Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a crisp fall afternoon—but in dessert form. The warm spices, the tender bites of fresh apple, and the frosting that tastes like caramel met butter in a love story—it’s everything autumn dreams are made of. I’ve always believed that a cake should hug you from the inside out, and this one does just that.

The best part? It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, yet impressive enough to bring to a potluck or family gathering. You don’t need a bakery degree to make this cake look (and taste) like something out of a glossy magazine spread. Whether you’re baking to impress, to comfort, or simply to treat yourself, this Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is your golden ticket.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting

• It’s bursting with cozy fall spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves).
• Tart apples keep it moist and flavorful.
• That brown sugar frosting? Think buttercream meets caramel.
• Comes together with pantry staples—no fancy equipment.
• Stays delicious for days (if it lasts that long).

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)

For the Brown Sugar Frosting

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup milk
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and sour cream, starting and ending with dry. Mix until just combined.
6. Fold in apples.
7. Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top.
8. Bake 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Cool 15 minutes in pan, then transfer to wire rack.
10. For frosting: in a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
11. Remove from heat, cool slightly, then beat in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
12. Frost cooled cake generously.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min | Servings: 8 | Calories: ~380

Melania’s Tips for Perfect Apple Spice Cake

• Use tart apples (Granny Smith is my ride-or-die) for balance.
• Don’t overmix—this cake loves a gentle hand.
• Let frosting cool just enough so it thickens; too hot and it will run, too cool and it will seize.

Bake It With the Littles

Kids adore helping with this one:

• Let them measure out the spices (and smell each one!).
• Folding in the apple chunks is a great little job.
• Bonus: they’ll proudly declare, “I helped make this cake!” at the dinner table.

Meal-Prep Magic

• Bake a day ahead—the spices deepen overnight.
• Store covered at room temp for 2–3 days.
• Refrigerate up to 5 days, but bring to room temp before serving for best texture.

Healthier Swaps Without Losing the Magic

• Swap half the flour for whole wheat pastry flour.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
• Try coconut sugar instead of brown sugar in the cake (keep frosting classic, though—it’s worth it).

Leftover Remix

If you somehow have leftovers:

• Cube it into parfaits with yogurt and granola.
• Warm slices in the toaster oven and top with vanilla ice cream.
• Turn into a fancy trifle with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.

Gift It Like a Pro

Bake in a disposable tin, frost lightly, and wrap with parchment + twine. Add a handwritten tag: “Made with love (and apples).” It’s rustic, heartfelt, and guaranteed to be devoured.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! It’s even better the next day.

Can I freeze Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting?
Yes—freeze unfrosted cake wrapped tightly for up to 3 months. Frost after thawing.

Do I need to peel the apples?
I recommend it for a smoother texture, but if you love rustic vibes, keep the peels.

Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Bake in a 9×13 pan and adjust time to ~55–60 minutes.

Final Thought

This Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is the kind of dessert that makes the whole house smell like home. It’s cozy, comforting, and just fancy enough without being fussy. Whether you serve it at Sunday dinner, gift it to a friend, or sneak a slice with your morning coffee, it’s a cake that loves you right back.

If you loved this, you might also enjoy my Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting or cozy up with a Classic Banana Bread for another sweet kitchen hug.

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