This Apple Spice Cake is an easy, versatile snack cake that would make a nice breakfast and dessert too! This version is made with fresh apples, applesauce, and plenty of cinnamon. Drizzle my Easy Caramel Sauce over the top for the ultimate sweet treat.
Why you’ll want to make it
It’s easy to make. Even if you’re a beginning baker, you’ll be able to make this homemade apple spice cake! There are complicated techniques involved here.
It’s made with easy to find fresh pantry ingredients. Don’t let the kids eat all the apples and applesauce for lunch-save some for this recipe. They will love this as an afternoon snack.
It’s full of the classic fall flavors. If you’re looking for something to help you ring in the fall season, then this apple spice cake recipe will fit the bill. It’s full of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and when drizzled with my caramel sauce, it will be your go to fall treat.
Ingredients
How to make Apple Spice Cake
Preheat oven to 375º F.
Cream softened butter and sugar together with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, stir in the applesauce, grated apples, and the spices to the butter mixture. Combine baking soda, baking powder, salt and flour in a separate bowl and whisk to combine. Gradually add the flour mixture to the apple mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t over mix!
Pour batter into a greased 9 x 13 inch pan (I use cooking spray). Spread evenly. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
Let cool in pan for 15-20 minutes. Serve warm drizzled with caramel sauce.
What are the best apples to bake with?
Granny Smith apples are my go-to for baking. But you may also try Honeycrisp, Jonagold, or Braeburns. These apples have a slight tart flavor and will hold up well in the oven.
Recipe notes and tips
If you plan to remove the cake from the pan and serve on a platter, you should line the pan with parchment paper. Be sure to leave some on the sides so you can lift the cake out of the pan. Wait until the cake has cooled completely or has been refrigerated. If you don’t have parchment, you can cut into squares while in the pan then remove the slices and arrange on a platter or plate.
Store in refrigerator and eat within 3 or 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage. Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Rewarm in microwave to desired temperature.
More Dessert Recipes you will love
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake
Banana Pumpkin Bread with Streusel Topping
If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a ★ rating below. And since you made it this far, let’s connect on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
Apple Spice Cake
Equipment
- Hand or stand mixer
Ingredients
- ½ cup butter softened, (one stick)
- 2 cups sugar granulated
- 1 cup applesauce unsweetened
- 2 apples peeled, cored, and grated or finely chopped (keep peel on if preferred)
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp cloves
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 2 ¼ cups flour
- Easy Caramel sauce optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375º F.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
- On low speed, mix in eggs, one at a time, until combined.
- With a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, stir in applesauce, apples, and spices.
- In a separate bowl, mix baking soda, baking powder, salt, and flour together with a whisk.
- Gradually add flour mixture to apple mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Evenly spread batter in a greased 9 by 13 inch baking pan. (I use cooking spray)
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool in pan for 20 minutes.
- Serve with Easy Caramel Sauce or dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- If you plan to remove the cake from the pan and serve on a platter, you should line the pan with parchment paper. Be sure to leave some on the sides so you can lift the cake out of the pan. Wait until the cake has cooled completely or has been refrigerated. If you don't have parchment, you can cut into squares while in the pan then remove the slices and arrange on a platter or plate.
- What are the best apples to bake with? Granny Smith apples are my go-to for baking. But you may also try Honeycrisp, Jonagold, or Braeburns. These apples have a slight tart flavor and will hold up well in the oven.
- Store cake in refrigerator and eat within 3 or 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months for longer storage. Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Rewarm in microwave to desired temperature.
- Nutritional information doesn't include caramel drizzle.
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