Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe
Introduction
Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing is a warm, comforting dessert perfect for any season. Packed with tender apples and fragrant spices, this cake is topped with a rich, creamy icing that adds a delightful sweetness. It’s a wonderful treat for family gatherings or a cozy afternoon snack.
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, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Gradually blend in the dry ingredients, alternating with the applesauce, until just combined. Fold in the diced apples gently.
- 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 before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For added texture, toss the diced apples with a little lemon juice to prevent browning and add brightness.
- Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for a nutty crunch.
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier cake.
- If you prefer a less sweet icing, reduce the brown sugar in the topping slightly.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave to enjoy the warm spices and soft texture again.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of diced apples?
Yes, fresh peeled and diced apples are what this recipe calls for, adding natural moisture and texture to the cake.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
To make this cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately for the best texture.
PrintApple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing Recipe
This Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for autumn or any cozy occasion. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, tender apples, and a delightful applesauce base, it is topped with a rich, buttery brown sugar icing that adds the perfect sweet finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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 all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes a few minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture to ensure smooth integration, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually blend in the dry ingredients alternating with the applesauce, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing, then gently fold in the peeled and diced apples.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare Brown Sugar Icing: While the cake cools, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to bubble, indicating it has heated through.
- Finish the Icing: Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the powdered sugar until the icing is smooth and creamy.
- Ice the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the brown sugar icing evenly over the top. Allow the icing to set before serving for the best texture.
Notes
- Use unsweetened applesauce to control the sweetness of the cake.
- Make sure the cake is completely cooled before applying the icing to avoid melting it.
- You can substitute diced pears for apples for a variation.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For a spicier flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger.
Keywords: apple cake, spice cake, brown sugar icing, fall dessert, cinnamon cake, homemade cake
