Introduction

Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing is a cozy, flavorful dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a warm treat. Moist apples and warm spices come together beautifully, topped with a rich, buttery brown sugar icing that’s simply irresistible.

Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup peeled and diced apples
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for icing)
1 cup brown sugar, packed (for icing)
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, alternating with the applesauce, until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: While the cake cools, prepare the brown sugar icing by combining the softened butter, brown sugar, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture bubbles.
Step 8: Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
Step 9: Once the cake is completely cool, pour the icing over the top and allow it to set before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity in the cake.
For extra spice, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dry ingredients.
Make the cake a day ahead to let the flavors deepen and the icing set perfectly.
Swap the applesauce for mashed bananas for a different fruity twist.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds if you prefer it warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of flour?

All-purpose flour works best for this cake’s texture, but you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend if needed. Just ensure it’s a 1-to-1 replacement designed for baking.

Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before adding the brown sugar icing.

Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 113 reviews

This Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for autumn. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and featuring tender chunks of fresh apples, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice. Topped with a rich and creamy brown sugar icing, it’s an irresistible treat for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 cup peeled and diced apples

Brown Sugar Icing

1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tablespoons milk
1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure the cake does not stick.
Combine dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly mixed and set aside.
Cream butter and sugars: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the batter.
Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next, then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually blend in the dry ingredient mixture alternately with the applesauce, mixing just until combined to maintain tenderness. Fold in the diced apples gently to distribute them evenly.
Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
Prepare the icing: While the cake cools, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture reaches a bubbling point.
Finish the icing: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and creamy.
Ice the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, pour the brown sugar icing over the top, allowing it to set and create a flavorful glaze.

Notes

Ensure the cake is fully cooled before icing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
You can substitute diced pears for apples if desired for a different fruit flavor.
Use unsweetened applesauce to avoid adding extra sugar to the cake batter.
For a more intense spice flavor, increase cinnamon to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: apple spice cake, brown sugar icing, autumn dessert, spiced cake, moist cake recipe