Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Few desserts capture the warmth of home quite like an Apple Spice Cake. With tender apple chunks, a medley of cinnamon and spices, and a luscious brown sugar frosting, this cake is moist, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting. It’s the perfect dessert for fall gatherings, holidays, or any time you’re craving something sweet, spiced, and nostalgic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Moist & flavorful: Fresh apples keep the cake tender and juicy.
• Perfectly spiced: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves make it cozy and aromatic.
• Caramel-like frosting: Brown sugar frosting adds richness and sweetness.
• Crowd-pleasing: Ideal for potlucks, holidays, or family dinners.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 2 cups peeled, chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the Brown Sugar Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cake Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.
3. In another large bowl, cream butter with brown and granulated sugars until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in eggs and vanilla.
5. Add dry ingredients alternately with buttermilk, mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in chopped apples.

Step 2: Bake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add brown sugar and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Stir in milk and bring to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth and spreadable.

Step 4: Frost & Serve

Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Slice and serve.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overmix: Keeps cake light and fluffy.
• Cool cake fully: Warm cake will melt the frosting.
• Adjust frosting texture: If too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, add powdered sugar.
• Best apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for balance.

Variations

• Nutty Apple Cake: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
• Caramel Drizzle: Top frosted cake with caramel sauce for extra decadence.
• Layer Cake: Bake in two round pans and frost between layers.
• Apple-Pear Twist: Use a mix of apples and pears for unique flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

The apples provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the spice blend deepens the flavor. The brown sugar frosting, with its caramel-like richness, ties everything together in a dessert that’s both rustic and elegant. It’s comfort food with a touch of sophistication.

✨ Moist, spiced, and topped with caramel-sweet frosting, this Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is the perfect dessert for cozy nights and festive gatherings.