Name: Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cake flour, sifted; 1 cup sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1½ tsp cinnamon; ¾ tsp ground nutmeg; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup dark brown sugar; 10 tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature; 3 cups diced apples; ½ cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 tsp vanilla; 3 eggs, room temperature; ½ cup butter; 1 cup brown sugar, firmly packed; ¼ cup milk, any variety; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted; Caramel Icing (prepared as above); 1¼ cups powdered sugar, sifted

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 36 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, show-stopping dessert that’ll make your kitchen smell like fall all year round, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to pull out when I want something that tastes like a warm hug in cake form. It’s packed with tender apples, warming spices, and that irresistible drizzle of homemade caramel icing that’s just the right balance of sweet and buttery. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your go-to dessert for every special occasion or quiet weekend treat.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfectly Balanced Spices: The cinnamon and nutmeg combine to give that classic apple spice flavor without overpowering the fresh apples.
Moist and Tender Texture: Using both buttermilk and applesauce keeps the cake super moist and light.
Rich Caramel Icing: The homemade caramel icing brings buttery sweetness with just the right level of gooeyness.
Versatile Pan Options: Whether you use round pans or a 9×13, this recipe adapts beautifully to both.

Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing, apple spice cake, caramel icing cake, fall dessert recipes, cozy cake with apples - A round cake with one visible layer is covered evenly with smooth light brown frosting that has soft swirls on top. The cake sits on a clear glass plate with a floral pattern, placed on a white marbled surface with a red cloth underneath the plate. Two silver forks are on the left side of the plate, and a silver cake server is on the right side. The scene is well-lit, showing the texture of the frosting clearly photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe plays a starring role, and I’ve found that choosing good-quality items really elevates the final taste. Let me break down why they work so well and some tips on picking the best ones.

Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing, apple spice cake, caramel icing cake, fall dessert recipes, cozy cake with apples - Flat lay of a small mound of sifted cake flour, a small white ceramic bowl of white sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of dark brown sugar, a neat pile of whole brown cinnamon sticks, a small heap of ground nutmeg, a small pile of salt crystals, a few tablespoons of unsalted butter at room temperature shaped into a smooth square, a small white ceramic bowl of buttermilk, three whole uncracked brown eggs, a few fresh whole apples alongside a small white ceramic bowl filled with diced apples, a small white ceramic bowl of unsweetened applesauce, a small white ceramic bowl of vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, and a small white ceramic bowl with melting butter, all arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cake Flour: Sifted before measuring, it gives a delicate crumb and prevents a dense cake.
Sugar: Regular sugar for sweetness and brown sugar to add richness and that slight molasses flavor.
Baking Powder: Helps give the cake just enough rise without being too fluffy.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: The heart of the spice blend—freshly ground nutmeg makes a huge difference if you can get it.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Unsalted Butter: Room temperature to cream smoothly and add richness.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess and keeps the cake moist and tender.
Diced Apples: Fresh, crisp apples fold in for texture and bursts of fruitiness.
Unsweetened Applesauce: Keeps the cake moist without extra sugar.
Vanilla: A key flavor booster that ties everything together warmly.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness; room temp eggs beat up better.
Brown Sugar (for icing): Gives caramel that deep, buttery flavor.
Milk: Any kind works here to balance the icing’s sweetness.
Powdered Sugar: Sifted for smooth and easy-to-spread icing.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve played around with this Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe quite a bit, and while it’s delicious as is, sometimes I like to shake things up just a bit. The beauty is you can easily customize it to fit your flavor preferences or dietary needs.

Apple Varieties: I love using Gala or Honeycrisp for their sweetness and crisp texture, but the cake works great with Granny Smith too if you want more tartness.
Spice it Up: Sometimes I add a pinch of cloves or ginger for an extra warm kick — just a little goes a long way!
Dairy-Free Version: Swap the butter for coconut oil and buttermilk for a dairy-free yogurt alternative. The cake stays tender and delicious.
Nutty Twist: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans folded into the batter before baking adds a lovely crunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease and flour your cake pans—either two 8 or 9-inch rounds or a 9×13-inch pan. Sifting the cake flour before measuring is super important—it makes the cake lighter. Once sifted, measure out 3 cups into a large bowl, then whisk in sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients well upfront ensures your spices and leavening are evenly distributed across the batter.

Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients

In your mixer, combine the brown sugar, softened butter, applesauce, and buttermilk. Beat these together for about 2 minutes until smooth — it gets glossy and creamy. Then crack in your room-temperature eggs along with the vanilla, and beat for another 2 minutes. This slow, patient creaming is the secret to a tender, moist cake because the ingredients fully incorporate and develop just enough air without overmixing.

