Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing is a perfect treat for any season. With tender apples and warm spices, it’s moist and flavorful. The rich brown sugar icing adds a sweet finish that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients

• 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
• For the Brown Sugar Icing:
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. Step 5: Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, alternating with the applesauce, until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: While the cake cools, prepare the brown sugar icing by combining the softened butter, brown sugar, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture bubbles.
8. Step 8: Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
9. Step 9: Once the cake is completely cool, pour the icing over the top and allow it to set.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor and texture, consider incorporating chopped walnuts or raisins into the cake batter.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat slices gently in the microwave to soften the icing before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of applesauce?

The recipe already uses diced fresh apples for texture and flavor, combined with unsweetened applesauce for moisture. You can replace the applesauce with homemade or store-bought applesauce, but using only fresh apples might result in a drier cake.

Is this cake suitable for freezing?

Yes, you can freeze the cake without icing for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before adding the brown sugar icing.

Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 95 reviews

This Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting treat. Packed with warm spices, tender apples, and topped with a rich, creamy brown sugar icing, this cake offers a delightful blend of sweet and spice in every bite.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the 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

For the Brown Sugar Icing

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 cup powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help to create a tender cake.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate them fully, followed by the vanilla extract for flavor enhancement.
5. Combine Ingredients: Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the applesauce. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing. Then gently fold in the peeled and diced apples for added texture.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
7. Make Brown Sugar Icing: While the cake cools, prepare the icing by combining the softened butter, packed brown sugar, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture bubbles and becomes smooth.
8. Finish Icing: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and creamy.
9. Ice the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, pour the brown sugar icing evenly over the top. Allow the icing to set before serving.

Notes

• For an extra layer of texture and flavor, try adding chopped walnuts or raisins into the cake batter.
• Ensure the cake is completely cooled before icing to prevent the icing from melting.
• Use peeled and diced apples such as Fuji or Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and tartness.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• When making the brown sugar icing, stir consistently to prevent burning.

Keywords: Apple spice cake, brown sugar icing, fall dessert, moist apple cake, spiced cake, homemade cake, fall baking