Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe
Introduction
Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing is a cozy, flavorful dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting treat. This moist cake combines warm spices and fresh apples, topped with a rich, buttery brown sugar icing.
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
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (for icing)
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed (for icing)
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Step 3: In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, alternating with the applesauce, until just combined. Gently fold in the diced apples.
- 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.
- 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.
- Step 8: Remove from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
- Step 9: Once the cake is completely cool, pour the icing over the top and allow it to set.
Tips & Variations
- For extra texture, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Use tart apples such as Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness.
- Try substituting half the applesauce with mashed bananas for a different fruity twist.
- If you prefer a thinner icing, add a little more milk gradually until desired consistency is reached.
Storage
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a warm treat. The icing may firm up in the fridge but softens when warmed slightly.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of applesauce?
Yes, fresh diced apples are already included in the recipe for texture, but applesauce adds moisture and sweetness. You can substitute the applesauce with more diced apples or use homemade applesauce if preferred.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best way is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is fully baked. If there is wet batter on the toothpick, bake for a few more minutes and test again.
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Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for autumn or any time you crave a warm, spiced treat. The tender cake is infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples, topped with a rich, buttery brown sugar icing that complements the spices perfectly.
Ingredients
Cake 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
Brown Sugar Icing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated, then add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the applesauce, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing. Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for about 40 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when ready.
- Prepare the icing: While the cake cools, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and bubbles.
- Finish the icing: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and well combined.
- Ice the cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, pour the brown sugar icing over the top and allow it to set before serving.
Notes
- For best results, ensure that the butter is softened but not melted when creaming with sugars.
- Use fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice texture contrast.
- If you prefer a thicker icing, you can chill it slightly before pouring over the cake.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- To add extra flavor, consider sprinkling chopped nuts or raisins into the batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple Spice Cake, Brown Sugar Icing, Autumn Dessert, Spiced Cake, Moist Apple Cake
