Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Every bite of this Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting tastes like a warm hug wrapped in cinnamon and love. Moist, tender cake made with real apples, cozy spices, and topped with a velvety brown sugar frosting that melts into every crumb—this is the kind of dessert that turns ordinary days into celebrations.

First, thank you so much for being here! I’m always so honored to share my favorite recipes with you—and this one is truly a heart-stealer. If you’d love to have this recipe (and others like it) sent straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe below. You won’t want to miss what’s coming up next!

What Is Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting?

Apple Spice Cake is a soft, rich cake made with fresh apples and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. It’s everything you love about fall—baked into one perfect pan. But what takes it over the top? A thick layer of brown sugar frosting that’s part buttercream, part caramel, and entirely irresistible.

It’s the ultimate dessert for holidays, potlucks, or Sunday dinners when you want something cozy and homemade.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Spice Cake

• Ultra moist thanks to fresh apples and oil
• The brown sugar frosting is creamy, buttery, and caramel-kissed
• Super easy—no mixer needed for the cake
• Bakes in a simple sheet pan or square dish
• Freezes well and makes amazing leftovers (breakfast, anyone?)
• Tastes even better the next day!

What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine a spice cake that’s light yet rich, full of soft apple pieces and warm fall spices, topped with a frosting that tastes like brown sugar fudge. It’s sweet but not cloying, balanced by the slight tang of the apples and the earthiness of the cinnamon. The cake is tender and flavorful, and the frosting is the kind you want to lick off the spoon (or spread on toast, pancakes, fingers… anything).

Benefits of This Recipe

• Perfect make-ahead dessert
• Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved
• Can be made as cupcakes, a layer cake, or a snack cake
• Easy to double for crowds
• Flexible—can be dressed up with nuts, raisins, or even a caramel drizzle

Ingredients for Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

For the apple spice cake:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great)

For the brown sugar frosting:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
• 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional but enhances flavor)

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13-inch baking pan (or 8×8 for thicker slices)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan (for frosting)
• Sifter or fine mesh strainer (for powdered sugar)

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a nutty crunch
• Use applesauce in place of some oil for a lighter version
• Add raisins or dried cranberries for a holiday twist
• Swap sour cream with buttermilk or Greek yogurt
• Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend

How to Make Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your baking pan or line with parchment.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and spices.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together oil, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and sour cream until smooth.
4. Combine: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined—do not overmix.
5. Fold in apples: Gently stir in the chopped apples.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes (check at 30), until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Cool completely before frosting.

Make the Brown Sugar Frosting:

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add brown sugar and milk/cream, whisking constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to bubble—about 3 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
4. Whisk in vanilla and sifted powdered sugar until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach spreadable consistency.
5. Spread over cooled cake and let set for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Pro Tip: Want that frosting to have a bit of a glaze? Pour it on warm before it sets fully!

What to Serve with Apple Spice Cake

This cake is perfection on its own, but here are a few delicious ideas:

• With a scoop of vanilla ice cream
• Drizzled with warm caramel sauce
• Topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream
• Served alongside a cup of spiced chai or apple cider

Tips for the Best Apple Spice Cake

• Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
• Don’t overmix the batter—just combine until everything is moist
• Let the cake cool completely before adding frosting
• Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps in your frosting
• Make the cake a day ahead—it gets even better overnight!

Storage Instructions

• Room temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days
• Fridge: Keeps well for up to 5 days (frosting firms up beautifully!)
• Freezer: Wrap unfrosted cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and frost fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this as cupcakes?

Yes! This recipe makes about 18–20 cupcakes. Bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

What kind of apples work best?

Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady are best. Avoid overly soft or sweet apples like Red Delicious.

Can I make this without the frosting?

Absolutely—it’s delicious even plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Is this cake overly sweet?

Nope! The spices and apples balance the sweetness, and the brown sugar frosting adds just the right touch without overwhelming.

Conclusion

This Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is the kind of dessert that brings people together. Whether you’re making it for a fall gathering, a birthday, or just because you have a few apples lying around, it’s guaranteed to impress.

Print