This is the best Fresh Apple Spice Cake I’ve had. The raisins wake up, growing big and fat in a soaking of warm rum, the huge pile of orange zest is the background spark of flavor and the traditional spices of apple season bring the comfort.
“There were three kinds, yellow, red and green.”
East of Eden, John Steinbeck
Inspiration
Its recipe destiny when you find an Ina recipe that has 17 ingredients and you already have all 17 of them. It started with three apples. Three lonely apples that needed to be used. Noble goals of a healthy snack got pushed to the back of the refrigerator. We had reached the end of our relationship. Ignored, forgotten and taking up real estate that was needed for newer more exciting groceries, these apples needed a recipe. The raisins were hiding behind the candied ginger and sesame seeds. Dreams of oatmeal raisin cookies faded as I searched for the other 15 ingredients. BTW, Ina serves the Fresh Apple Spice Cake with ice cream and caramel sauce, is that 19 ingredients?
Fresh Apple Spice Cake is from Ina Garten’s Make it Ahead cookbook. The recipe for Fresh Apple Spice Cake is solid Ina. The 17 ingredients are mostly pantry staples, all needed to bring this vividly flavored, and unassuming cake to the table. The raisins wake up, growing big and fat in a soaking of warm rum, the huge pile of orange zest is the background spark of flavor and the traditional spices of apple season bring the comfort. This is the best Fresh Apple Spice Cake I’ve had.
Essentials
The batter for Fresh Apple Spice Cake is thick, so thick I double checked the ingredient measurements before I folded in the apples, pecans and raisins. But trust in Ina, the cake rises and the flavors come together for a fabulous apple dessert. There was only one ingredient measurement I questioned. The zest of two oranges is not 2 teaspoons. I went bold and used 2 heaping tablespoons. Serving with ice cream and caramel is divine. I used this easy caramel sauce recipe. But just a slice of Fresh Apple Spice Cake is wonderful. The rum and orange settle in, deepening the flavor on the second day. Fresh Apple Spice Cake is a cozy cake to enjoy while we watch winter lose its’ grip and spring unfold.
If this is destiny then I’ve just met mine! This sounds fabulous!
Thank you Abbe!
This cake looks divine, I have to try it soon. Your posts and photos are always so beautiful Deb.
Thank you Gerlinde!
Looks fabulous! The dark rum really takes it over the top for me. I’m not that much of a cake fan, but I LOVE dark run and it doesn’t take much for its flavor to add to a dish. Thanks for introducing this recipe. Your pictures are gorgeous!
Thank you MJ! (I wish I didn’t enjoy cake as much as I do!)
Can’t wait to try this. Perfect for the rainy day here in Northern California.
Thank you Andy! It’s a great recipe.
One of the Evergreens ! Thank you !
Thank you 2pots!
Spice cake is one of my favorites. Ina’s combination of flavors – the rum soaked raisins, orange, and pecans – are perfect compliments to the apple and spice. Thanks for sharing Deb!
Thank you Mary! Ina never disappoints!
This sounds amazing! Making it this weekend!
Thank you Linda! You’ll love this Ina recipe.
Oh, my! This apple cake with caramel sauce and ice cream is pure temptation. Not good for my current diet but I am sure a great medicine for the soul.
Thank you Denise, baking is my therapy.
I adore apple spice cake and this beauty looks simply divine!
Thank you Laura! Classic, Ina!
Terrific looking cake! Raisins and rum is a terrific combo. And soaking in liquid does really help restore the flavor of raisins. We’ll often soak in warm water for 15 minutes when we’re baking. But rum is a much better idea! 🙂
Thank you John! The hot rum bath really boosts the flavor of the raisins!