Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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, ensuring the cake doesn’t stick after baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Finish the Icing: Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and creamy.
- 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
