Introduction

This Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing is a comforting treat perfect for autumn or any cozy occasion. Filled with warm spices and tender apples, it’s topped with a luscious, caramel-like icing that adds the perfect finishing touch.

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, followed by 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.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangy contrast to the sweet spices.
Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and flavor.
If you prefer a less sweet icing, reduce the powdered sugar slightly.
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving chilled cake, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Reheat individual slices briefly in the microwave for a warm treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apple juice instead of applesauce?

Applesauce adds moisture and texture to the cake, so fresh apple juice won’t provide the same effect. It’s best to stick with unsweetened applesauce for the best results.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for structure.

Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 69 reviews

This Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for autumn or any time you crave a comforting treat. Made with applesauce and fresh diced apples, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and topped with a luscious brown sugar icing, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweetness and spice in every bite.

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

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 and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent the cake from sticking during baking.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to ensure they are evenly distributed.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to the creamed mixture, followed by the vanilla extract, incorporating them fully for structure and flavor.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the unsweetened applesauce until just combined. Then gently fold in the peeled and diced apples to add freshness and moisture.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully cooked.
Prepare Brown Sugar Icing: While the cake cools, make the icing by combining the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a bubble.
Finish 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 has completely cooled, pour the brown sugar icing evenly over the top and allow it to set before serving.

Notes

Ensure the cake is fully cooled before applying the icing to prevent it from melting and becoming runny.
For extra texture, consider adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter.
This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
To enhance the apple flavor, try using a mix of apple varieties for the diced apples.
If a dairy-free version is needed, substitute the butter and milk in the icing with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: apple spice cake, brown sugar icing, fall dessert, apple cake, homemade cake, spiced cake