Description
This Gingerbread Apple Pie Cake is a delightful fusion dessert combining the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread cake with a layer of tender, cinnamon-sweetened apples and a buttery crumble topping. Baked to perfection, this 8×8-inch cake offers a moist, flavorful treat perfect for fall or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 box gingerbread cake mix
- 1–1/4 cup water
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp. cloves
Apple Layer
- 3 large apples (peeled, cored and thinly sliced (1/8″))
- 4 Tbsp. packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
Butter Crumble Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Heat your oven to 350°F (for dark or nonstick pans, reduce temperature to 325°F). Spray an 8×8-inch baking pan thoroughly with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the gingerbread cake mix, water, egg, cinnamon, ground ginger, and cloves. Using an electric hand mixer, beat at low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed and continue mixing for 2 minutes until fully blended and smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading evenly.
- Prepare Apple Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, gently toss the peeled, cored, and thinly sliced apples with brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice. This coats the apples with sweetness and a touch of acidity to enhance flavor.
- Make Butter Crumble: In another medium bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and salt. Using a fork or pastry blender, cut the unsalted butter into the flour mixture until it becomes crumbly and pea-sized clumps form. Set aside.
- Assemble Layers: Evenly spread the apple mixture over the top of the cake batter in the pan. Then, generously sprinkle the butter crumble topping over the apple layer, covering it completely.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness.
- Letting the cake cool fully helps the layers set properly and improves slicing.
- You can substitute the gingerbread cake mix with a homemade gingerbread cake batter if desired.
- This cake can be served plain or topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Gingerbread, Apple Pie Cake, Fall Dessert, Spiced Cake, Holiday Baking, Apple Cake, Crumble Topping
