Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream Recipe

There is something truly comforting and utterly delicious about an Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream. This cake is a warm hug on a plate, perfectly marrying tender, cinnamon-kissed layers studded with the natural sweetness of apples with a luxuriously smooth frosting that bursts with vanilla and a gentle hint of cinnamon. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or just treating yourself to a slice of autumnal bliss, this cake promises to delight your senses from the very first bite. The texture is moist and comforting, making it an irresistible centerpiece for any celebration or quiet night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the warm spices to the creamy buttercream, each component works harmoniously to bring this cake to life. Let’s take a closer look at the simple but crucial ingredients that make the magic happen.

• All-purpose flour (2 1/2 cups): The backbone of the cake, providing structure and a soft crumb.
• Baking soda (1 1/2 tsp) and baking powder (1/2 tsp): These leavening agents ensure your cake rises beautifully and stays tender.
• Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances all the flavors, giving depth to the sweet and spicy notes.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tsp): The star spice that adds warmth and character to the batter.
• Ground nutmeg (1 tsp) and allspice (1/2 tsp): Complement cinnamon with their cozy, aromatic undertones.
• Unsalted butter (1 cup for cake, 2 cups for buttercream): Adds richness and moisture, crucial for both cake and frosting.
• Light or dark brown sugar (3/4 cup): Introduces a deep molasses flavor to the cake’s sweetness.
• Granulated sugar (1 1/4 cups): Balances the brown sugar and helps with structure.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 tsp for cake, 4 tsp for buttercream): Adds sweet floral notes that lift the entire taste.
• Large egg (1, room temperature): Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cake’s tender crumb.
• Unsweetened applesauce (2 1/2 cups): The natural star ingredient, adding moisture and fruity sweetness without heaviness.
• Powdered sugar (7 cups): Creates the perfect silky smooth base for the cinnamon-vanilla buttercream.
• Ground cinnamon (2 tsp, for frosting): Infuses the buttercream with a gentle spice kick.
• Whole milk (3 tbsp): Lightens and smooths the buttercream’s texture.
• Salt (1/4 tsp, for buttercream): Balances the sweetness in the frosting.
• Optional garnishes (apple slices, Biscoff cookie crumbs): Adds beautiful visual contrast and subtle textural interest.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pans and Dry Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF and preparing your cake pans by spraying the sides with cooking spray and lining the bottoms with parchment or wax paper. This small preparation prevents sticking and makes removing layers a breeze. Next, whisk together all your dry ingredients — flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice — in a medium bowl. Mixing the spices evenly into the flour ensures every bite carries that signature warmth.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the room-temperature butter on high until light and creamy. This step, about 2 minutes, is essential for a fluffy cake. Gradually add the brown and granulated sugars and beat until the mixture is delightfully light and fluffy, about 2-3 more minutes. Don’t hesitate to scrape down your bowl often to keep things even.

Step 3: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Turn the mixer to low and add the vanilla extract and egg, then increase speed to medium. Beat the mixture for a full minute. This ensures the egg is fully incorporated and helps build a smooth batter base.

Step 4: Alternate Adding Flour Mixture with Applesauce

Lower the mixer speed to low. Add the dry ingredients in thirds, alternating with the applesauce — starting and ending with flour. This alternating method keeps the batter uniform and prevents overmixing. Once combined, the batter will be thick but luscious, a sign you’re on the right track.

Step 5: Bake the Cake Layers

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared cake pans, filling each no more than two-thirds full to avoid overflow. Smooth the tops with a spatula for an even rise. Bake for 36-42 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow layers to cool completely before moving on to frosting.

Step 6: Make the Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream

Whisk together powdered sugar and cinnamon in a large bowl, setting this aside. Beat the butter on medium-high for about 5 minutes until light, creamy, and pale. Add the powdered sugar-cinnamon mixture gradually, mixing on medium speed until fully incorporated. Lower the speed and add the vanilla, milk, and salt, blending until the buttercream is silky smooth and spreadable.

Step 7: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Level your cooled cake layers to ensure even stacking. Spread a generous layer of cinnamon-vanilla buttercream between each cake layer, stacking carefully. Apply a crumb coat over the entire cake to seal in any loose crumbs, then chill for 20-30 minutes to set. For a polished finish, apply a final smooth coat of frosting. For decorating, pipe shells and a braided border using the remaining frosting, then garnish with fresh apple slices and Biscoff crumbs if desired.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like crisp apple slices or crumbly Biscoff cookie crumbs not only elevates the flavor but also adds a delightful visual touch that invites eager anticipation. The fresh apples provide a fresh bite that contrasts beautifully with the rich buttercream.

Side Dishes

Serve this cake with a cup of spiced chai, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to complement its warm flavors. Light sides like candied nuts or spiced fruit compotes also pair beautifully without overpowering the cake’s delicate balance.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve smaller individual slices atop delicate dessert plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for an extra-special touch. For gatherings, stack mini apple spice cupcakes using the same cinnamon-vanilla buttercream for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to two days to preserve freshness. The assembled and frosted cake can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, ensuring that the lovely cinnamon-vanilla buttercream stays smooth and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic and then foil for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and then frost. The cinnamon-vanilla buttercream can also be stored in the fridge and brought back to life with a gentle re-whip before using it again.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed at room temperature since the frosting shines brightest then. If refrigerated, allow slices to sit out for 20-30 minutes before serving to soften the buttercream and bring out the full flavor.

FAQs

Can I substitute applesauce with fresh apples?

While fresh apples add wonderful texture, they introduce extra moisture and require cooking down to blend properly in the batter. Unsweetened applesauce is preferred for the smooth, moist crumb it creates in the Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream.

Is it necessary to use both baking soda and baking powder?

Yes, using both provides the perfect lift and tender crumb. Baking soda reacts with the acidity in applesauce, while baking powder offers additional rising power to keep the cake light.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

This recipe relies on butter and milk for richness, but you can experiment with dairy-free butter and milk alternatives. Results might vary slightly in texture and flavor, but it remains a delicious option for those with dietary restrictions.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Don’t overbake! Start checking your cake about 36 minutes into baking and remove it as soon as a toothpick comes out clean. Also, wrapping leftover layers tightly helps retain moisture.

Can I use a different frosting?

Absolutely! While the cinnamon-vanilla buttercream is what makes this cake sing, cream cheese frosting or even a simple glaze would be lovely alternatives, each bringing a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like sharing a slice of Apple Spice Cake with Cinnamon-Vanilla Buttercream to make any day feel special and cozy. This recipe brings together simple ingredients transformed by a little love into a show-stopping dessert that warms the heart. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!

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