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Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing
Maya

Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Icing

A soft and fragrant apple spice cake bursting with warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, topped with a rich brown sugar icing that melts perfectly over the tender crumb. A cozy dessert perfect for fall gatherings.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 12 squares
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.5 tsp ground cloves
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups peeled, cored, and grated apples (preferably Granny Smith)
  • 0.5 cup packed brown sugar (for icing)
  • 0.25 cup unsalted butter (for icing)
  • 2 tbsp milk (for icing)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for icing)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted (for icing)

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • electric mixer or whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Saucepan
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry mixture, mixing just until combined.
  6. Fold in the grated apples gently using a spatula.
  7. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  8. Cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before icing.
  9. For the icing: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and milk. Stir over medium heat until the mixture begins to boil. Remove from heat.
  10. Add vanilla extract and gradually whisk in powdered sugar until smooth and pourable.
  11. Pour icing evenly over cooled cake and spread with a spatula. Let set 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For best flavor, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch. Let the icing set fully before slicing to achieve clean cuts. This cake stores well covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.