If you are ready to welcome fall like I am, this Apple Spice Cake is the way to do it! It’s soft, warmly spiced, and full of tender apple pieces in every single bite. Made with simple pantry ingredients and sour cream for extra moisture and a blend of cozy spices, this cake has big flavor with a simple and easy dessert recipe that comes together quickly.

I have always loved a good apple spice fall dessert, and this cake is one I come back to again and again. There is something so comforting about the smell of cinnamon and nutmeg filling your kitchen, and knowing you can whip it up quickly makes it even better.

I wanted a recipe that was simple and easy enough for a weeknight but also special enough to bring to a holiday table, and this one checks every single box.

The sour cream in this batter is the key to keeping things moist and tender, and the caramel sauce is wowza! You might also want to try my easy apple crisp – it uses those same cozy fall flavors and is just as quick to put together.

Ingredients for Apple Spice Cake

• Unsalted butter – Softened at room temperature so it creams properly with the sugars. This gives the cake structure and rich flavor.
• Vegetable oil – I use it as well as butter to keep the crumb extra moist and tender.
• Brown sugar – Light or dark brown sugar both work well. T
• Sour cream – This is what makes this cake so incredibly moist. Full-fat sour cream gives the best results, but reduced fat works ok too.
• Apples – Granny Smith apples give you a tart, firm bite that holds up well during baking. Honeycrisp is another great option if you prefer a slightly sweeter apple flavor.
• Caramel syrup – Drizzled over each slice before serving for that extra layer of sweetness. Use your favorite store-bought version or a homemade caramel sauce.

Best Apples for Apple Spice Cake

For the best Apple Spice Cake, use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Fuji, or Braeburn. They hold their shape while baking and add the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor.

Tip: Combining a tart apple with a sweeter variety creates the best flavor.

How to Make Apple Spice Cake

Step by Step Instructions Overview. Full details in recipe card.

Step 1 –Prejeat oven. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy.

Step 2 –Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 3 –Add the sour cream.

Step 4 – Mix until smooth and combined.

Step 5 – Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Do not overmix. Fold in the diced apples evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5 – Dice apples by chopping into small squares. Make sure to remove seeds.

Step 7 – Add apples to batter.and fold (mix lightly).

Step 8 – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.

Step 9 – Cut into squares after cooling.

Step 10 – Top each piece with Caramel Sauce. I do not drip on the entire cake because leftover cake keeps better without the sauce on it.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature: Store cake (before adding caramel, if possible) in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator – Cake keeps for up to 5 days.

Freezer: Freeze whole or individual slices for up to 3 months.

FAQs

What are the best apples for apple spice cake?

Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Braeburn hold their shape well during baking and provide the best flavor.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, the flavor develops even more after sitting overnight, making it a great make-ahead dessert. Just don’t add the caramel sauce until ready to serve.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for the softest texture, but thin-skinned apples can be left unpeeled if preferred.

Can I freeze Apple Spice Cake?

Yes. Wrap the cooled cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Can I make this into cupcakes?

Yes. Divide the batter into lined muffin tins and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Apple Spice Cake

Raquel Pineira

This easy Apple Spice Cake is soft, moist, and packed with fresh apples and warm cinnamon spice. Topped with creamy cream cheese frosting, it's the perfect fall dessert for holidays, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 12

Calories 325 kcal

Equipment

• ▢
  large mixing bowl
• ▢
  baking dish

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well
• 1 cup caramel syrup for serving

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 baking pan or line it with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla.
• Mix in the sour cream until smooth.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the diced apples evenly.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
• Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Let the cake cool before slicing and serving with caramel syrup.

Notes

• Use freshly grated nutmeg for the richest flavor.
• Dice the apples into small pieces so they bake evenly and stay tender.
• For an extra-special finish, drizzle the frosted cake with salted caramel sauce just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 316mgPotassium: 76mgFiber: 1gSugar: 37gVitamin A: 374IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 74mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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