Step 3: Blend Dry into Wet and Fold in Apples

Turn your mixer to low and gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until the batter looks smooth and well combined but be careful not to overdo it; overmixing can toughen the cake. Next, gently fold in those lovely diced apples—this part you want to do by hand to keep the apple pieces intact and nicely distributed in the batter.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pans. If using round pans, aim for about 25-30 minutes in the oven; a 9×13 pan will typically take closer to 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Let round cakes cool in the pans for about 15 minutes before running a knife around the edges and transferring them to a rack to cool completely—trust me, this step helps the layers come out smooth and intact.

Step 5: Make the Caramel Icing

Right after your cake goes into the oven, start the icing. Melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in brown sugar and bring to a boil. Keep boiling for exactly 2 minutes while stirring—it’s key for that perfect caramel flavor without bitterness. Add the milk, bring it back to a boil, then remove from heat right away. Stir in sifted powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. By the time the cake is cool enough to ice (about 15-20 minutes), this caramel icing will be perfect for spreading. If it cools too much and thickens, just give it a gentle warm-up.

Step 6: Frost and Enjoy

Spread your luscious caramel icing evenly over the cooled cake and watch the magic happen. If you’d rather have a thicker frosting, you can turn the icing into a frosting by chilling it and then mixing in additional powdered sugar until it’s spreadable. For special occasions, I often double the frosting — it makes each bite extra dreamy.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use Room Temp Ingredients: It makes blending smoother and prevents curdling or separation in your batter.
Don’t Skip Sifting: Sifting flour and powdered sugar is a simple trick that ensures your cake stays light and your icing is silky.
Timing Your Icing: Making the caramel icing just after the cake goes in the oven means it’ll be perfectly set and ready when the cake cools.
Avoid Overmixing Batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake tender and avoid a tough crumb.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe

Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing, apple spice cake, caramel icing cake, fall dessert recipes, cozy cake with apples - A thick square piece of cake with two layers is on a white plate. The bottom layer is light brown and crumbly with bits of soft, paler chunks inside. The top layer is smooth and evenly spread, a darker tan color that looks creamy. A silver fork rests at the edge of the plate next to the cake. The white plate sits against a soft blue cloth, with a white marbled surface barely visible around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple because this cake speaks for itself, but a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans on top of the caramel icing adds a fantastic crunch and nutty contrast. Sometimes I toss on a few thin apple slices for a pretty finishing touch — and yes, those apple slices double as a hint for what’s inside!

Side Dishes

This cake is stellar alone, but if you want to turn it into an indulgent dessert spread, pair it with vanilla bean ice cream or a simple dollop of whipped cream. For brunch menus, a cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee complements the spicy apple flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve served this cake as mini cupcakes with a swirl of caramel frosting piped on top — crowd-pleaser every time. Another favorite is layering the cake in a trifle with spiced whipped cream and cinnamon roasted apples for a stunning wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing stored at room temperature, covered tightly with foil or in an airtight container. It stays fresh and moist for about three days without needing refrigeration, which makes it easy to enjoy all week.

Freezing

If I’ve made too much, I slice the cake into individual portions and freeze them wrapped in plastic and foil. When you’re ready, just thaw at room temperature—the texture holds up well and the icing remains luscious.

Reheating

Leftover slices warm beautifully in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or pop a piece in a low oven (300°F) for 10 minutes to revive that fresh-baked feel. If the caramel icing has hardened a bit, a quick 5-second zap softens it nicely without melting it completely.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe?

Absolutely! While I recommend Gala or Honeycrisp for their sweet, crisp texture, you can also use Granny Smith for a tart twist. Just make sure to dice them evenly so they cook uniformly inside the cake.
Can I make the caramel icing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the caramel icing ahead. For frosting, prepare the icing and let it cool completely before beating it with powdered sugar. Store it covered in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before spreading.
What if I don’t have cake flour?

If you don’t have cake flour, you can make a substitute by measuring out 3 cups of all-purpose flour, removing 6 tablespoons, and replacing that with 6 tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift together before using to mimic the lightness of cake flour.
Can I make this Apple Spice Cake dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap the butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine, and replace buttermilk with a dairy-free yogurt or milk plus a teaspoon of vinegar. The cake still turns out moist and flavorful.
How long does the Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing stay fresh?

When stored covered at room temperature, this cake stays fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, freezing individual slices is your best bet.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe holds a special place in my heart — it’s the dessert I turn to when I want something comforting, crowd-pleasing, and just a little bit nostalgic. I hope you’ll enjoy baking and sharing it as much as I do, whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply craving a slice of cozy sweetness. Go ahead, try it out, and I promise it’ll become one of your favorites too!