Baking has always been a special way to bring family and friends together, and there’s no better example than this delightful Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing. This recipe has become a cherished tradition in my household, especially during the cozy autumn months when apples are at their peak. The combination of warm spices and sweet apples creates a comforting aroma that fills the kitchen, evoking memories of family gatherings and festive celebrations.
One of my fondest memories associated with this cake is from a few years ago when we hosted a fall potluck. I wanted to bring something that felt like a hug in dessert form, and this cake was the perfect choice. It was an instant hit, with guests raving about its moist texture and the rich, buttery icing that adds a perfect finishing touch. Since then, it’s been a staple for any occasion that calls for a little extra warmth and sweetness.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. While the classic version with Honeycrisp apples is wonderful, I’ve also experimented with different variations. For a slightly tart flavor, Granny Smith apples work beautifully. If you prefer a more pronounced spice profile, increasing the ginger or adding a pinch of cardamom can elevate the taste. For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, folding in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans provides a delightful contrast to the cake’s soft crumb.
Another tweak I’ve found appealing is using Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a tangier flavor. It also adds a bit of extra moisture, making the cake even more tender. And if you’re a fan of caramel, drizzling a bit of salted caramel sauce over the icing takes this cake to a whole new level of indulgence.
Whether you’re baking for a family dinner, a holiday party, or just to satisfy a craving, this Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing is sure to impress. Its blend of spices and sweet, juicy apples creates a harmonious flavor that’s both nostalgic and timeless. Happy baking!
Making Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing
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Ingredients
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sour cream, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 large honeycrisp apples, grated (about 1 1/2 cups, with skin)
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
Directions
- Set your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch nonstick light-colored pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
- In a separate bowl, blend together the vegetable oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the grated apples carefully.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack.
- To prepare the brown sugar icing, melt the butter, dark brown sugar, and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisking until well combined and gently boiling.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar.
- Drizzle the icing over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the cake slightly.
- Cut into pieces and enjoy while warm!
Storing Suggestions:
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy it warm, reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?
Yes, you can use other types of apples like Granny Smith or Fuji. However, honeycrisp apples are recommended for their sweetness and texture.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil with another oil?
You can substitute vegetable oil with other neutral-flavored oils like canola or sunflower oil. Avoid using strong-flavored oils like olive oil.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
If you don’t have all the spices, you can use a pumpkin pie spice blend as a substitute. It includes most of the spices listed and will still give a great flavor.
How can I make the cake gluten-free?
To make the cake gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend is meant for baking to ensure the best texture.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Keep it covered at room temperature and add the icing just before serving for the best taste and texture.
What should I do if my icing is too thick?
If your icing is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of heavy cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups spooned and leveled all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 1/8 tsp ground cloves
- 2/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large room temperature eggs
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar light or dark
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup room temperature sour cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2-3 large honeycrisp apples grated (~1 1/2 cups, skin on)
- 1/4 cup salted butter
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Prepare a 9x9-inch light-colored nonstick pan with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
- In another bowl, combine the vegetable oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold until just combined.
- Incorporate the grated apples gently.
- Transfer the batter to the prepared pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- To make the brown sugar icing, melt the butter, dark brown sugar, and heavy cream in a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisking until combined and gently boiling.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and powdered sugar.
- Pour the icing over the warm cake, letting it melt into the cake slightly.
- Slice and enjoy while warm!
