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 and then measured; 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); 1¼ cups powdered sugar sifted

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 9 reviews

If you’re looking for a dessert that screams cozy comfort with a touch of homemade charm, you’re in for a treat with this Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe. Imagine tender, warmly spiced apple cake layers draped in luscious caramel icing—it’s basically autumn on a plate, any time of year! Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a family snack, or just because, this cake never fails to impress. Let me walk you through exactly how to nail it every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Balanced Spices: The cinnamon and nutmeg blend perfectly to highlight the apples without overpowering the cake.
Moisture Mastery: Using both diced apples and applesauce keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
Decadent Caramel Icing: The buttery caramel topping adds richness and a lovely contrast to the spiced cake.
Versatile Baking Options: You can bake this in round pans for layers or a 9×13 pan for an easy sheet cake, making it perfect for any occasion.

Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing, cozy apple cake recipe, autumn apple spice cake, homemade caramel icing, moist apple cake dessert - 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

When I first made this Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe, I was amazed at how these simple, accessible ingredients come together into something so soul-satisfying. Each ingredient plays a role—from the brown sugar adding depth to the applesauce making it extra moist.

Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing, cozy apple cake recipe, autumn apple spice cake, homemade caramel icing, moist apple cake dessert - 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 to keep the cake light and tender—don’t skip this step as it aerates the flour.
White Sugar and Dark Brown Sugar: The combination adds the right amount of sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor from the brown sugar.
Baking Powder: This little leavening agent ensures the cake rises perfectly and stays fluffy.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic warming spices that bring out the apple’s natural sweetness.
Salt: A pinch of salt balances all the flavors and amplifies the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Room temperature butter is key for proper creaming and richness.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture, helping the cake stay tender.
Diced Apples: Fresh and juicy, they give the cake texture and that unmistakable apple flavor.
Unsweetened Applesauce: Keeps things moist without making the batter runny.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor with a subtle sweetness.
Eggs: They bind everything together and provide structure.
Caramel Icing Ingredients (Butter, Brown Sugar, Milk, Vanilla, Powdered Sugar): Combine to make that indulgent topping that’s not too sweet but absolutely crave-worthy.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how forgiving and customizable this Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe is—you can make it your own with a few simple tweaks. Here’s what I’ve tried and found works beautifully.

Add Nuts: I often toss in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the soft apples and creamy icing.
Spice it Up: Sometimes I swap nutmeg for ground cloves or add a pinch of ginger for a bit of zing.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of regular milk in the icing, and swap butter with a plant-based margarine to make it dairy-free—works surprisingly well.
Frosting Variation: This cake also shines with a cream cheese frosting if you want to switch things up but still keep that luscious topping.

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

Step 1: Prep Like a Pro

Start by preheating your oven to 350 °F and greasing (then flouring) your pans—two 8 or 9-inch rounds work great, or a 9×13-inch pan if you want a sheet cake. Make sure those eggs and butter have warmed up to room temperature before you begin. Trust me, it helps everything blend effortlessly without lumps.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift the cake flour first—it’s a game changer for texture. Once sifted, measure out 3 cups into a large bowl, then add the white sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together well so the spices and leavening get evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In your mixer bowl, beat together the brown sugar, softened butter, applesauce, and buttermilk for about 2 minutes. Then, add your eggs one at a time along with the vanilla, beating for another 2 minutes until the mixture looks smooth and homogeneous. This stage ensures a moist, flavorful cake base with no grainy sugar bits.

Step 4: Bring It Together

With your mixer on low speed, slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until you see the batter come together smoothly. Overmixing here will make the cake dense, so be gentle! Then fold in the diced apples with a spatula—these juicy bites give the cake its signature texture and apple punch.

Step 5: Bake & Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes if using round pans, or 30-40 minutes for a 9×13 pan. Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check doneness—it should come out clean or with just a crumb or two. When done, let the cake cool in the pans for at least 15 minutes before turning out onto a rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Icing

While your cake cools, melt butter in a medium saucepan. Stir in brown sugar and bring the mixture to a boil, keeping it boiling for exactly 2 minutes while stirring constantly—that timing is key to get that perfect caramel depth without burning. Then add the milk and return to a boil before removing from heat. Stir in powdered sugar and vanilla, whisking until smooth. If you want to turn this icing into a spreadable frosting, just let it cool and beat it with extra powdered sugar until creamy.

Spread the caramel icing over your cooled cake. The icing should be thick enough to coat without dripping off, and it sets beautifully as it cools further. If it gets too firm, warm it slightly for easier spreading.

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe

Measure Flour After Sifting: I learned that sifting before measuring prevents you from accidentally using too much flour, which can dry out the cake.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mixing until just combined keeps your cake tender, not tough.
Perfect Boil Time for Caramel: Boiling the caramel exactly 2 minutes is my trick to achieving a beautifully smooth and deeply flavored icing without bitterness.
Cake Cooling Patience: I used to rush icing the cake when it was still warm, but waiting for it to cool ensures the icing spreads evenly and sets properly.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe

Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing, cozy apple cake recipe, autumn apple spice cake, homemade caramel icing, moist apple cake dessert - 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 always sprinkle a few toasted pecans on top of the caramel icing for a little crunch and an extra nutty flavor. Sometimes I’ll add a dusting of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices for that gorgeous rustic look—plus it amps up the apple theme. These small touches really impress guests and make serving special.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream—I’m a big fan of both. If you want something lighter, a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee is just right to complement the flavors while balancing the sweetness. For a brunch spread, a crisp apple salad or maple-glazed sausage rounds out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or birthdays, I like layering the cake with thick caramel frosting between and then drizzle a little extra warm caramel sauce along the edges for a decadent look. You can also add edible flowers or gold leaf for a fancy touch. Serving small slices atop dessert plates with a sprinkle of toasted nuts really turns this humble cake into a showstopper.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, stored in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat within three days. The cake stays moist and the caramel icing remains soft but firm—absolutely delightful even a day or two later.

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, freezing works wonderfully. I wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bring to room temperature to enjoy. The texture stays spot-on, and the icing softens nicely without getting grainy.

Reheating

I like to warm leftovers gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or briefly in a low oven (around 300°F) to bring back that fresh-baked feel. Be careful not to overheat, or the caramel icing can melt too much and get a bit runny, which is delicious but messy!

FAQs

Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of cake flour for this Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe?

You can substitute all-purpose flour if you don’t have cake flour, but the texture might be slightly denser and less tender. To mimic cake flour, try replacing 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour per cup with cornstarch, then sift thoroughly before measuring.
How do I know when the Apple Spice Cake is done baking?

Insert a toothpick or skewer in the center of the cake. When it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), the cake is ready. Baking times can slightly vary depending on your oven and pan size.
Can I make the caramel icing ahead of time?

Absolutely! The caramel icing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just warm it gently before spreading to get that smooth, easy-to-spread consistency. If converting to frosting with extra powdered sugar, whip it after it has cooled.
What’s the best way to fold in the apples without breaking them up?

Use a spatula and gently fold the diced apples into the batter with a light hand. Resist stirring vigorously to keep the apple pieces intact, which ensures delightful texture in every bite.
Can I substitute the buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes before using. This homemade substitute adds the slight tang needed to balance the sweetness.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen and heart. It’s such a welcoming, soul-soothing flavor combo that feels like giving yourself a warm hug on a plate. I hope when you make it, you find the same comfort and joy I do—whether it’s a cozy afternoon treat or the star of your next gathering. Don’t be shy to experiment a little; this cake is forgiving and fun to make, and I promise it’ll reward you with smiles all around.