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 applesauce unsweetened; 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· 4.5 from 35 reviews

If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall, you’ve got to try my Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe. This cake is tender, packed with warm spices, and absolutely bursting with fresh apple chunks, all topped with a luscious caramel icing that’s just the right amount of sweet and buttery. Trust me, it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug—whether you’re baking for a crowd or a simple family treat, you’re going to want to keep this one in your regular rotation!

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Why This Recipe Works

The Perfect Balance of Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg give just enough warmth without overwhelming the apples.
Moisture from Apples & Applesauce: These keep the cake unbelievably tender and make every bite juicy.
Caramel Icing Magic: The homemade caramel icing adds a rich, buttery finish that elevates this simple cake.
Flexible Baking Options: Works great in round pans for fancy layers or a 9×13 pan for easy slicing and sharing.

Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing, fall apple cake, cinnamon apple cake, moist apple spice cake, caramel frosting cake - 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

Each ingredient in this Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe is carefully chosen to dance beautifully together — from the sifted cake flour that keeps the crumb light, to the dark brown sugar which adds a deep, molasses-like flavor that really complements the apples and spices. Grab fresh apples and real buttermilk when you can; they make a noticeable difference!

Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing, fall apple cake, cinnamon apple cake, moist apple spice cake, caramel frosting cake - 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: Sifting it and measuring after ensures a tender cake with the perfect crumb—no dense bites here.
Sugar (White and Dark Brown): White sugar sweetens while brown sugar adds moisture and richness.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise nicely for light, fluffy layers.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Classic fall spices that bring warmth and depth to every bite.
Apples (Diced): Use a crisp, tart variety like Granny Smith to add texture and fresh flavor.
Applesauce (Unsweetened): Boosts moisture and adds subtle apple flavor without extra sugar.
Butter & Buttermilk: Butter adds richness and buttermilk lends a tender tang and tender crumb.
Vanilla Extract & Eggs: Eggs provide structure, and vanilla enhances all the flavors.
Caramel Icing Ingredients: Butter, brown sugar, milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar combine to form a buttery, smooth spread that’s a showstopper.

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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 love how flexible this Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe is. While the classic version is already a winner, I always encourage you to tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs—you know your kitchen best! Add nuts if you like crunch or swap applesauce for pumpkin puree in fall for a fun twist.

Nutty Upgrade: I sometimes toss in half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to add texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender cake.
Dairy-Free Version: Using a non-dairy milk (like oat or almond) and a vegan butter substitute works surprisingly well!
Spice Boost: Feel free to increase cinnamon or add a pinch of ground cloves for more aromatic spice.

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

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Pans

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8 or 9-inch round pans—or if you want a simpler one-pan cake, grab a 9×13-inch pan. Pro tip: Sifting your cake flour before measuring helps keep the cake airy, so do this early to avoid scrambling at the end.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a big bowl, whisk together the sifted cake flour, white sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking blends the spices evenly so every slice has that perfect, even flavor.

Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars, Add Wet Ingredients

Using a mixer, beat the brown sugar, softened butter, applesauce, and buttermilk together for about 2 minutes. Then add the eggs and vanilla, beating another 2 minutes until the mixture is creamy but not too fluffy. Keep your ingredients at room temp here—it’ll make blending so much smoother.

Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry, Fold in Apples

On low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until smooth. Now, fold in the diced apples carefully with a spatula. You want the apples evenly dispersed but don’t want to over-stir or the cake might turn dense.

Step 5: Bake & Cool the Cake

Pour batter evenly into your prepared pans and bake—25-30 minutes for round pans, and 30-40 for a 9×13. Use a toothpick to test doneness; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let the round pans cool at least 15 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and gently invert onto a rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Icing

While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan. Add brown sugar and bring the mixture to a boil—stir continuously and boil exactly 2 minutes. Add milk and bring back to a boil, then immediately remove from heat. Stir in sifted powdered sugar and vanilla. The warm caramel icing will be perfect to spread once the cake cools about 15-20 minutes.

Optional Step 7: Whip Up Caramel Frosting

If you prefer a thicker frosting, let the caramel icing cool, then beat in extra powdered sugar until you reach your desired spreadable consistency. If it gets too thick, a little milk helps loosen it right back up.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Room Temperature Ingredients: I always pull eggs and butter out early so mixing is smooth and the cake rises evenly.
Measuring Flour Right: Sifting before measuring prevents a dense cake—it’s a simple step that makes a big difference.
Caramel Timing: Make the caramel icing right after the cake comes out of the oven so by the time it’s cool, the icing is just right.
Careful Folding: When folding apples in, be gentle to keep that tender crumb texture intact.

How to Serve Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe

Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing, fall apple cake, cinnamon apple cake, moist apple spice cake, caramel frosting cake - 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 like to sprinkle a few toasted pecan halves on top of the caramel icing for a crunchy, nutty contrast—plus, it looks stunning. A light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg over the top adds a final aromatic touch that ties into the cake’s warm spices.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy gathering, serve alongside a warm chai tea or freshly brewed coffee—the spices really sing when paired with these drinks.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I layer this cake with the caramel frosting and add apple slices caramelized with a bit of cinnamon on top. Another fun idea is to serve it as mini cupcakes, each with a drizzle of caramel icing and a tiny sprinkle of chopped nuts for an elegant party treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it a bit longer, I pop it in the fridge—just bring it back to room temp before serving so the caramel icing softens up again.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover cake layers successfully by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thawing overnight in the fridge. For the caramel icing, I freeze it separately in an airtight container and whip it up fresh before serving for best texture.

Reheating

If you want to warm leftover slices, a quick zap in the microwave 15-20 seconds or a few minutes in a low-heat oven brings back that fresh-baked goodness perfectly—just don’t overdo it or the caramel might get too runny.

FAQs

Can I make this Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend for the cake flour. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help maintain structure and moisture. The texture may vary slightly, but the flavor will still shine.
What kind of apples work best for the cake?

I recommend crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Fuji—these hold their shape during baking and add a nice tang to balance the sweetness of the cake and icing.
Can I make the caramel icing ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the caramel icing a day ahead, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and gently warm it before spreading. For the frosting version, whip it up fresh after cooling for the best texture.
How do I store leftover Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe?

Store cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. Be sure to cover it well so the cake doesn’t dry out or absorb fridge odors.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Apple Spice Cake with Caramel Icing Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort bakes, especially once fall rolls around. It’s approachable enough for a casual weekend bake but special enough to impress friends or family. I hope when you try it, you feel that same joy of warm spices and luscious caramel that has me reaching for seconds every time. So grab your apron and apples, because this cake is about to become your new favorite!