Frosted Buttermilk Apple Cake Loaf

We love all things apple in the fall—apple cider, applesauce, and, of course, practically anything baked with apples. If there’s one way to dive into the fall season, it’s with this amazing buttermilk apple loaf cake. There’s truly something special about this moist cake, especially the subtle sweetness we expect from baking with one of our favorite fruits, apples. Our buttermilk apple cake loaf is perfect for a weekend brunch, a book club gathering, or as a thoughtful care package or a welcome gift for a new neighbor.

Apples and cinnamon are an essential combination when it comes to creating the perfect fall flavor. The sweetness of the apples and the warm spice from the cinnamon just ooze comfort and will make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing—we can’t think of better aromatherapy to help us feel warm and relaxed. While these are important ingredients in the recipe, it’s the buttermilk that makes a big difference, adding the right balance of moisture to the cake. When it comes out of the oven and cools, the cake remains perfectly moist and delicious. We could skip the frosting here, but why?! A nice drizzle of a simple vanilla sugar frosting adds that little extra sweetness and flair.

Fall is absolutely one of our favorite seasons for baking, and naturally, apples are often a big part of our seasonal recipes. Our buttermilk apple cake loaf is one we love to share, and of course, we love to eat it ourselves! A slice of this with a cup of coffee or packed in a lunch as a snack is so satisfying. When we think about ways to bring fall into our kitchens, apples are definitely on the list. What better way to celebrate the season than with a slice of this moist and delicious buttermilk apple cake loaf! We hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfectly moist and delicious: Thanks to the buttermilk and apples, this cake loaf has a tender crumb that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a no-fuss treat.
• Aromatic: The combination of apples and cinnamon fills your kitchen with the comforting scents of fall.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 8×4-inch loaf pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer
• Wire rack

Ingredients

• 2 apples, peeled and diced
• 1 cup flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ cup buttermilk + 2 tablespoons, divided
• 1 large egg
• ⅔ cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla, divided
• ½ stick unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Coat an 8×4-inch loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar for about 2 minutes or until pale and fluffy. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla and the egg, mixing until well combined.
4. Add ⅓ of the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Add ½ cup of buttermilk and beat until incorporated.
5. Mix in another ⅓ of the flour mixture and the remaining buttermilk, slowly mixing until combined. Add the last ⅓ of the flour mixture and mix until the batter is smooth.
6. Gently fold the diced apples into the batter until well combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45-60 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.
8. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully remove it from the pan to finish cooling on a wire rack.
9. Once the cake is completely cooled, mix the powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and slowly add buttermilk until the frosting reaches your desired consistency. Drizzle the frosting over the cooled cake. Slice to serve.

Tips for Success

• Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
• Use fresh, crisp apples for the best flavor and texture.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Try adding a handful of chopped nuts for extra crunch.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of spice.
• Consider using brown sugar instead of white for a richer flavor.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 250, Fat: 8g, Carbohydrates: 40g, Protein: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk, buttermilk adds a unique tang and moisture, so if you use regular milk, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the acidity.

How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it—a delightful Frosted Buttermilk Apple Cake Loaf that’s perfect for celebrating the fall season. We invite you to try this recipe and savor each delicious bite. Don’t forget to share your experiences and let us know how your cake turned out in the comments below!