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    Home ≫ Desserts

    Apple Spice Cake

    Updated September 18, 2020. Originally Posted September 18, 2020 By Nikole This post may contain Amazon affiliate links.

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    close up view of apple spice cake with caramel dripping
    apple spice cake with text overlay
    apple spice cake drizzled with caramel sauce
    apple spice cake with text overlay

    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.

    overhead shot of apple spice cake with caramel sauce cut into squares

    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

    ingredients with lables

    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.

    mixing egg into batter

    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!

    mixing batter with flour

    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.

    before and after baking in a pan

    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.

    apple spice cake drizzled with caramel sauce

    More Dessert Recipes you will love

    Apple Dump Cake

    Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

    Banana Pumpkin Bread with Streusel Topping

    Peanut Butter Truffles

    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

    Recipe by Nikole Berg
    This Apple Spice Cake is an easy recipe that's perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. This version is made with fresh apples and applesauce. Try my caramel sauce to drizzle over the top.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 mins
    Cook Time 40 mins
    Total Time 1 hr
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 308 kcal

    Equipment

    Hand or stand mixer

    Ingredients
      

    • ½ cup butter softened, (one stick)
    • 2 cups sugar granulated
    • 2 eggs large
    • 1 cup applesauce unsweetened
    • 2 apples peeled, cored, and grated or finely chopped (keep peel on if preferred)
    • 2 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
    • ½ teaspoon cloves
    • 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • ¼ teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 ½ teaspoon 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.
    Adapted from One Lovely Life

    Nutrition

    Calories: 308kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 507mgPotassium: 73mgFiber: 2gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 259IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword apple cake, fall desserts, holiday baking
    Tried this recipe?Click here to leave a helpful tip!

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    518 shares
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    About Nikole

    Nikole is the creator and photographer behind The Travel Palate, a food and travel blog featuring quick and flavorful recipes and getaway guides. Nikole hopes to inspire your inner foodie whether you're in the kitchen or traveling on your next adventure.

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    Welcome, I'm Nikole! I'm the blogger, photographer, and recipe developer dedicated to bringing you recipes that are simple to make, affordable and taste incredible.

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