Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe
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.
- 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
