Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to incorporate them fully, followed by the vanilla extract for flavor enhancement.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finish Icing: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and creamy.
- 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
