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A slice of Apple Spice Cake topped with a generous swirl of brown sugar icing, showcasing moist, spiced apple cake layers with visible chunks of apple and a glossy, caramel-colored icing on top, set on a rustic wooden platter with a light dusting of cinnamon around the edges.

Sweet & Simple Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing: Your New Fall Favorite!

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Enjoy the warm, spicy aroma of fall with this Sweet & Simple Apple Spice Cake topped with rich brown sugar icing. Perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy weekends, or celebrating the season, this moist and flavorful cake combines tender layers with aromatic spices and a luscious frosting. An irresistible dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of apples and warming spices, making it your new favorite fall treat.

  • Total Time: 55-60 minutes
  • Yield: 8-10 slices 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 medium apples, grated or finely chopped
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
  • Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans for texture

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the spices.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Fold in grated or chopped apples. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  5. Pour batter into a greased 9-inch round cake pan or baking dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.
  6. For the brown sugar icing, combine brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, then simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let slightly cool.
  7. Gradually add powdered sugar until smooth and spreadable. Frost the cooled cake generously with the icing.

Notes

  • Optionally, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the cake batter or as a topping for added texture.
  • Ensure the cake is completely cooled before applying the frosting to prevent melting.
  • For a richer flavor, substitute dark brown sugar in the icing.
  • Author: Serena Miller
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 350 Kcal
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg