Apple Butter Cake
This cozy Apple Butter Cake is tender, spiced, and deeply comforting—made with apple butter and sour cream for a moist crumb. A simple, one-pan cake perfect for family desserts or sharing with neighbors.
Equipment
- 9x9-inch Baking Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Electric Mixer or Whisk
- Spatula
Ingredients
Core Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup apple butter
- 1/2 cup sour cream
Optional Swaps and Add-Ins
- 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon and nutmeg
- 1 cup brown sugar instead of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts chopped, optional
Instructions
- Grease a 9x9-inch pan with butter or line with parchment. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.
- Cream softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Mix in apple butter and sour cream until smooth.
- Gently fold in dry ingredients until just combined—do not overmix.
- Spread batter evenly in pan. Bake 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
This cake tastes even better the next day as flavors meld. Top with cream cheese frosting for a festive touch, or keep it simple with powdered sugar.