Spiced Apple Cake

Fall is my favorite time of year for baking, and when it comes to seasonal flavors, I almost always choose apples over pumpkin. There is something about the tart flavor of fresh apples paired with warm spices that makes me think of comfort food.

This easy spiced apple cake is simple to make, packed with fresh apples, and full of warm spices. Whether I am serving it as a dessert or enjoying it for breakfast with coffee, it always feels like the perfect fall treat.

Apple Cake Recipe Notes

Below you will find tips and tricks to make this spiced apple cake perfectly every time!

What Does Spiced Apple Cake Taste Like?

This easy apple spice cake recipe is one of my favorite bakes. The fresh apples bake down into a sweet, moist, and tender cake with little bites of apple throughout. Warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg give it a classic flavor, almost like an old-fashioned spice cake with the added texture of baked apples. It has a soft, tender crumb and a rustic, homemade feel that makes it perfect to enjoy on its own.

What I Love About This Apple Cake Recipe

What I love about this apple cake is how easy and versatile it is. The recipe is very forgiving. You can adjust the spices to your taste, use whatever apples you have on hand, and top the cake however you like. It is just as delicious served plain as it is with a glaze or cream cheese frosting. I also like that this cake does not require a mixer. This simple apple cake lets you enjoy a homemade, comforting flavor without any extra hassle.

While I usually serve it as a dessert, we also enjoy it as a breakfast cake with a hot cup of coffee. Spiced apple cake also tastes great with ice cream! The flavor actually gets even better the next day as the spices settle and the apples keep it moist. Just cover the pan tightly and store it at room temperature, or in the fridge if you prefer your cake cold.

Why This Recipe Works

This spiced apple cake comes out moist and flavorful every time thanks to the combination of oil and melted butter which keeps the crumb tender while adding a bit of richness. Using firm apples ensures little bites of fruit in every slice without them turning mushy as it bakes.

The spices are balanced, giving the cake a warm, lightly spiced flavor without overpowering the apples. The recipe is forgiving too. Even if you switch up the apples or add nuts or raisins, the cake still bakes up beautifully. You do not need a mixer. Just whisk the wet ingredients, fold in the dry, and stir in the apples and any add-ins for a simple, homemade result that is reliable every time.

Ingredients

Apples – Use any type of apple you like. I prefer sweeter varieties, but adding one or two tart apples can give the cake a nice balance. For this batch I used Honeycrisp. They are sweet with a touch of tang and were on sale. Make sure to choose firm apples so they hold their shape and do not turn mushy while baking.

Sugar – Granulated sugar balances the tartness of the apples. You can use light brown sugar for a slightly richer flavor if you like.

Nuts or raisins – These are optional but add great texture and flavor. You can stir in up to 2 cups of chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans. You can also add raisins when you add the apples to the batter. Aim for a total of about 2 cups of add-ins combined.

Supplies Needed

9 x 13-inch baking pan – I use a glass pan, but any 9 x 13-inch pan will work. It holds the batter perfectly and helps the cake bake evenly.

Large mixing bowl – You need a big bowl to mix all the wet and dry ingredients without spilling. It gives you plenty of space to fold in the apples and add-ins.

Whisk and large spoon – A whisk is great for combining sugar, eggs, and butter smoothly. A large spoon is helpful for gently folding in the flour, apples, and any nuts or raisins.

Sifter or fine-mesh sieve – Sifting the flour and spices keeps the cake light and ensures there are no lumps in the batter.

Tips and Tricks

Use firm apples: Choose apples with a firm texture such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. This helps prevent them from turning mushy while baking.

Chop apples evenly: Dice the apples into uniform pieces so they distribute evenly throughout the cake. Smaller pieces work best as they bake down into the batter.

Don’t overmix: When adding the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense.

Check for doneness: Toothpicks can sometimes come out clean because of the moisture from the apples. If you’re unsure, gently press the top of the cake. If it springs back, it is probably done.

Let the cake cool completely: For the best flavor and texture, let the cake cool in the pan at room temperature before slicing. This also makes it easier to frost or glaze.

Customize the spices: Adjust the spices to your taste. Add extra cinnamon for more warmth or try a pinch of ginger for a subtle twist.

Variations

Add a nut topping: If you prefer not to mix nuts or raisins into the batter, try a nut topping instead. Pour the batter into the pan, then sprinkle the following mixture over the top before baking:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Frosting option: For a richer finish, top the cooled cake with cream cheese frosting instead of a glaze. Beat together the following ingredients and spread evenly on the cake:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Make it a loaf cake: To turn this into a loaf cake, cut the recipe in half and bake in a loaf pan. Reduce the baking time to about 45–48 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Spiced Apple Cake FAQs

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead Of Time?

Yes! I often make this cake a day in advance. The flavors actually improve after it sits, as the spices settle and the apples keep the cake moist. Just cover the pan tightly and store at room temperature or in the fridge if you prefer it cold.

Can I Use Different Types Of Apples ?

Of course. I usually use a mix of sweet and slightly tart apples for the best flavor and texture. Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith work best so the pieces hold up while baking.

Can I Freeze Spiced Apple Cake?

Yes! You can freeze this apple cake for later enjoyment. It’s best to freeze the cake before frosting or glazing to maintain the best texture. To freeze, cut the cake into individual sections, then wrap each piece tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave for a warm slice.

Spiced Apple Cake

I love this spiced apple cake for fall. It’s full of sweet apples and warm spices, moist, and simple to make. I enjoy it for dessert or with my morning coffee.

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Prep Time30 minutes minutes

Cook Time1 hour hour

Total Time1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  

Cake

• 4 cups of diced apples | 3-4 apples depending on the size | 480g
• 2 cups granulated sugar | 400g
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil | 2.3 ounces |~66g
• 5 tablespoons butter, melted | 76g
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 ½ cups all purpose flour | 300g
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar | 115g
• 2-3 tablespoons of milk
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions

• Prepare the pan: Grease and flour a 9 x 13-inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
• Dice the apples: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. Set them aside while you prepare the batter.
  4 cups of diced apples | 3-4 apples depending on the size | 480g
• Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, melted butter, vanilla, and eggs until smooth and well combined.
  2 cups granulated sugar | 400g

  1/3 cup vegetable oil | 2.3 ounces |~66g

  5 tablespoons butter, melted | 76g

  2 teaspoons vanilla

  2 eggs
• Add the apples: Stir the diced apples into the wet mixture so they are evenly coated.
• Combine the dry ingredients: Sift the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg directly into the bowl. Mix gently until just combined. The batter will be thick, which is normal.
  2 ½ cups all purpose flour | 300g

  2 teaspoons baking soda

  1 teaspoon salt

  2 teaspoons cinnamon

  1/2 teaspoon allspice

  1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• Bake the cake: Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Cool the cake: Let the cake cool completely in the pan at room temperature.
• Glaze or serve: Mix your glaze ingredients to the desired consistency and drizzle over the cooled cake. You can also serve the cake plain, or top it with frosting (see variations above).
  1 cup powdered sugar | 115g

  2-3 tablespoons of milk

  1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract