Apple Spice Cake

There’s just something magical about Apple Spice Cake this time of year. The scent of cinnamon drifting through your kitchen, the soft hum of the oven, and that first tender slice topped with silky glaze? Pure comfort.

If you’re juggling work, school drop-offs, and a to-do list that won’t quit, this Apple Spice Cake is your sweet little victory. It’s simple enough for a Tuesday night bake, yet impressive enough to bring to book club or Sunday dinner. And trust me—your kitchen will smell like a charming countryside bakery in full fall swing.

This frosted apple spice cake is packed with fresh apple flavor, warm spices, and finished with a dreamy cinnamon glaze that takes it from “nice” to “oh wow, give me another slice.”

Let’s bake something beautiful together.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Spice Cake

• Cozy spice blend: Cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg wrap every bite in warmth.
• Fresh apple goodness: Real grated apple keeps the cake moist and flavorful.
• Simple cinnamon glaze: Sweet, creamy, and just the right finishing touch.
• No fancy skills required: If you can cream butter and sugar, you’ve got this.
• Perfect for fall gatherings—or hiding a slice for yourself with coffee.

As Chef Omar always says, cooking at home doesn’t need to be complicated to feel special. This cake proves it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Apple Spice Cake

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/3 cup apple cider (not apple juice)
• 1/3 cup fresh apple, peeled and grated

Important tip: After grating the apple, place it between paper towels and gently press out the extra moisture. This keeps your Apple Spice Cake tender instead of soggy.

For the Cinnamon Glaze

• 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 4 to 5 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon (adjust to taste)

Simple ingredients. Big flavor payoff.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Apple Spice Cake

1. Prep Like a Pro

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a 9 x 5 loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This makes lifting the cake out effortless later (and saves you from that heart-dropping “is it stuck?” moment).

2. Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes.

Don’t rush this step. Creaming adds air, which gives your Apple Spice Cake that soft texture we love.

Scrape down the sides of the bowl so everything blends evenly.

3. Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl as needed.

Stir in the vanilla. Your batter should look smooth and creamy.

4. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Ginger
• Nutmeg

That spice mix? It’s basically fall in powdered form.

5. Combine Wet and Dry

Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in batches, alternating with the apple cider. Start and end with the dry ingredients.

This method keeps the batter balanced and smooth.

6. Fold in the Apple

Remove the bowl from the mixer. Gently fold in the grated apple with a spatula.

Don’t overmix here. We want tender, not tough.

7. Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan. Smooth the top.

Bake on the center rack for 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil near the end of baking.

Your kitchen will smell incredible. Fair warning: neighbors may “just happen” to stop by.

8. Cool Completely

Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then lift it out using the parchment overhang and transfer to a wire rack.

Cool completely before glazing. I know it’s tempting—but patience pays off.

The Cinnamon Glaze: The Finishing Touch

In a medium bowl:

1. Sift in powdered sugar.
2. Add cream or milk and cinnamon.
3. Whisk until smooth and lump-free.

If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar. Too thick? A splash more cream will fix it.

Drizzle generously over the cooled Apple Spice Cake. Let it cascade down the sides like a bakery-style masterpiece.

Chef Omar’s Cozy Kitchen Tips

• Room temperature ingredients matter. Cold butter won’t cream properly.
• Use apple cider, not juice. Cider adds deeper apple flavor.
• Don’t skip blotting the apple. Too much moisture can change the texture.
• Tent with foil if needed. Ovens have personalities. Some run hot and love drama.

One fall afternoon, I baked this Apple Spice Cake when friends dropped by unexpectedly. I drizzled the glaze while it was still slightly warm (rebellious, I know), and we sliced into it with coffee in hand. It disappeared in minutes. Since then, it’s been my go-to “I need something cozy and impressive fast” recipe.

And yes—I always hide one slice for later. Strictly quality control.

FAQs About Apple Spice Cake

Make It Your Signature Fall Treat

There’s something special about baking an Apple Spice Cake from scratch. It’s simple, comforting, and filled with warmth in every bite. Whether you’re serving it after dinner, bringing it to a fall gathering, or sneaking a slice with your morning coffee, this cake fits beautifully into real life.

And that’s what I love most about it.

So tie on your apron, preheat that oven, and let this Apple Spice Cake fill your kitchen with cinnamon-scented joy. Because sometimes, the sweetest moments really do start with butter, sugar, and a little apple magic.

More Cozy Recipes to Bake & Share

If this Apple Spice Cake has you in full fall baking mode, here are a few more comforting favorites to try:

• Cinnamon Apple Grape Salad – Crisp, bright, and fruity with warm spice vibes; perfect with cake and coffee.
• Sugar Cookie Cheesecake – Creamy, dreamy, and totally bakery-worthy for brunch or holiday dessert tables.
• Eggnog Cookies – Soft, festive, and packed with nostalgic cozy spice in every bite.
• Vegetable Barley Soup – Warm, hearty, and the perfect savory start before dessert.

Curious how other classic versions compare?

• Traditional Apple Spice Cake Recipe – Explore another comforting take on this timeless favorite.