There’s something magical about the flavors of fall—warm spices, crisp apples, and the cozy aroma that fills your kitchen while baking. This apple spice cake captures all of that in every single bite. Moist, tender, and full of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, it’s the kind of dessert that instantly feels like autumn on a plate.
The star of this recipe is the fresh apples, which bake into soft, juicy chunks that make the cake irresistibly moist. Using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples adds the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, creating depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the spices. If you want to add extra crunch, a handful of pecans or walnuts takes it to the next level.
Then there’s the frosting—a silky, rich brown sugar topping that sets this cake apart. It has the creamy texture of traditional buttercream but with a caramel-like flavor that pairs flawlessly with the spiced cake layers. It’s not just a frosting; it’s the finishing touch that transforms this dessert into a true showstopper.
This cake is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or simply a cozy night at home. Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, it’s a dessert that comforts and impresses at the same time.
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Servings: 10–12
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the frosting:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
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