Moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a rich brown sugar caramel glaze — this apple spice cake is a cozy treat perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tender, moist cake filled with diced apples.
Warm fall spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
Topped with a rich and buttery brown sugar caramel glaze.
Great for breakfast, dessert, or a special occasion.
Simple to make with everyday ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
¼ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp salt
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk (or whole milk + 1 tbsp vinegar, rested 5 minutes)
2 cups peeled and finely diced apples

For the Caramel Glaze:

½ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup heavy cream
½ cup packed light brown sugar
1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
½ tsp pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55–65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt in a large bowl.

Step 3: Mix wet ingredients

In another bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually whisk in buttermilk.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry mixtures

Stir the wet mixture into the dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in diced apples gently.

Step 5: Bake the cake

Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 55–65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare caramel glaze

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and cream. Boil gently for 1–2 minutes, remove from heat, and let cool 2–3 minutes. Whisk in powdered sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Step 7: Glaze the cake

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake in advance and add the glaze just before serving.

Which apples work best?
Sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji provide great flavor and texture.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based margarine for butter, and coconut or almond milk instead of cream for the glaze.

How long will the cake stay fresh?
Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting is a cozy, flavorful dessert that pairs tender apples with a rich caramel glaze — perfect for fall, holidays, or any time you want a comforting treat.