apple spice cake recipe

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The Best apple spice cake recipe
Classic Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
🥘Ingredients
👨‍🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Classic Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Works
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

The Best apple spice cake recipe

This apple spice cake is one of those recipes that feels like a hug in a box—simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but special enough to impress guests when you’re hosting. I’ve been making it since my kids were little, and it’s always a hit, whether we’re serving it for Thanksgiving dinner or just grabbing a slice for a quick breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. The warm spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of ginger—mix perfectly with the natural sweetness of the apples, and the moist crumb holds up to both buttery frosting and just plain vanilla glaze. My kids adore it because it’s sweet but not too sugary, and the texture is just right—soft on the inside with a tender crumb. It’s the kind of cake that feels like home, whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or keeping it in the freezer for a rainy day.

I also love how balanced this recipe is. The apples add fiber and natural sweetness, while the spices bring warmth and depth without overpowering. It’s not a cake that’s heavy or overly processed—just the right amount of indulgence without feeling like a treat that’s too much. Plus, it’s easy to customize: swap out the apples for pears or add a few raisins if you like, or even skip the frosting if you’re watching your sugar intake. It’s a recipe that’s as flexible as it is comforting, making it perfect for everyday baking or special occasions alike.

Classic Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

4.6 from 1471 votes

A moist, fragrant cake infused with spiced apples and topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy dessert.

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Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time40 mins

Resting Time0 mins

Total Time60 mins

Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp ground cinnamon
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground cloves
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups diced apples (peeled, cored)

For the Cream Cheese Frosting

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. Set aside.
3
In another bowl, mix sugar, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Stir in diced apples.
4
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
5
Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowls
Whisk
Oven
Baking pan (9×13-inch)
Electric mixer

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 50mg🧂Sodium: 550mg🌾Total Carbs: 60g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 45g🥩Protein: 6g

📝Notes

Tips: For extra moisture, brush the cake with a little apple cider after baking. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Watch Video Of How Classic Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Works

This spiced apple cake is a reliable crowd-pleaser because it balances rich, warm spices with sweet, tender fruit—no fuss, just hearty flavor. It’s the perfect go-to for holidays or casual get-togethers because it holds up well after baking and lets everyone customize their slice with extra whipped cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. No one ever questions why it’s always a hit.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

How do I adjust the spice blend if I don’t have cinnamon?

You can substitute cinnamon with a mix of 1 teaspoon each of ground cloves and allspice for warmth. For a milder flavor, use ½ teaspoon of each instead. If you prefer a sweeter profile, add ½ teaspoon of nutmeg.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake keeps well in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for 4 days. For best texture, bake fresh, but it reheats beautifully in the oven for 10 minutes at 350°F until warm.

What if my applesauce is too watery?

If your applesauce is thin, let it sit covered in the fridge for 30 minutes to thicken slightly, or strain it through a fine-mesh sieve for a smoother batter. Overly watery applesauce can make the cake dense, so this adjustment helps maintain a tender crumb.

Should I use a stand mixer or hand mixer for this recipe?

A stand mixer is ideal for creaming butter and sugar smoothly, but a hand mixer works fine if you’re patient. For a lighter texture, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy before folding in the dry ingredients.

How can I make this cake extra moist?

To boost moisture, add 1 extra tablespoon of melted butter or 1 extra egg to the batter. For a richer flavor, replace ½ cup of the applesauce with mashed banana or yogurt. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender.