple butter, brown sugar, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.

4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and apple pie spice to ensure even distribution and avoid clumps.

5. Incorporate dry into wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.

6. Add apples and chips: Fold in the grated apples and butterscotch chips evenly. This step ensures a balanced distribution of juicy apples and sweet butterscotch throughout the batter.

7. Pour and smooth: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Optionally, sprinkle extra butterscotch chips or the spiced sugar topping for added texture and flavor.

8. Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached.

9. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling ensures the cake firms up slightly for easier slicing.

Tips for Perfect Results

To ensure your Apple Butterscotch Snack Cake turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose the right apples: Braeburn, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples are excellent choices because they maintain texture and provide balanced sweetness. Avoid overly soft apples like McIntosh.

• Grate apples finely: Finely grated apples distribute evenly and melt into the batter, keeping the cake moist without large chunks.

• Don’t overmix: Stir the batter just until ingredients are combined. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a denser, tougher cake.

• Use room temperature eggs: This helps ingredients combine smoothly, improving texture.

• Butterscotch chips: Use quality chips for the best flavor. Adding a few extra on top before baking creates a caramelized finish.

• Check doneness early: Ovens vary; begin checking at 28 minutes to avoid overbaking, which dries out the cake.

• Cooling matters: Allow the cake to cool before frosting or slicing to prevent crumbling.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Butterscotch Snack Cake shines with simple accompaniments. Here are some ways to serve and enjoy it:

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the warm cake’s sweetness.

• Drizzle with butterscotch sauce: For extra indulgence, a drizzle of homemade or store-bought butterscotch sauce elevates the flavor.

• Pair with hot beverages: Serve alongside coffee, chai tea, or spiced apple cider to complement the fall spices.

• Top with toasted nuts: Sprinkle chopped toasted walnuts or pecans to add a crunchy contrast.

• Dust with powdered sugar: For a simple, elegant finish before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Butterscotch Snack Cake is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall. With fresh apples, aromatic spices, and luscious butterscotch, it combines moistness, sweetness, and texture in every bite.

The recipe balances ease and sophistication, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. Whether for a cozy family gathering or an elegant holiday dessert, this cake will impress and satisfy.

Remember, attention to quality ingredients and careful mixing are key to unlocking its full potential. Store leftovers in an airtight container to preserve freshness for up to four days, or refrigerate for longer storage. Treat yourself to this comforting autumn delight that’s as delicious as it is inviting.