You will not believe how incredible this apple spice cake with brown sugar frosting smells baking in my oven right now – it’s like fall decided to move into my kitchen!
I’ve been craving something warm and cozy all week, and when I saw all these gorgeous apples at the farmer’s market, I knew exactly what I had to make.
The cake is packed with tender apple pieces and all those perfect autumn spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, but that brown sugar frosting is what really takes it over the top – it’s like caramel heaven!
I just finished frosting it and had to sneak a little taste, and honestly, this might be the best cake I’ve ever made in my entire life.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This apple spice cake is pure autumn comfort in dessert form, with tender, moist layers bursting with real apple chunks and warm spices that make your whole house smell amazing!
The brown sugar frosting is absolutely divine – rich, creamy, and with that deep caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with the spiced cake layers.
You’ll love how it uses fresh apples to create incredible moisture and texture, making it way more special than your typical boxed cake mix, and it stays fresh for days thanks to all that natural fruit goodness.
Plus, it’s the perfect showstopper for fall gatherings, potlucks, or just when you want to treat yourself to something that tastes like a warm hug on a plate!
What You’ll Need
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup applesauce (unsweetened)
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped apples (about 2 medium)
For the brown sugar frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Pro Tips
- Use tart apples. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp give a nice balance of sweetness and tang.
- Don’t overmix the batter. Mix just until combined for the most tender crumb.
- Frost when cooled. If the cake is warm, the frosting will slide right off.
- Adjust frosting thickness. Add more powdered sugar if too thin, or a splash of milk if too thick.
- Add crunch. Stir in walnuts or pecans for texture if you like.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13-inch pan or two 9-inch round pans
- Saucepan (for frosting)
- Spatula
Substitutions and Variations
- Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Sugar: Swap part of the sugar with maple syrup for a deeper flavor.
- Frosting: Replace with cream cheese frosting for a tangier finish.
- Spices: Add cardamom or ginger for a spicier cake.
- Applesauce: If you don’t have applesauce, use pumpkin puree for a fall twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the cake a day ahead and frost before serving.
- The frosting can be made 2–3 days in advance; just re-whip before using.
- Freeze unfrosted cake for up to 2 months. Thaw, frost, and serve.
- Leftovers stay moist for days, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
How to Make Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting
Step 1: Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Step 2: Cream butter and sugar
In a separate bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla.
Step 3: Add wet ingredients
Mix in the applesauce until smooth.
Step 4: Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Fold in chopped apples.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into a greased 9×13-inch pan (or 2 round pans). Bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
Step 6: Make the frosting
In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in brown sugar and cook 2 minutes. Add milk, bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Step 7: Frost the cake
Spread frosting evenly over cooled cake. Garnish with apple slices or a dusting of cinnamon if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm slices with vanilla ice cream.
- Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra decadence.
- Pair with hot apple cider, tea, or coffee.
- Bake as cupcakes for individual servings at parties.
Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store frosted cake in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months. Thaw, frost, and serve.
- Counter: Keep at room temperature (covered) for 2–3 days if your kitchen isn’t too warm.
Nutrition & Benefits
This cake balances indulgence with wholesome ingredients like apples and applesauce.
The apples add fiber and natural sweetness, while the spices provide antioxidants and warmth.
While the frosting is rich, you can lighten it by using less sugar or swapping in cream cheese for tang. It’s a dessert that’s both nostalgic and satisfying.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use boxed spice cake mix instead?Â
Yes—add chopped apples and top with brown sugar frosting for a shortcut.
2. Can I make this as a layer cake?Â
Absolutely—bake in two 9-inch round pans and frost between the layers.
3. Do I have to peel the apples?Â
Not necessarily—if you like extra texture, leave the peels on.
4. Can I use buttercream instead of brown sugar frosting?Â
Yes, but the brown sugar frosting is what makes this recipe special.
5. How do I keep the cake moist?Â
Don’t overbake, and store covered to lock in moisture.
6. Can I add nuts?Â
Yes—walnuts or pecans make a great addition to the batter or as a garnish.
7. Can I halve the recipe?Â
Yes—bake in an 8×8-inch pan for a smaller batch.
Warm, Spiced, and Perfectly Sweet
This apple spice cake with brown sugar frosting is one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug.
The moist, spiced cake pairs beautifully with the rich, caramel-like frosting, making it a recipe that’s impossible to resist.
Whether you’re baking it for a cozy fall evening, a holiday celebration, or just because, it’s the kind of cake that brings comfort and joy with every bite.