Apple Spice Cake

There’s something magical about the combination of apples and warm spices. The aroma of apple spice cake baking in your oven will fill your kitchen with a cozy sweetness that welcomes the essence of fall into your home. With every bite of this moist and tender cake, you’ll experience the delightful blend of soft grated apples and a medley of spices that warms your heart. The smooth, buttery brown sugar icing drizzled generously on top will have you savoring every mouthful, making this apple spice cake a true crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re looking for a perfect dessert to share during family gatherings or a comforting treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea, this apple spice cake fits each occasion beautifully. This recipe is not only simple, but it’s also adaptable enough to become your go-to treat throughout the year. Pin this recipe for later, and let’s get started on baking a cozy bite of comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make with simple ingredients
• Perfect for cozy weekends or brunch with family
• Wholesome flavor that feels like home
• Fragrant spices create a warm, inviting atmosphere
• Great for sharing or enjoying all to yourself

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delightful apple spice cake, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cup all purpose flour – spooned and leveled for accuracy
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking soda – the leavening agent
• 1 tsp. salt – enhances sweetness and flavor
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon – adds warmth and depth
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger – contributes a mild spiciness
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg – brings in a sweet, nutty flavor
• 1/2 tsp. ground allspice – hints of clove and pepper for complexity
• 1/8 tsp. ground cloves – adds depth and warmth
• 2/3 cup vegetable oil – keeps the cake moist
• 2 large eggs, room temperature – binds the ingredients
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed (light or dark) – adds rich sweetness
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar – balances out the brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature – adds moisture and richness
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract – for warmth and depth of flavor
• 2-3 large honey crispy apples – grated (I recommend retaining the skin for added texture) for around 1 1/2 cups
• 1/4 cup salted butter – to make a rich icing
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed – enhances the icing’s richness
• 2 Tbsp. heavy cream – makes the icing smooth and creamy
• 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract – matches beautifully with the cake
• 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted – gives the icing its sweet finish

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch light-colored nonstick pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
3. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: vegetable oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold just until blended. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in the grated apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Turn out the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. To make the brown sugar icing, melt the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the mixture is combined and comes to a gentle boil.
9. Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and sifted powdered sugar until smooth.
10. Pour the icing generously on top of the warm cake. The warmth of the cake will help the icing melt beautifully into it.
11. Slice and enjoy while still warm for the best experience.

Pro Tips for Success

• Measure flour correctly for a light, airy texture; spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife.
• Let baked goods cool before glazing, as warm cakes absorb icing better, enhancing flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the cake moist for days.
• For an extra flavorful cake, chill the batter in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.

Variations and Creative Twists

• Add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch.
• Incorporate a cinnamon swirl by layering some of the batter with a mix of sugar and cinnamon before baking.
• For a delightful twist, try adding chocolate chips to the batter for an indulgent combination.

How to Store or Freeze

To keep your apple spice cake fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to make it ahead of time, you can freeze slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.

Serving Ideas

There are so many delightful ways to enjoy this delicious apple spice cake. Serve it warm with a cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. It’s also perfect for packing in lunchboxes or taking to a potluck. Imagine slicing into this treat at a Sunday brunch surrounded by loved ones; it’s sure to be a hit!

For More Recipe Inspiration

If you’re in love with cozy baking, you’ll also enjoy these delightful recipes:

• Protein Muffins
• Smash Cake
• Bento Cake Recipe

Caramel Apple Cake – FAQs

Follow Me for More Cozy Recipes

If you love simple, cozy bakes, follow me for more recipe inspiration.
Pinterest: Quick Cake Recipes
Facebook: Quick Cake Recipes

Emily

Apple Spice Cake

A moist and tender apple spice cake with warm spices and a rich brown sugar icing, perfect for cozy gatherings or afternoon tea.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 9 pieces

Course: Dessert, Snack

Cuisine: American, Bakery

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cup all purpose flour spooned and leveled for accuracy
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda the leavening agent
• 1 tsp salt enhances sweetness and flavor
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger contributes a mild spiciness
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg brings in a sweet, nutty flavor
• 1/2 tsp ground allspice hints of clove and pepper for complexity
• 1/8 tsp ground cloves adds depth and warmth

Wet Ingredients

• 2/3 cup vegetable oil keeps the cake moist
• 2 large eggs room temperature, binds the ingredients
• 3/4 cup brown sugar packed light or dark for rich sweetness
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar balances out the brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sour cream room temperature, adds moisture and richness
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract for warmth and depth of flavor
• 2-3 large honey crispy apples grated, retaining the skin for added texture

Icing Ingredients

• 1/4 cup salted butter to make a rich icing
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar packed to enhance the icing’s richness
• 2 Tbsp heavy cream makes the icing smooth and creamy
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract matches beautifully with the cake
• 1 cup powdered sugar sifted to give the icing its sweet finish

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch light-colored nonstick pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
3. In another mixing bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: vegetable oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Mixing the Batter

1. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold just until blended. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Fold in the grated apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Turn out the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.

Baking

1. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
2. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Icing Preparation

1. To make the brown sugar icing, melt the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk until the mixture is combined and comes to a gentle boil.
3. Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and sifted powdered sugar until smooth.
4. Pour the icing generously on top of the warm cake. The warmth of the cake will help the icing melt beautifully into it.

Serving

1. Slice and enjoy while still warm for the best experience.

Notes

Measure flour correctly for a light, airy texture; spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Let baked goods cool before glazing, as warm cakes absorb icing better, enhancing flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the cake moist for days. For an extra flavorful cake, chill the batter in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.