Name: Apple Spice Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2¼ cups all-purpose flour; 1½ teaspoons baking soda; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon ground allspice; ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves; ⅔ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs, room temperature; ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark), packed; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ½ cup sour cream, room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1½ cups grated apples (2–3 large, skin-on optional); ¼ cup salted butter; ½ cup dark brown sugar, packed; 2 tablespoons heavy cream; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for icing); 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

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This Apple Spice Cake is a warm and tender delight filled with fragrant spices and fresh grated apples, topped with a rich brown sugar icing. Perfect for cozy fall mornings, afternoon treats, or a comforting dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Glistening with spice – A fragrant blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves meld beautifully with sweet apples.
Ultra-moist texture – Sour cream and freshly grated apples keep the cake irresistibly tender and moist.
Elegant yet easy – Lightweight to make, yet satisfying—ideal for gathering tables or weekend baking.
Sweetly finished – The velvety brown sugar icing gives it a glossy, caramel-like finish that’s both beautiful and delicious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cake

2¼ cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground allspice
⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
⅔ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
¾ cup packed brown sugar (light or dark)
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup sour cream, room temperature
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2–3 large honey-crisp apples (≈1½ cups), grated (skin-on is fine)

Brown Sugar Icing

¼ cup salted butter
½ cup packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 cup sifted powdered sugar

Directions

Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan—or your preferred baking dish.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
In a separate bowl, whisk oil, eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth.
Add dry ingredients to wet mixture; stir gently until just combined.
Fold in the grated apples evenly.
Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Brown Sugar Icing

Melt butter and brown sugar together over medium heat, stirring until combined.
Add heavy cream and vanilla. Bring to a simmer and remove from heat.
Let cool slightly, then whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
Pour over the cooled cake, spreading to cover the surface. Let it set before slicing.

Servings & Timing

Serves: 8–12 slices
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 35–40 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour (including cooling and icing)

Variations

Nutty surprise: Stir in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Spiced boost: Swap cloves and allspice for pumpkin spice blend.
Apple variety swap: Try Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for sweetness.
Make it gluten-free: Use a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend.

Storage / Reheating

Room temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate: Keeps up to 5 days—bring to room temperature before serving.
Freeze: Wrap slices individually; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, any baking-friendly variety works—Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith are good choices.

2. Does the skin affect the texture?
No—the skin adds extra fiber and color and blends in well.

3. Can I reduce sugar?
Yes—a slight reduction in granulated sugar is possible, but may make the cake less tender and sweet.

4. Why sour cream?
It adds fat and acidity that keep the cake moist and fluffy.

5. How thick should the icing be?
It should be pourable but hold shape—add more powdered sugar or cream to adjust.

Conclusion

Here’s a cake that wraps the essence of autumn in every bite—soft, moist, fragrant with spices and apple, finished with a dreamy brown sugar glaze. It’s simple yet elegant, perfect for gatherings or cozy moments at home. Want seasonal pairings or serving suggestions? Just let me know!