Description
Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing is a moist, tender dessert bursting with fresh apple bits and a warm blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Topped with a rich brown sugar icing, this cake perfectly balances comforting autumn flavors and indulgent sweetness. Ideal for gatherings, cozy occasions, or whenever you crave a slice of fall-inspired delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped Granny Smith apples
Spices and Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for vegan/dairy-free)
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar, packed
- 3 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Brown Sugar Icing
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream (or non-dairy milk alternative)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and finely chop the apples to ensure they cook evenly within the cake and infuse moisture throughout.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to avoid lumps and achieve a light crumb.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, cream the butter with brown sugar until light and fluffy, creating a tender texture and balanced sweetness.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor depth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently to keep the batter light and airy without overmixing.
- Fold in Apples: Gently stir the chopped apples into the batter ensuring even distribution before pouring it into a greased baking pan.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool completely before icing.
- Prepare Brown Sugar Icing: In a saucepan over low heat, mix softened butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt until smooth and spreadable.
- Ice the Cake: Generously spread the warm brown sugar icing over the top and sides of the cooled cake, allowing it to set slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh apples for best texture and natural sweetness.
- Mix ingredients just until combined to avoid overworking the batter.
- Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for seamless blending.
- Allow cake to cool fully before applying icing to prevent melting.
- Cover cake loosely with aluminum foil during baking if top browns too quickly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: apple spice cake, brown sugar icing, autumn dessert, gluten-free apple cake, spiced apple cake
