Apple Spice Cake Recipe: Few desserts feel as warm, comforting, and nostalgic as a homemade apple spice cake. It’s the kind of cake that fills your kitchen with the smell of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked apples—an aroma that instantly feels like home. Whether you’re baking for family, guests, or simply yourself, this apple spice cake recipe delivers moist texture, deep spice flavor, and real apple goodness in every bite.
This is not a dry cake. It’s not bland. And it’s definitely not complicated. This guide walks you through everything, from choosing the right apples to baking, frosting, storing, and even customizing the cake to fit your lifestyle.
Let’s bake something unforgettable.
Why Apple Spice Cake Is a Timeless Classic
Apple spice cake has stood the test of time because it hits all the right notes:
- Moist and tender crumb
- Warm spices that never overpower
- Natural sweetness from apples
- Perfect for any season—especially fall and winter
Unlike apple pie, which can feel like a project, apple spice cake is approachable. It’s rustic yet elegant, simple yet rich. You can serve it plain, dust it with powdered sugar, or frost it generously. Either way, it delivers comfort in cake form.
What Makes This Apple Spice Cake Recipe Special
This recipe is designed to be:
- Beginner-friendly
- Highly adaptable
- Consistently moist
- Packed with real apple flavor
Instead of relying solely on applesauce, we use fresh chopped apples, balanced spices, and oil for long-lasting moisture. The result? A cake that stays soft even days after baking.
Best Apples for Apple Spice Cake
Sweet vs Tart Apples
The type of apple you choose affects flavor and texture.
Best options:
- Granny Smith (tart, firm, holds shape)
- Honeycrisp (balanced sweet-tart)
- Fuji (sweet and juicy)
- Braeburn (spiced and aromatic)
👉 A mix of Granny Smith + Honeycrisp gives the best balance.
Fresh Apples vs Applesauce
- Fresh apples: Texture, chunks, bursts of flavor
- Applesauce: Extra moisture, smoother crumb
This recipe focuses on fresh apples, but you can substitute part of the oil with applesauce if desired.
Essential Baking Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls (large and medium)
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- 9×13-inch pan or two 9-inch round pans
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
No stand mixer required.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Apples & Flavor Boosters
- 3 cups peeled, diced apples
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup raisins
- ½ cup shredded coconut
Spice Blend Breakdown
Cinnamon
The backbone of apple spice cake—warm and familiar.
Nutmeg
Adds depth and subtle sweetness.
Allspice & Cloves
Tiny amounts go a long way, adding bakery-level complexity.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Apple Spice Cake
Apple spice cake is warm, moist, and packed with comforting fall flavors—perfect for dessert or a cozy afternoon treat.
Step 1 – Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and finely dice the apples. Toss lightly with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
Step 2 – Prepare the Baking Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy release.
Step 3 – Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Mixing well ensures even spice distribution.
Step 4 – Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sugar (or brown sugar), oil or melted butter, vanilla extract, and applesauce or milk until smooth.
Step 5 – Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
Step 6 – Fold in Apples & Extras
Fold in the prepared apples. Optional add-ins like chopped nuts or raisins can be added here for texture.
Step 7 – Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 8 – Cooling the Cake Properly
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
This apple spice cake is soft, fragrant, and deeply satisfying—a timeless favorite for any season. 🍎🍰
Cream Cheese Frosting (Optional but Recommended)
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Frosting Instructions
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth
- Gradually add powdered sugar
- Mix in vanilla
- Beat until fluffy
Spread generously over cooled cake.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
- Pair with coffee or spiced tea
- Garnish with apple slices or cinnamon dust
Perfect for holidays, brunch, or dessert tables.
Storage and Shelf Life
- Room temperature: 2 days (covered)
- Refrigerator: up to 5 days
- Best texture: day 2
Freezing Apple Spice Cake
- Wrap unfrosted cake tightly
- Freeze up to 3 months
- Thaw overnight in fridge
Frost after thawing for best results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the batter
- Using watery apples
- Skipping parchment paper
- Frosting a warm cake
Avoid these and success is guaranteed.
Apple Spice Cake Variations
Apple Spice Bundt Cake
Bake in a Bundt pan for 50–55 minutes.
Apple Spice Loaf Cake
Divide batter into loaf pans and bake 45–50 minutes.
Vegan Apple Spice Cake
Replace eggs with flax eggs and use plant-based milk.
Gluten-Free Apple Spice Cake
Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Nutritional Overview
- Rich in fiber from apples
- Moderate sugar content
- Can be adjusted for lower sugar or fat
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
- Oil keeps the cake moist
- Balanced spices enhance apple flavor
- Fresh apples provide texture
- Simple mixing prevents errors
This is a reliable, bakery-quality recipe.
Baking Tips for Professional Results
- Use room-temperature eggs
- Measure flour correctly
- Taste apples before baking
- Let flavors develop overnight
Small details make a big difference.
FAQs about Apple Spice Cake Recipe
1. Can I make apple spice cake ahead of time?
Yes. Apple spice cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the spices mellow and the apple flavor deepens. Store it covered at room temperature or refrigerated.
2. Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended if you want a smoother, more uniform texture. Apple peels can add chewiness, which some people prefer, but peeled apples blend more seamlessly into the cake.
3. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. You can safely reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup without affecting the cake’s structure. Apples add natural sweetness, so the cake will still be flavorful.
4. What frosting pairs best with apple spice cake?
Cream cheese frosting is the classic choice and balances the spices beautifully. Caramel frosting or glaze also pairs wonderfully, adding richness and depth.
5. Can I bake this cake without frosting?
Absolutely. Apple spice cake is moist and flavorful on its own, making frosting optional. A simple dusting of powdered sugar works well if you want a lighter finish.
These tips will help you enjoy a perfectly spiced, moist apple spice cake every time. 🍎🍰
Conclusion
This apple spice cake recipe is everything a homemade cake should be—moist, fragrant, comforting, and packed with real apple flavor. Whether you frost it generously or enjoy it plain, each bite delivers warmth and nostalgia. It’s a cake you’ll come back to again and again, perfect for everyday baking or special occasions.
Bake it once, and it becomes a keeper.
