Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe

Introduction

This Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing is a comforting treat perfect for fall or any time you crave warm, cozy flavors. Moist apples and fragrant spices combine beautifully with a rich, buttery icing for a truly indulgent dessert.

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

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

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangy balance or sweeter apples for a milder flavor.
• Adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter gives the cake a nice crunch.
• If you prefer a thinner icing, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave if desired. The icing may firm up in the fridge; let it sit at room temperature before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apple cider instead of applesauce?

For best results, stick with unsweetened applesauce as it adds moisture without excess liquid. Fresh apple cider is too thin and may alter the batter texture.

Can this cake be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze the baked cake (without icing) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before icing and serving.

Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 97 reviews

This moist and flavorful Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing combines tender apples and warm spices for a comforting dessert. The cake is perfectly complemented by a rich, caramel-like brown sugar icing, making it an ideal treat for fall or any special occasion.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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, ensuring the cake doesn’t stick after baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the 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, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to maintain an airy texture, then incorporate the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually blend the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with unsweetened applesauce to keep the batter moist. Fold in the diced apples gently to distribute them evenly within the batter.
6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the greased pan and bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
7. Prepare Icing: While the cake cools, make the brown sugar icing by combining softened butter, brown sugar, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the mixture begins to bubble, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
8. Finish the Icing: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and creamy.
9. Apply Icing: Once the cake is completely cool, pour the brown sugar icing over the top. Allow it to set before serving for a luscious finish.

Notes

• For best results, ensure the cake has cooled completely before applying the icing to prevent melting.
• You can substitute peeled and grated apples for diced for a softer texture.
• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
• This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of warm tea or coffee.

Keywords: Apple Spice Cake, Brown Sugar Icing, Fall Dessert, Moist Cake, Spiced Cake, Autumn Recipe