Move over pumpkin — it’s apple season’s time to shine. This Apple Spice Cake is soft, tender, and filled with cozy fall flavor in every bite. Made with warm spices and a double dose of apple (fresh grated apple + apple cider), this loaf is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack.
Finished with a simple cinnamon glaze that drips beautifully down the sides, this cake is as pretty as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cake
- Cozy fall flavor – A perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Moist and fluffy texture – Soft crumb that stays tender for days.
- Simple pantry ingredients – Nothing fancy required.
- Perfect any time of day – Breakfast, snack, or dessert.
- Ready in about an hour – Easy and approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅓ cup apple cider (not apple juice)
- ⅓ cup fresh apple, peeled and finely grated
Tip: After grating the apple, gently press it between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
For the Cinnamon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 4–5 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Apple Spice Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, allowing it to hang over the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Cream 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).
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Mix in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and spices.
Step 5: Alternate Dry Ingredients and Cider
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in batches, alternating with the apple cider. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Step 6: Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the grated apple with a spatula. Do not overmix.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake 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 with foil.
Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Make Cinnamon Glaze
- Sift powdered sugar into a bowl.
- Add cream (or milk) and cinnamon.
- Whisk until smooth and drizzle-friendly.
Once the cake is fully cooled, pour the glaze over the top and let it set before slicing.
Tips for the Best Apple Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients for proper mixing.
- Measure flour correctly to avoid a dry cake.
- Don’t overmix once flour is added.
- Don’t overbake — remove when just set in the center.
- Cool completely before glazing for a picture-perfect finish.
Best Apples for Baking
Choose firm, slightly tart apples for the best texture and flavor. Great options include:
- Honeycrisp
- Granny Smith
- Pink Lady
Avoid soft or mealy apples, which can make the cake dense.
Storage & Freezing
Store:
Keep tightly covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freeze:
Freeze the unglazed loaf wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and glaze before serving.
Delicious Variations
- Add ½ cup toasted pecans or walnuts.
- Drizzle with salted caramel instead of glaze.
- Serve with apple butter.
- Skip glaze and dust with powdered sugar.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Spice Cake combines everything you love about apple cake and spice cake in one cozy loaf. With warm spices, fresh apple flavor, and a sweet cinnamon glaze, it’s the ultimate fall bake you’ll want to make again and again.
Happy baking! 🍎🍂